Monday, 14 October at 8:02 am CEST, saw the Esimit Sailing Team aboard the impressive 100-foot superyacht Esimit Europa 2 depart from Italy‘s Trieste towards Malta‘s Valletta, with the aim of smashing the passage record for the Medot Sailing Trophy, which stands at 68 hours and 42 minutes.

Superyacht Esimit Europa 2 under sail - Photo by Esimit Europa/Heinrich Hecht

The approximately 700-nautical-mile-long passage from Trieste to Valletta is open to all classes and recognized by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. The trophy, established by Esimit Europa, unites two cities, two regattas – the Barcolana and the Rolex Middle Sea Race – and two yacht clubs – the “Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano” and the “Royal Malta Yacht Club”.

During the early hours of 17 October, the Esimit Sailing Team decided to abandon the record attempt due to technical issues which did not allow sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 to conclude the challenge. Also, given that the yacht is still far from reaching Malta, there is not enough time for repairs in time for the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Therefore, the Esimit Sailing Team has decided to withdraw from the Rolex Middle Sea Race – its last challenge of the season.

The Esimit Europa 2 yacht has therefore concluded its 2013 sailing season, achieving nine victories at nine attended regattas – the Rolex Fastnet Race being the season’s highlight. Since its christening in 2010, Esimit Europa 2 has all together attended 28 regattas and won all of them, moreover it has set six course records.