In less than three weeks, the Grand Harbour cannon fire will announce the start of the 32nd Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR), famous for its almost square course shape.
View of the start in Grand Harbour – Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo
The race starts at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 22nd October and already the entry list is bulging with international competitors from all over Europe including Russian debutant Visconte which will travel about 2,000 nautical miles just to be here and from as far afield as South Africa. It is anticipated that the 606 nautical mile challenge will be undertaken by at least 70 yachts, not quite matching the 2008 record entry of 77 yachts, but far surpassing the 42 entries in 2002, the first year of event’s partnership with Rolex.
“The development of the race and indeed, the yachting scene in Malta has been phenomenal in recent years,” said Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, Georges Bonello Dupuis at a press conference to launch the RMSR 2011. “This year we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the event’s association with Rolex, making this a truly international occasion and one which stamps Malta’s position firmly on the yachting circuit. It is a privilege for us to receive the continued support of such an iconic brand and one of which we are justly proud”.
The new Royal Malta Yacht Club, opened in 2008 at Ta’Xbiex Seafront and, for the first time, will feature a 66 berth pontoon allowing the majority of entrants to be berthed immediately outside the club. Others will be moored across the water at Marsamxett close to The Excelsior Hotel. “This is a brilliant development for us; in effect we’ll have a ‘race village’ on our doorstep,” said Mr Bonello Dupuis.
Another first for the 2011 edition will be the introduction of the Nautor Swan Cup. The prize giving ceremony will take place on Saturday 29th October at the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre.
Among the international fleet the majority of entrants come from Italy and Malta. While the Italians might provide the glamour in the form of Patrizio Bertelli’s STP 65 Luna Rossa yacht, the Maltese bring their customary character and commitment. Unsurprisingly, Arthur Podesta and his family, Elusive 2 yacht, will tackle the now infamous course for the 32nd time, as usual approaching the race with undiminished enthusiasm. In 2006 and 2010, Lee Satariano led his crew to finish second overall on his J/122 Artie yacht and this year the crew includes former race winner Christian Ripard. Other Maltese entrants include Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Surfside yacht, Jonas Diamantino’s Commanche Raider Gasan Mamo yacht, Edward and Aaron Gatt Floridia’s Otra Vez yacht and Sandro Musu’s Aziza yacht. All entrants will be pushing for the podium, but the initial challenge for the faster yachts will be to break the course record set by George David’s Rambler yacht (USA) in 2007, in a time of 47 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds – a feat that shattered the previous record by some 17 hours.
Rambler 100 at RORC Caribbean 600, 2011 - Credit Tim Wright
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and has been sponsored by Rolex SA since 2002.
