Rolex sponsors Middle Sea Race

Malta's most famous yachting event, the Middle Sea Race, gained greater international recognition yesterday with the announcement of a three-year sponsorship agreement with Rolex SA, the world-renowned international watch maker.

The 607-nautical mile Middle Sea Race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most demanding courses in the world. Unique in that it starts and finishes in Malta, the route includes the deep azure waters of Sicily and the Straits of Messina, the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa and, even features Stromboli's active volcano as a course mark.

In addition, two days of coastal races around Malta and Gozo will be organised prior to the start of the Mediterranean classic.

Georges Bonello DuPuis, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club said: "We are absolutely delighted to be so closely linked with Rolex for the Middle Sea Race, particularly because our new sponsors are so well known for their support and commitment to excellence in the international yachting arena.

"This sponsorship will re-energise the Middle Sea Race providing the event with enhanced status and worldwide exposure."

Scheduled for October 26, the Rolex Middle Sea Race will include a Double Handed Class for the first time. The winners of the IMS/ORC Club Racer, IMS/ORC Club Cruiser, IRC/IRM Class Racer and the IRC/IRM Class Cruiser will be presented with a Rolex Chronometer.

Commodore DuPuis sounds optimistic and said the race will surely get a lift in standard and prestige.

"The race can boast a list of competitors that reads like a 'who's who' of yachting and we are confident that our partnership with Rolex will attract even greater numbers of yachtsmen from around the world," he said.

"No doubt, we can put the Rolex Middle Sea Race back at the top of every racing yachtsman's agenda. It's great news for the Middle Sea Race and great news for Malta."

The Middle Sea Race now joins other Rolex-sponsored events including the ISAF World Sailor of the Year, the Sydney to Hobart, the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Giraglia Cup, the St Francis Big Boat Series and the International Rolex Regatta in St Thomas.