A record-breaking 123 yachts from more than 20 countries will cross the starting line of the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) on Saturday, reflecting the international stature of this popular offshore race organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
The unprecedented number of entrants – a 24 per cent increase over the 99 yachts competing in 2013 – includes boats from as far away as the US and Australia along with 13 yachts from Malta.
More than 15 boats will compete for the first time, the club said yesterday.
The line honours favourite is Igor Simcic’s Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, skippered by multiple Olympic and America’s Cup winner Jochen Schumann.
The 100ft canting keel maxi has secured line honours victories from 2010 to 2012, becoming only the second yacht in the history of the RMSR to take it three times in a row.
Unable to compete last year due to damage suffered on the mast on their way to the race, the crew is returning with the goal of taking line honours for an unprecedented fourth occasion.
Now in its 35th year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a fixture in the calendar, ranking alongside the Rolex Fastnet, Rolex Sydney-Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a “must do” race.
“For yet another year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown in the number of boats that have committed to compete in this ever popular offshore,” Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, told reporters.
“There are a number of factors which contribute to the increase in participation. Naturally, the scenic yet challenging course plays a very important role.
“However, one must mention the renowned hospitality that our club offers its guests, which is spoken of highly by participants, often leading competitors to sign up simply through word of mouth recommendations.
“Last, but not least, is our strong connection with other clubs and affiliation with the Royal Ocean Racing Club.”
The event’s fascination is largely drawn from its alluring, 608-nautical-mile racecourse – a rigorous anti-clockwise loop around Sicily which introduces numerous “corners” that present changing and complex meteorological shifts.
Challenging, enchanting and historic, the Middle Sea Race starts from Valletta’s Grand Harbour at 11am on Saturday.
“Security and safety of both racing teams and spectators has always been imperative for us and a number of procedures have been put in place,” Peter Dimech, Race Committee Chair and Principle Race Officer, said.
“We have worked closely with the Armed Forces of Malta and Transport Malta to ensure that only vessels authorised by the Race Committee will be allowed into Grand Harbour.”
Supported by Rolex since 2002, the race commences and finishes in Valletta.
Winners will be announced throughout the week with an award ceremony wrapping up the week-long event on October 25.