Maxis return as entries heat up

Five months out from the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race and an exciting line-up is on the cards. Recent races have seen an explosion of interest in this 608nm Mediterranean offshore classic. The fleet has risen steadily from 42 in 2002 to last year's 58 boats.

Whilst the Royal Malta Yacht Club does not expect to set records every year, it is keen to break the 60-yacht barrier.

"Although the attraction and quality of this event is not only about the number of entries, the club is working hard to see what level we might reach this time," Godwin Zammit, Race Committee chairman, said.

"In achieving over 40 yachts we thought we had done well. Two years later, we had over 50 on the start-line. For a moment last year we thought we had over 60, but some last-minute drop-outs left us just short."

The course takes the fleet on an anti-clockwise adventure around Sicily, and includes two active volcanoes - Etna and Stromboli - en route, together with a host of landmarks made famous by history and mythology.

Starting and finishing in Marsamxett Harbour is an experience few will forget or fail to include in their list of racing highlights.

The start line is dwarfed by the imposing 16th century bastions of the fortified city of Valletta at the 'pin-end' and the impressive main gate to the 18th century Fort Manoel - home to the RMYC - at the 'Committee End'.

Last year, the fleet broke another less memorable record with the fewest finishers (nine).

Plagued with light winds, the 2005 race saw crews struggling for almost a week before recognising that the race deadline could not be met even if they could sail to the finish. With a number of yachts within speaking distance for the duration of the race, the spirit of the participants was in evidence throughout with tales of boats trading provisions as food supplies began to dwindle.

First boat to finish was Italian Carlo Puri Negri's Atalanta II, which fought a close duel over the course with Steinlager II before finally gaining the race winning advantage 10 miles from the line.

Last boat and only Maltese yacht to finish in time was former race winner, David Franks' J-125 Strait Dealer, which will be on the start line again this year.

Franks could find himself in a match race this year. Newcomer, Briton Steve Thorpe, is entering his J-125, Wings of the Wind.

One record that may fall this year is the course record established by Bob McNeil's Zephyrus IV in 2000 - 64 hours 49 minutes and 57 seconds. It has been under serious assault in recent times.

After two unsuccessful attempts, Neville Crichton is returning with his latest Alfa Romeo - the 98-foot Reichel/Pugh canting keel super-maxi that finished second on the water at the Rolex Sydney-Hobart last December. The race represents unfinished business for Crichton.

"Taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race will, without doubt, be one of the highlights of the season," explains Crichton.

"Not only is Malta a wonderful venue, this race also represents a unique challenge in the Mediterranean with widely varying conditions and real tests for navigation and weather prediction.

"My aim this year, as on our two previous visits, will be to break the race record. In the past we have had too little and too much wind - even in the same race.

"This year I am hoping the winds will be kind and the new race record will be set."

Crichton will not be alone in his quest for the record.

Stewart Thwaites conventional, fixed-keel super-maxi, Konica Minolta, has just announced its participation. Outgunned at the Rolex Sydney-Hobart in December (finishing fourth on the water), Thwaites and his skipper Gavin Brady will no doubt relish the prospect of a race where strategy is often more important than potential boat speed.

Other yachts returning to the fray include the first confirmed Maltese entrant Comanche Raider, a Humphrey's designed IOR Two Tonner, skippered by Jonas Diamantino, and the Swan 601 Spirit of Jethou, Sir Peter Ogden's all-black carbon racer.

Ogden and his crew were beaten by the elements last year, but their enthusiasm for this race appears undimmed.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2006 starts from Marsamxett Harbour, Malta, on Saturday, October 21.

The Malta Rolex Cup, a two-race inshore series on October 17 and 18, will precede the main race. Entries close on October 14.