Rolex to sponsor MSR for three more years

In recent years the Middle Sea Race (MSR) has developed into one of the most prestigious events held in Mediterranean waters.

The participation of some of the world's finest racers, such as 'serial winner' Alfa Romeo - dubbed the fastest boat around after 74 line honours worldwide - and Nokia - the UK maxi Sled winner of several top races including the Fastnet - is testimony of the high level of reputation earned by the Royal Malta Yacht Club's classic race during the course of the years.

The 2004 edition was another success story for the organisers. This year's race had an added touch of prestige as it happened to be the 25th since the 607-mile race was introduced way back in 1968. A record entry of 50 boats were jostling for position during another spectacular start at Marsamxett nine days ago.

Club Commodore Georges Bonello Du Puis, one of the few masterminds who helped to revamp the race after a dormant period, was a delighted man yesterday when the presentation ceremony was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

"There are no words which can describe the joy and satisfaction that I'm feeling at the moment," Bonello Du Puis told The Sunday Times.

"From an organisation point of view the race has been an absolute success. The feedback received was positive and encouraging, really.

"Already, there are several foreign boat-owners who were so thrilled by the fascinating challenge of our race that they have already shown their bold intentions to return next year."

But the club's endeavours alone are not enough in such cases to reach the pinnacle.

"The revival of the MSR owes much to the huge involvement of sponsors Rolex as well," Bonello Du Puis, chairman of the organising committee for the past six years, noted.

"They have been involved in the promotion and organisation of the race for three years now, a period during which our race has made a giant leap forward. Their marketing influence attracted to our shores some of the finest syndicates from different corners of the world."

Bonello Du Puis and his team will not rest on their laurels though.

"I believe there is still more to come," he said.

"Rolex have agreed to extend their partnership with the RMYC and the MSR for three more years. Their input is crucial for us... being on their series calendar means year-long high-profile promotion.

"Besides they also agreed to help us produce a documentary on our race for top TV channels like the BBC World and CNBC."

Bonello Du Puis said keeping the race at such a high ranking was no mean feat for the club. However, it's a challenge that he relishes and his team have already set sights on a better international participation next year.

"It's obvious now that Rolex expects us to keep the momentum going. Our goal in 2005 is to increase the entry fleet. We will concentrate most on attracting more offshore boats, besides the maxis," he said.

"I have already earmarked some markets where we need to break into. Spain and France are two very popular sailing destinations but we never managed to leave our mark in these countries. Perhaps, this will be our main task in the next few months.

"Greece and Italy are two other countries where I feel we can make more of an impact. The success of Greek syndicate Optimum 3 in this year's race will hopefully be beneficial to our cause."

Optimum 3 owners Nikos Lazos and Pericles Livas, yesterday lifted the MSR Trophy.

On corrected time, they finished ahead of the more quoted maxis Alfa Romeo, Damiani Our Dream and Black Dragon, among others.

Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo again missed out on the MSR Trophy. They were also here to set a new course record.

But, the New Zealand syndicate will be proud to have achieved a second successive line honours, a feat achieved by Stormvogel in 1968 and 1969. Italian skipper E. Ricchi won line honours three times in a row between 1975 and 1977 on Benbow.

"Given the conditions at the start of the race, Alfa Romeo could never set a new record," Bonello Du Puis said.

"It will be difficult to see them again next year as they are planning to sell their boat and build a new one in New Zealand by June. That is too close to our race but I definitely think they will have another go at Zephyrus IV's record in 2006."

On a personal note, this year's edition will remain intact in Bonello Du Puis's memories. It was the first time he took part in the race.

He was skipper on Primadonna. The Prima 38 was first Maltese boat home on Thursday.

"It was a memorable experience," he recounts. "At first, the conditions were frustrating. However, after the first two days conditions improved and the fierce thunderstorm that broke up on Tuesday night added more thrills to the race. Definitely, I will be on the starting line again on October 22, 2005."

On corrected time in IRC, the top local boat was Arthur Podestà's Elusive. It was the experienced skipper's 25th MSR. He is the only sailor to have taken part in all editions.

"I've been on winning boats before," Podestà said. "But this 2004 race reserves special feelings for me.

"It is the first time that I had skippered a boat to first place on corrected time for local entries and I did that with my three children Maya, Aaron and Christoff... they were among the crew."