Last MSR boat arrives at Marsamxett
Finish line closed
The last six boats still racing in the Rolex Middle Sea Race were back in Malta yesterday. The Royal Malta Yacht Club's finish line at Marsamxett Harbour is now closed. The overall results are finalised and the official prize-giving will take place in Vittoriosa today.
Shortly before lunch time yesterday, Ernesto Moresino's Martinez Impunito entered harbour, bringing the 2003 607-mile offshore classic to a close. At the time the conditions were bright and sunny with a light North Easterly blowing.
The Grand Harbour Marina, the docks where every race boat has moored, is now full again, stories and adventures being recounted between the various crews.
The last official function of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will be the prize-giving ceremony. This will take place today at the Caraffa Palace, a 17th Century harbour side warehouse building that overlooks the Marina and once served as part of the stores and supply services run by the Knights of Malta.
This year, line honours went to Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo. The New Zealand-registered super maxi was first to return home after rounding Sicily in an anti-clockwise direction on Tuesday, falling short of a course record bid by almost nine hours.
The IRC overall Middle Sea Race trophy was claimed by Charles Dunstone's Nokia ahead of Squalo Bianco and Zaraffa.
Today, Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, George Bonello DuPuis, will introduce all prize-winners and crews to Censu Galea, Minister for Transport and Communications and Francis Zammit Dimech, the Minister of Tourism, in a ceremony that will see the principal trophies and awards given to the class and overall division winners.