All change for Rolex MSR

The Rolex Middle Sea Race (MSR), which this year starts on Saturday, has witnessed many changes and challenges over its forty-one year history and 2009 is no exception.

For the first time ever the race will start from Malta's most famous natural harbour - Grand Harbour - a significant change to past routine. Perhaps more exceptional, though, is the change that has taken place over the past year to the Royal Malta Yacht Club's premises, the headquarters for the race.

John Ripard, president of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, sheds some light on the extraordinary events that have unfolded and seen the club shift its operation from Manoel Island across Msida Creek to Ta' Xbiex.

"Sitting in this building today it is hard to imagine that twelve months ago we did not have title or really even the idea that we would be coming here. It has been a tremendous undertaking," he said.

"I have to acknowledge that a great deal of the merit for having actually created a clubhouse in a very short space of time; we have to attribute to the indefatigable effort of our present Commodore."

It has been some achievement. The move required verve and nerve. Negotiations with the Maltese government were not finalised until two weeks ago when the lease was formally signed. In the meantime, the RMYC Committee pushed ahead with the design and refurbishment of the former Yachting Centre that used to house Customs, Immigration and Malta Maritime Authority services.

As noted by Ripard, one of the prime movers behind the successful change has been Commodore Georges Bonello Dupuis.

For Bonello Dupuis this was a move brought about by force of circumstance, but one that the club needed to embrace positively.

"Staying where we were would have meant probable death for the club. By contrast, this is an incredible opportunity for us, but it has not been easy. There were huge emotional ties to Fort Manoel; the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has always been conducted from the terrace in front of the old club," he said.

"The start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has served to focus the minds of all those behind the move. It was unconscionable that we would greet the entrants to this great event from anything less than a fully functioning clubhouse."

To say the Royal Malta Yacht Club has been successful is an under-statement as any of the participating crews would testify.

With the start of the 30th Rolex Middle Sea Race only three days away, the organisation is safely housed and the competitors being welcomed as only is possible in Malta.

Today, a warm-up coastal race will be held, starting from Marsamxett Harbour at 10 a.m.