The Grand Harbour will be a hive of activity this morning as the anticipated record entry of yachts will jostle for position ahead of another spectacular Rolex Middle Sea Race start.
This year’s 34th edition of the Mediterranean offshore classic will be the biggest to date as the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), organisers since the inaugural race way back in 1968, are saying they’ve surpassed the previous best of 82 boats set in 2012.
Eighteen countries will be represented in the race with the largest fleets coming from Italy and Russia.
Until yesterday, 102 boats were registered at the Race Officer’s desk even though Esimit Europa 2, Line Honours winners the past three years, will not participate this year.
In a statement, Esimit Europa 2 said that due to technical issues, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, “the boat will unfortunately not be able to participate at the Rolex Middle Sea Race as there is not enough time for repairs in time for the start of the race.”
The Rolex Middle Sea Race has always been a popular event with the locals but the upward trend gradually extended to overseas countries to the point that it has now become a fixture for renowned owners outside our shores.
Godwin Zammit, the club Commodore, told Times of Malta that the race’s popularity has grown thanks to the constant work put in by his committee and the contribution of sponsors Rolex.
Zammit said: “The partnership with Rolex was a huge boost to the profile of our race. Each year we try and attract more newcomers and we are always looking to strengthen our contacts with various international clubs to keep the profile high.
“In fact, we’re already planning for next year and our goal will be to try and make inroads in the Spanish and French markets,” Zammit added.
“It will be no easy task but I’m sure that with the help of Rolex we can succeed in our objective to see the numbers grow.”
Again, the big maxis should draw the attention of the onlookers at the Grand Harbour today.
The 72-foot maxi Robertissima III, skippered by experienced Italian Vasco Vascotto, is being ranked among the main challengers for Line Honours.
Previously Ran 2, Robertissima III owner Luca Simone has put together a very efficient crew and are here after a fine showing at the Barcolana race in the gulf of Trieste earlier this month.
Another main contender for Line Honours should be Andres Soriano’s Alegre and Hugo Boss, skippered by Briton Alex Thomson.
Thomson, who placed third in the Vendee Globe Challenge last year, will make his first appearance in the RMSR to continue adding more prestige to the event.
There will be 14 local boats at today’s start.
Lee Satariano’s Artie, overall winners in 2011, will be among the contenders as Arthur Podesta continues to extend his impressive record of having participated in all editions of the race on board his Elusive II.
“My first participation in the race dates back to the late 1960s but my enthusiasm never wanes,” Podesta, the club’s Rear Commodore, said.
“To go through this experience with a crew exclusively formed of my family makes every RMSR even more special. As long as my motivation remains, I don’t intend to quit the race.”