Best sports event of the year

Without a shred of a doubt, the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports, organisers of the Sportivi Nazzjonali awarded the Rolex Middle Sea Race as the "Best International Event of the Year" for 2005.

"Any sailing racer has an endless choice of challenging regattas nowadays around the world. However, the best among these offshore races, few are held on as breathtaking a course as the Rolex Middle Sea Race"... so said James Boyd, the world renowned sailing reporter in Perpetual Sprint last year.

Starting and finishing in Malta, the RMSR takes sailors around the Sicilian live volcanoes. Behind the natural beautiful landscapes of this 607nm course, this is also a unique challenge.

No wonder then, that this International Classical Race which was celebrated by a Maltese win the day it was born in 1968, through John Ripard's skilful sailing talents, grew in stature and fame since then.

For 38 years, the Royal Malta Yacht Club steered this race in and out of financial support almost single-handedly until the last few years when government authorities, feeling that this is one local sporting event which could and would promote our island to the upgraded tourists, started supporting it.

This was a relief to the local organisers but still, more funds were needed as this race was constantly being recognised by famous world skippers as one trophy they should win to satisfy their dreams.

No wonder then, that finally the big push came when the most renowned sailing sponsor of the world, Rolex, grabbed this race as its own and made sure that the Med. classic, held in one of the smallest islands in the world, will have all the input required to promote to even better fortunes for the future.

The selected races that Rolex support are because each and every one demands excellence - in skill, endurance or achievement - their Managing Director Patrick Heininger was quoted as saying last April. Rewards do not come without intense determination.

The 26th RMSR last year was one which enjoyed a new record of participation notably, of course, that most of these famous boats came from all over the world.

RMSR now receives particular attention from both local and foreign media that adds up more promotion both for the race and our island.

Sporting wise it also gave the opportunity to our local sailors to compete with the best in the world. They did and for five times in the history of the RMSR they won this prestigious trophy against all who came with better boats and professional hands.

It is an annual opportunity when local sailors can rise to the occasion to surpass even their own limits and end as ambassadors of our country with pride and passion.