2026 RORC Nelson's Cup Series Preview - Tactics, trade winds and island time
by Louay Habib / RORC 9 Nov 12:41 EST
17-20 February 2026
Maxi Class at RORC Nelson's Cup Series © Arthur Daniel / RORC
For boats based in or heading to the Caribbean for February 2026, the fourth edition of the RORC Nelson's Cup Series offers the perfect balance of world-class race management, competitive racing, and laid-back Antiguan hospitality.
Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in association with the Antigua Yacht Club, the four-day regatta blends tactical inshore and coastal courses with the relaxed social atmosphere Antigua is famous for.
The event features a mix of inshore and coastal races for monohull and multihull boats, culminating in the Antigua 360 degrees Race, a full circumnavigation of the island. The series attracts an international fleet, with courses designed for performance monohulls, multihulls, and Maxi yachts supported by the International Maxi Association.
Racing is organised under the IRC and MOCRA Rules with a CSA Class and Class40 Division for the Antigua 360 degrees Race, if entries permit.
Serious racing, Caribbean style
Competitors can expect four days of high-level racing, daily prize-givings, and a final awards ceremony at the Antigua Yacht Club. The event is designed to be competitive but also makes the best use of Antiguan hospitality. The RORC Nelson's Cup Series serves as a perfect lead-up to the RORC Caribbean 600, which takes place the following week. However, entry is open to boats that will not be competing in the 600-mile offshore classic.
RORC Nelson's Cup Series Race Officer Chris Jackson knows the race area very well and commented about the series.
"The courses for the Nelson's Cup are designed to bring out the best of Antigua's coastline; tactical, fast, and full of variety," commented Jackson. "The start line off Fort Charlotte means you'll get everything from true windward-leeward legs to reaching and coastal sections, with shifts, currents, and strategy playing a big part. For the MOCRA multihulls, we'll look at slightly longer, more open courses. We're always happy to work with the multihulls to tailor the racing to suit their needs. The RORC's aim for all classes in the Nelson's Cup Series is to deliver competitive, enjoyable racing on great courses. The racing will be complemented by relaxed, sociable prize-givings ashore."
Entry into the RORC Nelson's Cup Series is from £150 per day or £400 for all three days. For more information, including on-line entry.
View the official Notice Board.