Preparations for the 2013 Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) are in the final stages as a record fleet of boats is set to grace the Grand Harbour for the start of the 34th edition of this Mediterranean Classic tomorrow.
Until yesterday morning, 90 boats had arrived in Malta and completed the registration procedures at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) to improve on the all-time best set last year when 82 yachts started the 606-mile race.
“We are delighted to have another big entry for this year’s race,” Godwin Zammit, the RMYC Commodore, told a news conference yesterday.
“So far 90 boats have officially registered for this race but we are keeping our fingers crossed that the fleet will eclipse the 100-mark by Friday evening (today) as we expect a few more boats to arrive and compete in this year’s race.
“Given the huge amount of entries, we had to use more than one marina. We have yachts berthed at the RMYC marina in Ta’ Xbiex and the Grand Harbour facility.”
Esimit Europa 2, winners of the Line Honours in the last three RMSR editions, has not arrived yet despite previously declaring their intention to take part in this year’s race.
The likely absence of the Slovenian registered maxi notwithstanding, this year’s race is still replete with world-class entries.
These include the 72-foot Maxi Robertissima, skippered by multiple world champion Vasco Vascotto, Andres Soriano’s brand new Mills 72 yacht Alegre and Alex Thomson’s Hugo Boss boat.
Malta will again have a strong contingent as a record 14 local teams are competing.
Podesta record
Lee Satariano’s Artie will again vie for overall victory while Arthur Podesta will extend his incredible record of having figured in all editions of the race since 1968 when he skippers BOV Elusive II.
Teddy Borg, representing the Royal Malta Yacht Club, said the RMSR has grown steadily in the last few years and the nation should be proud that the race has managed to attract so many participants from different parts of the world.
“The Rolex Middle Sea Race has established itself as the third most popular regatta in the world,” Borg said yesterday.
“Throughout the years the number of yachts registering for this race has increased markedly and we have countries like Italy, Russia and Britain who, every year, are represented by a growing number of sailors.
“One must give a special mention to our sailors who have always put on a great performance and hopefully, this year, they will again be able to challenge for the coveted MSR Trophy.”
Peter Dimech, the race officer, said there will be multiple starts tomorrow morning with the first set of boats leaving the Grand Harbour at 11am.
“The Grand Harbour on Saturday (tomorrow) will be closed for traffic between 9am and 1pm.
“It’s important that nobody tries to enter the harbour without the permission of the authorities,” Dimech said.
The RMSR course record is held by US entry Rambler who completed the course in 47 hours 55 minutes and three seconds in 2007.