The countdown is on for head-to-head race across the Atlantic. The 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race begins on January 11. Argo and Zoulou will again face off in a 3,000-mile sprint from Lanzarote to Antigua.
Skippers Jason Carroll and Erik Maris helm two of the fastest offshore machines ever built. Their MOD70 trimarans regularly exceed 35 knots, defying the limits of human endurance.
This year’s head to head race brings a new twist. The finish line moves from Grenada to Antigua, roughly 300 miles further north. The change introduces fresh weather challenges and logistical advantages for the elite fleet.
A Rivalry Forged in Speed
Navigators Brian Thompson on Argo and Ned Collier Wakefield on Zoulou know these boats better than anyone. They have raced the RORC Transatlantic five times—but never side by side or head to head.
“We’ve been rivals since 2015,” says Collier Wakefield. “Every race is a battle. The margins are tiny, and the lead changes constantly.”
That rivalry drives innovation. Both teams have refined their foils, sails, and rigging to close every possible performance gap.
A Shift to Antigua
Antigua’s new role as finish port brings advantages. “Logistically, it’s a dream,” says Collier Wakefield. “We’re already based there for the Caribbean season.”
Thompson agrees. “Marina Lanzarote gives us space to prepare properly, and Antigua offers perfect conditions for recovery. It also connects neatly with the RORC Caribbean 600.”
Strategy and Skill at Sea
The new course may be 120 miles shorter, but its weather patterns differ sharply. “Antigua’s position means cold fronts from North America can disrupt the trades,” says Thompson. “We might see lighter winds near the finish.”
Both teams will commit early to their routes. “Those first 36 hours are everything,” he adds. “Once you pick north or south, you’re locked in.”
For Zoulou, having navigator Miles Seddon onboard could prove decisive. “Miles brings deep expertise in weather systems and MOD70 performance,” says Collier Wakefield. “He’ll help us make sharper tactical calls.”
Two Boats, One Speed
The MOD70s are now almost identical in performance. “The differences are microscopic,” says Thompson. “Foil angles, sail trim, and consistency decide the winner.”
Collier Wakefield agrees. “We’ve learned so much about rake and sail balance. Now we can match Argo knot for knot.”
This fierce equality sets up a spectacular showdown—pure skill, precision, and endurance across the Atlantic.