Maxi sled <i>Enigma of London</i> is first official entry
News that Charles Dunstone has entered his 76-foot, Rei-chel/Pugh-designed racing yacht Enigma of London for this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race, has heightened expectations at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) of a major assault on the course record of...
News that Charles Dunstone has entered his 76-foot, Rei-chel/Pugh-designed racing yacht Enigma of London for this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race, has heightened expectations at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) of a major assault on the course record of 64hrs, 49mins and 57seconds, established by Zephyrus IV in 2000.
Held annually since 1968, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic.
The 607-nautical mile course takes yachts on a breathtaking route from Malta to Sicily, through the Straits of Messina, past the islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria, back to the finish in Malta.
The yachts race by two active volcanoes - Etna and Stromboli (a mark of the course). In 2002, Etna erupted spectacularly, providing an unforgettable experience for the competitors.
"Bob McNeil has requested the notice of race and I am confident he will return this year with his latest boat Zephyrus V," commodore Georges Bonello-Dupuis commented.
"Mike Slade with Leopard of London has also confirmed he will enter, suggesting that maxi yacht owners recognise the Middle Sea Race offers a serious challenge in the Mediterranean," Bonello-Dupuis added.
Enigma of London's owner Dunstone (CEO of the pan-European PLC, Carphone Warehouse Group) has made the Rolex Middle Sea Race one of his target events for the 2003 season. The boat was launched this week in a new configuration, which changed the boat from its original Transpac set-up.
Dunstone said: "We have added 2,000kg to the keel bulb, refitted a scoop stern and will be sailing with a new 'Turbo' sail plan to optimise performance.
"Alongside race skipper Dave Bedford and full-time boat captain Matt Cowpe, the crew will include the 'round the world' talents Neal and Lisa MacDonald, along with several of the GBR Challenge team."
The changes made to Enigma (formerly Chance, which placed fourth overall in the 2001 Transpac and is sistership to Pegasus) suggest "a definite record contender" according to Mike Urwin of the RORC Rating Office in Lymington UK.
The 2003 race will start from Marsamxett Harbour, Malta on October 25. The notice of race is available from the RMYC or online at www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
Globally, Rolex is renowned for sponsoring high quality, grand-prix events such as the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Fastnet Race, Giraglia Rolex Cup, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex IMS Worlds, Rolex Farr 40 Worlds and the Rolex Commodore's Cup, which feature the very best in yacht design and sailing talent.
For entries & general information one may contact the Royal Malta Yacht Club - email: info@rmyc.org, telephone number +35621-333109.