With the 2013 Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) only a month away, the growing prestige of this annual regatta received another boost yesterday with the confirmation that renowned skipper Alex Thomson will be taking part in this year’s event on board his shimmering Hugo Boss yacht.
Regarded as one of the most talented sailors in the world, Thomson competes in the high-speed, extreme IMOCA 60 class.
The British skipper further enhanced his reputation last January when completing the gruelling Vendée Globe race in 80 days 19 hours and 23 minutes, finishing third overall.
“It is with great pleasure that I officially announce that skipper Alex Thomson has accepted our invitation to participate in the Rolex Middle Sea Race,” Michelle Farrugia, managing director of VF Group of Companies, local retailers for Hugo Boss, told a news conference at the Boss Store in St Julian’s.
“It is an honour for us and all the Maltese sailing enthusiasts to have Alex (Thomson) competing in Malta’s most prestigious sporting event.”
The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), the organisers of the RMSR, are delighted that Thomson’s Hugo Boss boat will grace the Grand Harbour on October 19.
“Most of the sailors who compete in the major international sailing races are keen to sail in the Middle Sea Race,” Godwin Zammit, the RMYC Commodore, said.
“This time it’s the turn of Alex Thomson to take part in a special kind of boat.
“Thomson participates in single-handed races and it takes a very special sailor to do that.”
Thomson’s participation in the 34th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has also been welcomed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).
“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is an important international event that brings together a number of objectives,” Josef Formosa Gauci, the MTA chief executive officer, said.
“It has helped to put Malta on the map as a sports tourism destination and at the high end of the market.
“This year we’re going one step further. The race has grown in popularity and stature and today we’re celebrating another important event as Hugo Boss is putting its brand name and team in this year’s race.
“The participation of the Hugo Boss yacht will further enhance the prestige of the race.”
A record fleet of 82 boats registered for the 2012 Rolex Middle Sea Race and organisers are confident of exceeding that number come October 19.
Igor Simcic’s powerful Canting Keel 100ft Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, will be back to defend last year’s Line Honours win as they bid to become the first yacht to cross the line for an unprecedented fourth time in a row.
South African entry Hi Fidelity was the overall winner of last year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race.