A tactically difficult as well as meteorologically intriguing 33rd Rolex Middle Sea Race is in a full swing. Thirty hours into the contest, all 83 yachts are still competing with the bulk of the fleet negotiating the infamous Strait of Messina. In the top position, and midway between the Strait and Stromboli, are the 30.48m/100-ft superyacht Esimit Europa 2 (SLO), and two 21.94m/72-ft Mini Maxis yacht Rán 2 (GBR) and sailing yacht Stig (ITA). At the moment sailing at a meagre two knots, the three are separated by less than one mile.
Luxury sailing yacht Ran 2 finds it slow going between the Strait and Stromboli - photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
Luxury yacht Esimit Europa 2 has not broken away from the pack in the manner she has become accustomed to in previous editions. The first night proved frustrating for Igor Simcic’s crew, caught in a fading breeze that allowed her rivals to close in. On the approach to the Strait this morning, Rán 2 took advantage of a positive current to close the gap on Esimit, and even take the lead. By midday the two boats were only 100m apart exiting the Strait together, destination Stromboli.
“We enjoyed some good breeze through the Strait and are very satisfied with our progress. However, we expect conditions to be very light on the stretch to Stromboli,” reported the crew on Esimit.
Esimit Europa 2 superyacht heads slowly to Stromboli - Photo by Rolex Kurt Arrigo
Steve Hayles, navigator on Rán 2 yacht, confirmed: “It was a very tricky first night. The smaller boats made quite a big gain at one point. Our long-term strategy was to be furthest offshore. We made a considerable loss initially but managed to stretch away this morning. The race is going to be a bit like an elastic band. It’s about trying to stay on the right side of your competitor and focused on where next breeze is coming from. For us the focus is staying ahead of Stig.” The Italian boat lost ground during the morning but were able to close the gap after exiting the Strait.
Further down the fleet, things are equally intense. Philippe Falle, skipper of the 13.10m/43-ft Trustmarque Quokka (GBR), added: “It was quite a tactical night, pushing and trimming hard. It was an important night to get right. This is one of those races which will see a lot of bungee effects.”
Spinnaker duel between XP-ACT and Zenhea Takesha yachts - photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
18 yachts have now passed the Strait of Messina. The current advantage on handicap belongs to defending champion – Lee Satariano’s J/122 Artie (MLT). It is a precarious lead as the fleet heads into the second evening and a frustrating search for breeze.
