The start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2009.The start sequence of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the most spectacular in the world. The boats fight for position, masters of wind and waves. Then the cannons fire from the grandiose saluting battery and they’re off: a spectacular scene set against the historic backdrop of Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
This year, the 35th edition of the RMSR will cover the classic 606-nautical mile course. Starting from the Grand Harbour, participants will race to Sicily and the tricky Strait of Messina, and past Pantelleria, Lampedusa and the active volcano of Stromboli. Then the fleet will make their way back to Malta, with the finish in Marsamxett.
And they’re off
Jonas Diamantino, owner and skipper of Comanche Raider II Gasanmamo, has raced the Rolex Middle Sea Race an incredible 13 times. The start is always a special moment for him.
Comanche Raider II Gasanmamo, skippered by Jonas Diamantino, at the 2012 RMSR.Which has been the most memorable RMSR edition for you?
The 2007 edition was raced in extreme conditions and most of the participants retired due to the heavy weather.
That year, we did not have proper weather forecasting equipment on board and we ended up in conditions that even the most experienced sailors would have avoided. Had we known how extreme the conditions were, we would have retired too. However despite several knocks, loss of use of all electronic equipment, and with most sails torn to shreds we carried on until the finish and were one of 13 that finished from 68 starters. Finishing that race was memorable.
How significant is it to have the RMSR in the Grand Harbour?
The start of the RMSR outclasses any start line in the world. It’s simply spectacular.
At the start, how does the crew’s viewpoint of the Grand Harbour differ from that of the spectators?
The most obvious difference is that we are looking up at them and they are looking down at us. The spectators’ perspective is of the entire fleet while ours is focused on the few boats around us. And where the spectators see a fleet of beautiful boats dancing around each other, we are fighting for position with expensive toys.
Visually, the RMSR is stunning, but technically, how difficult is it?
The RMSR is technically difficult because the weather plays such a major role: there is zero predictability and what may often seem to be the obviously right decision can often be very wrong.
In fresh and steady conditions the RMSR is challenging with many corners and headlands to turn without ever really knowing what you are going to face around the next corner or headland. In light, variable conditions, a great deal of luck and very good seamanship play a significant role.
What is, in your opinion, the best tactic at the start?
Get off the line first and clear wind.
The finish is at the other side of Valletta: how does the perspective from on board change? Both the Grand Harbour and Marsam-xett have their wind challenges and both are spectacular, especially coming in at night with all the bastions lit up. For local sailors Marsamxett is probably a little easier because we know it better.