Michele Galli (left), owner of Italian entry B2, lifts the Rolex Middle Sea Race trophy. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Idyllic scenery, natural wonders and historic landmarks are what make the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) such a spectacular regatta.

A week after 99 boats graced the Grand Harbour at the start of the 34th edition of the RMSR, the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) in Valletta was the perfect setting for the prize-giving ceremony, yesterday.

A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment permeated the atmosphere as the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), the organisers of the RMSR, handed out the prizes to the crews that left their mark on this year’s Mediterranean classic and in the pre-regatta coastal races.

A roaring applause echoed around the MCC hall when Michele Galli, owner of Italian entry B2, walked on to the stage to receive the coveted MSR trophy.

Helmed by renowned Italian skipper Francesco de Angelis, B2 secured overall victory in this year’s race.

“It is satisfying to win this race because it is one of the most important and most difficult regattas in the Mediterranean,” the unassuming Galli told The Sunday Times of Malta.

Galli revealed that their race had been anything but plainsailing after their onboard equipment broke down.

“The final part of the race was very difficult because we were without instruments. In the last day-and-a-half, we were just drifting along with the current,” Galli said.

He is hoping to return next year.

“This was the fourth time we have taken part in this race and we hope to come back next year,” Galli said.

“The organisation is exceptional and so is the hospitality. The people who run the race are great and these are all reasons for us to return.”

Gerry Heidt, representing Kristina Plattner, skipper of Morning Glory, winner of the Line Honours in an elapsed time of two days 16 hours 12 minutes and 19 seconds, left the MCC with a bagful of trophies as did Johann Killinger, the owner of German entry Emma, the top boat in the Swan class.

The crews of Otra Vez, spearheaded by Aaron and Edward Gatt Floridia, and Oiltanking Juno, of David Anastasi and Sonke Stein, were the pride of the local fleet as they scooped a host of prizes.

Otra Vez topped the chart in the highly competitive IRC Four Class while Oiltanking Juno was the first Maltese boat to cross the finish line.

For Otra Vez, victory in the IRC Four Class was the culmination of an intensive build-up that also took in the Giraglia Rolex Cup in June.

“It was important for the crew to do well in the Rolex Middle Sea Race because we had been preparing for it for a long time,” Sean Arrigo, a member of the Otra Vez crew, said.

“We took part in the Giraglia Cup and did well in that race.

“It was a very useful experience for the crew.

“Our class was the biggest in this year’s race with 45 boats.

“It’s difficult to say beforehand that you’re going to win the race but that was our objective.”

Arrigo earmarked the leg between Stromboli and Capo San Vito as the most crucial part of the Middle Sea Race.

“The leg between Stromboli and Capo San Vito is the most crucial, you win or lose the race in that area,” Arrigo said.

“We had some bad experiences in previous years but we were determined to get it right this time. Thankfully, we made the right decisions.

“Apart from that, every minute counts. You just have to keep the boat moving.”

An avid sailor, Arrigo admitted that it’s hard for Maltese yachtsmen to juggle their work, family and sailing commitments.

“It’s very difficult but sailing is our passion,” he said.

“We dedicate a lot of time to sailing. It’s not easy to find financial support but we’re grateful for the backing we receive from Timberland and visitmalta.com.”

Leap in quality

Allied with the record number of entries, the quality of the boats and sailors that have featured in this year’s regatta has reinforced Teddie Borg’s belief that the Rolex Middle Sea Race is now firmly entrenched as one of the top three races in the world.

“I believe that we have reached a phase where, after the Fastnet and Sydney to Hobart, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the best three races in the world,” Borg, the Vice-Commodore of the RMYC, enthused.

“The quality of the skippers and the yachts has been excellent this year. And the size of the fleet was also great, just one short of 100 boats.”

While the spotlight yesterday was on the prize-winners, Borg commended the gesture of the crew of Maltese entry August Rush who threw flowers into the sea near Lampedusa in memory of the asylum-seekers who have perished near the Sicilian island in recent weeks.

“The August Rush crew had a bouquet on board their boat and threw the flowers, one by one, into the sea when approaching Lampedusa,” Borg said.

“They wanted to pay their respects to the hundreds of immigrants who drowned off Lampedusa. Their gesture shows our solidarity with these people and I want to thank them on behalf of the Maltese yachting community.”

Looking ahead to next year’s race, Borg said the RMYC will not rest on their laurels as they are determined to consolidate the steady im-provement achieved in recent years.

“Our commitment for next year’s race is to be more perfect, we have to be more professional,” Borg said.

“We want to attract more high-profile boats and sailors.”