Rolex Middle Sea Race – Always Inspiring
by Quinag 10 Oct 06:21 PDT
19 October 2024
Start of the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
Few sailing events match the Rolex Middle Sea Race for its stunning racecourse and challenging competition. This allure has drawn sailors since the inaugural event in 1968.
Rolex has been the Title Sponsor since 2002, and during this time, the race organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) has seen a tremendous increase in popularity. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the leading 600-nautical mile (1,122 kilometers) offshore races globally.
The 45th edition kicks off on Saturday, 19 October 2024, with an impressive international fleet of over 100 yachts representing more than 25 countries. This will include professionally crewed Maxi yachts alongside numerous smaller, Corinthian-style competitors. While the yachts vary in size, design, and technology, and the crews differ in experience, all have an equal opportunity on the water. The handicapping system enables any boat to potentially win, depending on who sails best under the given conditions.
Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby, an Olympic gold medallist and three-time SailGP champion, participated in the 2021 Rolex Middle Sea Race, stating: “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is breathtaking. Departing Malta from Grand Harbour, navigating through the Messina Strait, around Stromboli, the active volcano, and among the stunning Sicilian islands, it’s truly magnificent. I look forward to doing it again.”
As Slingsby notes, a captivating aspect of the race is its stunning backdrop: remarkable architecture, striking nature, and rich history. Unlike most offshore races, this one starts and finishes in the same location—Malta. With a primarily anti-clockwise route around Sicily, the race consists of several sections, each presenting unique challenges. Each leg requires precise navigation and adaptable tactics based on wind and sea conditions. The start from Grand Harbour in Valletta is always a spectacular spectacle. Highlights include the two active volcanoes, Etna and Stromboli, plus the breathtaking islands surrounding Sicily—Favignana, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa, among others.
For the quickest competitors vying for line honours, finishing within 48 hours is seen as impressive. The two days spent at sea are intense and relentless, with little respite. The current monohull race record stands at 40 hours, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, set in 2021 by Comanche, a 30.48-meter (100-foot) Maxi.
For most of the fleet, completing the race takes four to six days. This necessitates a different mindset and approach. With navigational and tactical challenges constantly present, careful resource management is essential. Diligent preparation of boat and crew, along with time invested in team-building and gaining knowledge and experience in offshore racing, is critical. Sometimes, such commitment is rewarded with ultimate success. Since Rolex’s involvement 22 years ago, the overall victory trophy has been evenly distributed between Corinthian and professional crews.
Slingsby respects all competitors, no matter their finishing position: “I have great admiration for anyone racing offshore. When bad weather strikes, and you’re beating into 30 knots of wind and large waves, day after day—especially in a smaller boat—it’s incredibly tough. It’s a significant challenge, both mentally and physically, and for me, these major ocean races represent the pinnacle of yacht racing.”
Over the last two decades, some of the world’s most prestigious racing yachts, crewed by exceptional talent, have participated, including: the five-time line honours winner Rambler 88 from the USA; the formidable Comanche, victorious at both the Rolex Fastnet and Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race; Leopard 3, which earned monohull line honours in 2009, 2022, and 2023; and Esimit Europa 2, which reigned supreme in the Mediterranean from 2010 to 2014.
The RMYC, established in 1835, ranks among the oldest yacht clubs in the region and is known for its active youth programs encouraging young sailors to participate as they hone their skills. The club acknowledges its obligation to protect the waters that host its marquee race, enhancing its efforts in recent years. The latest strategic commitment not only steers the club towards a more sustainable future but also aims to inspire competitors at the Rolex Middle Sea Race to adopt eco-friendly practices.
David Cremona, the Commodore, stated: “It’s vital for organizations like the Royal Malta Yacht Club to take the lead in the evolution of sailing and how we connect with nature. These initiatives are designed to nurture the sport and protect the environment where it is enjoyed. With the support of our long-time partner Rolex, this race serves as an excellent platform to elevate awareness and effectiveness of both initiatives.”
This dedication to youth involvement and sustainability aligns closely with Rolex’s long-held mission to support yacht clubs as the main stewards of both the traditions and future of sailing. Under such stewardship, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is poised to thrive for many more years to come.
