The Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in some style as organisers are expecting a new record of participation with 144 boats registered to be on the starting line at the Valletta Grand Harbour on Saturday.
The RMSR has over the years established itself as one of the biggest offshore regattas in the world, attracting the participation of some of the sports most decorated sailors.
The biggest number of entries was registered in 2014 when 122 boats took part in the 606-nautical mile race. However, that landmark may well be beaten if weather conditions are kind to the organisers.
“The 2018 Rolex Middle Sea Race holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first edition which was held in 1968,” Rear Commodore Georges Bonello Du Puis told a news conference.
“The Royal Malta Yacht Club worked really hard over the years to strengthen the image of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and surely we are now reaping the dividends of that effort with over 140 boats registered for the race.
“I just hope that the weather will be kind to us in the coming days so that all boats will be able to make the trip to Malta and hopefully we’ll have the least number possible of syndicates who pull out of the race.”
Bonello Du Puis said that this year’s entry fleet comes from 32 countries with Italy being the most represented country with 27 boats.
At 115 feet (35 metres) Nikata will be the largest entrant in race history and is expected to battle for line honours with George David’s Rambler.
The American Maxi has finished fastest in the past three editions, and in 2007 she set the race record of 47 hours, 55 minutes and three seconds. That mark may well be in danger to be broken provided current weather predictions are confirmed.
Another race record which is likely to fall is the multi-hull category as this year the RMSR will feature two of the world’s fastest ocean-going yachts in the world. Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati, who set the race record when clocking 49 hours 25 minutes and three seconds in 2015, are again favourites to hold bragging rights in the division but are expected to be seriously tested by PowerPlay, skippered by Peter Cunningham.
It is understood that organisers are expecting these two monohulls to complete the race in less than 40 hours.
Malta will be representing by nine boats, including Jamie Sammut’s Unica and Sean Arrigo’s Otra Vez who will compete in the Double-handed category.
On his part, Peter Dimech, the Principal Race Director, said that the 2018 programme is similar to previous years with the participating fleet set to be involved in a Coastal Race this morning, starting at the Marsamxett Harbour at 10am.
“The race will get under way on Saturday at 11am with the multi-hulls being the first boats to leave the Valletta Grand Harbour,” he said.
“From then on there will be a series of race starts with all boats split according to their respective categories. The Maxis will be the last to take off around midday.”
Dimech said that weather predictions are forecasting light winds on Saturday but they are keeping their fingers crossed that the winds will pick up to ensure there is no congestion at race start.
On his part, RMYC Commodore, Godwin Zammit, announced that this year the race will be presenting a new trophy for the double-handed category, which is being commissioned by the Italian Ambassador for Malta.
Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, heaped praise on the Royal Malta Yacht Club for its continued success through the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
“Malta should be proud of having a race of the calibre of the Rolex Middle Sea Race which is showcasing all the beautiful aspects of our country,” Dr Grima said.
“The RMSR over the years has attracted to Malta sailors from around the world and no doubt has established Malta as a perfect destination for this kind of regattas.
“The government has always been a huge supporter of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and we are committed to renew our assistance to the race to ensure it will be another major success.”