A tactically challenging and meteorologically intriguing 33rd Rolex Middle Sea Race is developing.
Some 28 hours into the contest, all 83 yachts were still in contention with the vast majority of the fleet negotiating the infamous Strait of Messina yesterday evening.
Leading the fleet was last year’s Line Honours winner, Slovenian Maxi Esimit Europa 2 followed by two 72-ft Mini Maxis, Niklas Zennstrom’s Ran 2 and Alessandro Rombelli’s Italian Stig.
All three boats were travelling at a meagre two knots and separated by metres rather than miles and could only watch as the chasing pack were coming up behind them with the breeze.
Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard’s J/122, Artie RTFX, were leading the Rolex Middle Sea Race overall after time correction.
Artie RTFX was the first Maltese boat to exit the Strait of Messina, one of the defining parts of the 606-mile course.
Artie RTFX rode a favourable current through the narrow gap between Sicily and the Italian mainland and a small breakaway pack of boats was yesterday trying to do exactly the same before the tide turns.
Leading the chasing pack behind Artie RTFX was Josef Schultheis and Paolo Semeraro’s Xp 44, XP-ACT, with several Maltese crew on board.
XP-ACT was expected to be next through the strait as it looked to be in a strong position.
However, two British yachts were ahead of them after time correction – Nick Jones’s First 44.7, Lisa, and Philippe Falle’s Grand Soleil 43, Trustmarque Quokka.
Jonas Diamantino’s ILC40, Comanche Raider II GasanMamo, has found another gear.
After suffering in the light airs overnight, the all-Malta crew fought back but they were still over two miles behind Artie RTFX and need to beat the reigning Rolex MSR champions by a significant distance on the water to make any claim for the big prize.
Looking up the track, the formidable Maxi yachts were approaching Stromboli yesterday evening. However, yet again, the wind was expected to fade during the night which should allow those yachts that have made it through the Messina Strait sail right up to them.
For those still to sail the strait, it looked like a painful evening. The tide will turn and the wind ease, some may even go backwards unless they decide to anchor.