Cayard to sail in best Med. race

"We do not want to sit on an armchair reminiscing on the past," said the 47-year-old Paul Cayard, "and it is for this reason that the world race will be attempted again. A unique experience that must be relived.

"In the meantime, the next race is always the best... one that is catching the attention of the world. I am looking forward to this new challenge in the Mediterranean."

I have no doubt that Cayard is also working out his strategy of how to tackle the 608nm course record established in 2000 by Zephyrus IV in just 64 hours 49 minutes 57 seconds.

Fresh from the Swan Worlds in Porto Cervo, Cayard was surrounded by more than 30 journalists in Rome when he announced his intentions to join the star line-up crew of New Zealand Maxi Yacht Thuraya Maximus for this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race (see picture).

This will also include former Volvo Ocean race skipper Matt Humphries, with the impressive list of Stefano Rizzi, Lorenzo Bodini, Gaetano Granara, Andrea Scarpa, Stefano Raspatori and Francesco Mongelli.

The masterminds behind this venture are former Steinlager skipper Filippo Molinari and Claudio Castellani, who last year missed winning the RMSR on Sir Peter Blake's yacht by a whisker.

On approaching Comino Channel, Steinlager was still leading but an unfortunate incident paved the way for the America's Cup famous skipper Francesco de Angelis to taste a last-minute victory on Atalanta II.

For the past few weeks, I have been in contact with Molinari who, on behalf of Papastilla Sailing, has been heavily engaged in putting together this ambitious Thuraya Maximus crew.

The exceptional world class skipper Cayard will surely enrich this year's edition with his participation, one that will be battled out with other famous skippers on board other favourite maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Morning Glory, Moneypenny, Abn Ambro and AA Big One.

Cayard, the former skipper of Moro di Venezia, seven-times world champion and Louis Vuitton Cup winner, earned the right to be in the Hall of Fame of 2002.

Three years ago, Cayard and America's Cup legendary skipper Russell Coutts visited Malta for the first time to evaluate the islands' potential for future sailing international races.

Paul Cayard came, saw and now he intends to conquer.