TS42 Catamaran Cata Sensation Capsizes Off Antigua During Caribbean 600; Six Rescued

The TS42 catamaran Cata Sensation capsized approximately 16 nautical miles west of St. John’s Harbour, Antigua, around 21:30 local time on 25 February 2026, leaving six people in the water who were recovered by the Class40 Solano. The rescued sailors suffered only minor abrasions and no serious injuries were reported, while Cata Sensation remains capsized and partially submerged, drifting southwesterly.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard said, "At approximately 10:02 pm, the ABDF Coast Guard received a Marine Report from Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) disclosing that Cata Sensation ... had capsized," and added, "At 10:27 pm, further reports confirmed that all members had been safely recovered from the water by a fellow race participant, sailing yacht Solano." ABDF deployed a quick response team, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for vessels in the area and maintained overwatch as Solano completed the race and was escorted into Falmouth Harbour.

Solano’s recovery was led by skipper and owner Robin Follin, and two other competitors - MG5 Wellness Training and VO70 Cockatoo - diverted to assist before Solano effected the pickup. RORC acknowledged the response and said, "We thank the crews of the Class 40 'Solano' as well as the MG5 'Wellness Training' and VO70 'Cockatoo' who also responded to the incident. We would also like to thank all the sea rescue services for their assistance in this situation. All crew members are safe and well and are being cared for by the RORC race team and helpers in Antigua."

Race and weather records indicate sudden, strong gusts at the time of the incident; "It is believed that the vessel capsized due to sudden gusts of wind reaching up to 40 knots," a statement of the prevailing assessment. Timeline reconciliation places the capsize at about 21:30, the ABDF report receipt at 22:02 and rescue confirmation at 22:27, a sequence consistent with on-water reports and the UMIB alert that prompted nearby yachts to respond.

The catamaran is recorded with sail number FRA 53228 and has been associated with Marc Lepesqueux; organizers and local authorities are monitoring the hull and the surrounding waters for navigational and environmental risk. ABDF has advised, "The ABDF Coast Guard is actively monitoring the vessel’s position and advises all mariners to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the general area."

The incident occurred during the RORC Caribbean 600, the same offshore race where the 100-foot maxi Black Jack took monohull line honours under Ramon Vos. For now, the priority remains the welfare of the six crew ashore in Antigua and the tracking of the capsized TS42 as authorities assess salvage and hazard mitigation.