Today was a very special day for people who love sailing regattas or beautiful sailing boats in general. The annual Rolex Middle Sea Race recorded the highest number of yachts, and many spectators enjoyed the start of the race from the Upper Barrakka gardens facing the Grand Harbour. This year the fleet consisted of 122 yachts from 24 different countries, which is over 20 yachts more than last year.
The challenge is to race 608 nautical miles (about 700 miles), and some of the fastest racing monohulls could be seen among the fleets. Among them are for example the Riviera di Rimini, the Open 60’s, the Zephyrus IV, the Sagamore and Mistress Quickly. Many of the contestants are well known celebrities in their regatta scene, and among the protagonists this year are Sir Francis Chichester, Eric Tabarly, Cino Ricci, Ted Turner and Sir Chay Blyth. This event is a highlight for every yacht owner in Malta and the rest of the world.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the most popular sea races drawing attention from all around the world. The organiser is the Royal Malta Yacht Club, and the sponsor Rolex. The first race was held in 1968, and there were eight yachts competing. Since then it has become more and more popular and it has grown significantly in size. Malta is participating with 13 yachts and over 100 Maltese sailors are taking part this year. Also, three-time winner Christian Ripard is participating, he won the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 1996, 2001 and in 2011.
Due to the size of the fleet, the start had been split into five parts, which were set off by firing one of the canons on the bastion in Valletta. Unfortunately it was not very windy today and the start was rather slow. However, it will not diminish the excitement the contestants have now to finish the race. The course of the race is from Malta going north around Sicily past Messina, towards Stromboli, west to Favignana, then south to Pantelleria and Lampedusa and then back to Malta. The record for the Middle Sea Race had been established in 2007 by the ‘Rambler’ and it took 1 day, 23 hours ,55 min, and 3 seconds. We are excited to see who will win this year!
