The Rolex Middle Sea Race has established itself as one of the most popular regattas on the international sailing scene over the last decade or so.

Some of the world’s leading sailors have been lured to the centre of the Mediterranean to embark on what they describe as one of the most fascinating races, boasting breathtaking scenery and tricky weather conditions.

This morning at 11, a record fleet of over 120 yachts sets sail from the Valletta Grand Harbour as the 35th edition of the 608-nautical mile race gets under way in what promises to be another spectacular start.

Esimit Europa 2, skippered by multi-world champion Jochen Schumann, are the early favourites for line honours but the race for the MSR Trophy promises to be an exciting one with Niklas Zennstrom’s Swedish RAN V and George Sakellaris’ American Shockwave, both crewed by world-class professional sailors, among the front-runners while Michele Galli’s B2 will be determined to keep the coveted trophy for another year.

Another high-profile sailor taking part in this year’s race is Marc Lagasse, the amiable South African navigator who is masterminding Black Pearl 2’s challenge.

Lagasse is one of the most experienced navigators in this year’s fleet, having participated in the America’s Cup twice aboard Shosholoza in 2003 and United Team Internet Germany in 2007.

Lagasse has already had a taste of the Rolex Middle Sea Race as, in 2010, he was on board Black Pearl 1. He is not surprised with the rise in the race’s popularity.

“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the toughest regattas in the world,” Lagasse told Times of Malta.

“It’s very technical and offers a lot of challenges throughout the course. This is my second experience of the race.

“In 2010 I participated aboard Black Pearl 1, which was also owned by Stefan Jentzsch, but that year we came with a cruising boat and enjoyed the experience.

“We were keen to do the regatta again on a racing boat and in fact this year we have built a new one, Carkeek 47, which will make its competitive debut here in Malta. We are really looking forward to it.”

As the navigator, Lagasse has a lot of responsibility in steering his boat, Black Pearl 2, along the fastest route around the course. He is bracing himself for some sleepless nights due to the tricky nature of the race.

“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the classic races on the world stage and is up there with the big regattas such as the Fastnet and the Newport-Bermuda,” Lagasse remarked.

“It’s a very difficult race. The circuit is full of corners and there are a lot of areas where one can overtake and the weather conditions are very tricky.

“You can have strong winds and then, all of a sudden, it dies down to very light so you always have to be on your toes.

“As the navigator, I don’t get much sleep because, in terms of strategy, you are always looking to see how you can improve the performance of the boat with so many weather changes happening during the course of the race.

“I had a little look at the weather conditions and at the moment it looks like we are going to have light winds but it should pick up later on which should make for a very intriguing race.”

Asked about his aspirations for the race, Lagasse replied: “We have a new boat so our first target is to get round the course safely.

“If we are capable of putting ourselves in contention for a place on the podium, in Class 2 or the overall standings, it will be a bonus.

“But no doubt, our goal is to be as competitive as possible and we’ll then see where it takes us.”

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