In pursuit of a fascinating challenge... and glory

Organised annually in October, the 607-nautical mile classic Middle Sea Race today belongs to a prime anthology of international sailing manifestations enjoying a distinct individual identity yet sharing a common exclusive branding.

Since 2002 the Middle Sea Race enhanced its standing and expanded its worldwide exposure with the accomplishment of a prestigious sponsorship from Rolex SA.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is now part of the world-renowned international watchmaker chain of yachting sponsored events which includes the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year and the Giraglia Rolex Cup.

The year 2002 also brought about a new Club Commodore to the Royal Malta Yacht Club, Georges Bonello DuPuis, who, together with a handful of enthusiastic volunteers, not only secured the Rolex sponsorship, but experienced a yearly increase to the number of entries - 42 in 2002, 44 in 2003, 51 in 2004, 58 in 2005 and 74 (until Friday evening) this year.

"One of the most positive aspects of the race is that we always have repeat participants," believes the Commodore.

Another great campaigner of the race is John Ripard Jr, who did his first 'Middle Sea' at the tender age of 14 as crew with his father and have since participated in 14 editions even experiencing two wins (Strait Dealer in 2000 and Jammin in 2002) besides other notable placings.

Today, tough competition in sailing is encountered both by skippers on their magnificent yachts and also by the different events' organisers in attracting both quantity and quality to their start-line.

In this competitive setting, does the RMSR have the potential to further enhance its status?

"Absolutely yes. The Middle Sea Race will remain a magical race simply because the course is so dramatic. The only complication is the Straits of Messina as shipping activity grows there and this becomes a serious problem if you're becalmed there at night with contrary currents," stated Ripard.

Arthur Podesta, the only sailor who took part in all 26 editions, is likewise adamant.

"The Middle Sea Race has always been accredited as a formidable challenge which easily competes with the best events in the world," he said.

"Now with the Rolex partnership, the race has attained an exceptional identity only enjoyed by a selective group of elite events. This was undoubtedly also beneficial to Malta in general with prestigious international TV coverage on stations like BBC World, CNBC, ESPN Classic Sport and ESPN International."

In the first edition, in November 1968, a modest fleet of eight local yachts made the start line, where Josian, a Class III yacht, owned and skippered by John Ripard, won what is still recorded as the slowest race in the series - 148 hours 20 minutes.

This year, 74 yachts, hailing from some 18 nations including representations from faraway lands such as New Zealand, Russia, Thailand, the United States and from less distant countries such as the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg, will be in pursuit of glory.

With the fleet getting bigger and more refined, how does the 'locals' fare in such setting?

"The locals always stand a good chance because the IRC system allows for fair competition over the course of the race with different conditions, and also because the locals have good skill levels and good local knowledge.

"In such a fantastic race, making the podium is definitely of great honour but the feeling of experiencing such an enthralling challenge makes every sailor in the race a winner in his own way," remarked John Ripard Jr. who this year will again be at the helm of Strait Dealer.

Eleven entries, namely, Allegra (Alfred Manduca), Artie (Lee Satariano), Aziza (Sandro Musu), Bordeaux 3 (Willie Carbonaro), Comanche Raider (Jonas Diamantino), Elusive (Arthur Podesta), Geisha (David Pizzuto), Maltese Falcon 2 (Martin Scicluna), Primadonna (Georges Bonello DuPuis), Strait Dealer (David Franks) and XL (Simon Camilleri) will be flying the local colours on this daring challenge.

Another positive aspect is the presence of teenage sailors as crew onboard local yachts. These will include Jan Rossi (19) on Allegra, Christoph Podesta (17) and Benji Borg (17) on Elusive, Andrew Agius Delicata (16) on Bordeaux III, Kevin Anastasi (16) on XL, Nicky Sammut (19), Matthew Xuereb (19) and Matthew Agius Delicata (17) all on Maltese Falcon 2.

Magic moment

Indeed, this will be another magic moment for Podesta.

"One of the things that keeps me doing this race is the adrenalin rush that I feel in the 20 or so minutes before the start," he said.

"I also get a kind of fever which increases daily during the weeks prior to the event.

"This will be the 27th edition as well as the 27th occasion that I shall have been on the start line, and truly the feeling of enthusiasm is still there today as it was 38 years ago in the first edition.

"Besides, having my three children among a young crew of ten only adds to the great excitement."

Talking about legends and achievements one significant record related to the Middle Sea Race was determined in 2000 when American yacht Zephyrus IV established the current course record of 64 hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds.

So, who are this year's favourites? Well, with a fleet of such excellence who dares make predictions?

Maybe one of the two Kiwi maxis Alfa Romeo or Thuraya Maximus, with yachting myth Paul Cayard onboard as crew, the German Morning Glory, or the Dutch Abn Amro One, winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, or better still a surprise local victory? But, what about the wind? Will it have its say again?

Well, it is now only a few more days for all expectations to become reality. So, good winds to all.