Rolex Middle Sea Race Brief

Rolex Middle Sea Race Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

32nd Rolex Middle Sea Race won by 30m sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2

October 25, 2011

The sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 was the winner of the 32nd Rolex Middle Sea Race, held in a beautiful yacht charter location, Malta. 30m Esimit Europa 2 superyacht has already won 6 European nationalities onboard and recorded incredible 6 fastest times at 6 attended regattas only this year. Sailing under the European flag and sponsored by Gazprom, she was skippered by legendary German sailor Jochen Schümann and covered the 606-nautical miles long race in 61 hours 24 minutes, demostrating once again to be one of the best sailing yachts in the world.

30m sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2

30m sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2

“We have a second amazing season behind us and we have achieved all of the goals we set out for ourselves. I owe a great debt of thanks to my skipper Jochen Schümann and the rest of exceptional crew members, who showed amazing skills in every single regatta. I would also like to thank Mr. José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, our main sponsor Gazprom, European governments and institutions, friends and endorsers, who share our vision of uniting all Europeans through one amazing sailing project”, stated Igor Simčič, owner of the 30m sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2. “In the upcoming months we will carefully analyse the season from many different perspectives, and then we will accept a decision about the next steps. In the meantime we will endeavour for broadening the project in fields of business and diplomacy”.

Skipper Jochen Schümann, twice America’s Cup winner and four times Olympic medallist, was extremely satisfied with this season’s achievements and teamwork onboard Esimit Europa 2 superyacht: “The Rolex Middle Sea Race proved once again to be a difficult race with lots of unpredictable situations, tricky winds, thunderstorms and constant sail changes. We are completely exhausted, but very pleased with the result. It is a pleasure to sail with such a professional team, completely devoted to the same goal. Despite we are coming from many different countries, there is a great synergy and friendship among us, therefore I am looking forward to the challenges in the next season”.

Igor Simčič was presented with a Line Honours Trophy by Royal Malta Yacht Club immediately after arrival, while the final prize giving will be held on Saturday, 29th October in the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 set the fastest times at all attended races at 6 regattas this year – Giraglia Rolex Cup, Palermo – Monte Carlo, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Bernetti Lombardini Cup, Barcolana and Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Rolex Middle Sea Race achieves 10 year partnership with Rolex

October 06, 2011

In less than three weeks, the Grand Harbour cannon fire will announce the start of the 32nd Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR), famous for its almost square course shape.

View of the start in Grand Harbour – Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

View of the start in Grand Harbour – Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

The race starts at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 22nd October and already the entry list is bulging with international competitors from all over Europe including Russian debutant Visconte which will travel about 2,000 nautical miles just to be here and from as far afield as South Africa. It is anticipated that the 606 nautical mile challenge will be undertaken by at least 70 yachts, not quite matching the 2008 record entry of 77 yachts, but far surpassing the 42 entries in 2002, the first year of event’s partnership with Rolex.

“The development of the race and indeed, the yachting scene in Malta has been phenomenal in recent years,” said Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, Georges Bonello Dupuis at a press conference to launch the RMSR 2011. “This year we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the event’s association with Rolex, making this a truly international occasion and one which stamps Malta’s position firmly on the yachting circuit. It is a privilege for us to receive the continued support of such an iconic brand and one of which we are justly proud”.

The new Royal Malta Yacht Club, opened in 2008 at Ta’Xbiex Seafront and, for the first time, will feature a 66 berth pontoon allowing the majority of entrants to be berthed immediately outside the club. Others will be moored across the water at Marsamxett close to The Excelsior Hotel. “This is a brilliant development for us; in effect we’ll have a ‘race village’ on our doorstep,” said Mr Bonello Dupuis.

Another first for the 2011 edition will be the introduction of the Nautor Swan Cup. The prize giving ceremony will take place on Saturday 29th October at the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Among the international fleet the majority of entrants come from Italy and Malta. While the Italians might provide the glamour in the form of Patrizio Bertelli’s STP 65 Luna Rossa yacht, the Maltese bring their customary character and commitment. Unsurprisingly, Arthur Podesta and his family, Elusive 2 yacht, will tackle the now infamous course for the 32nd time, as usual approaching the race with undiminished enthusiasm. In 2006 and 2010, Lee Satariano led his crew to finish second overall on his J/122 Artie yacht and this year the crew includes former race winner Christian Ripard. Other Maltese entrants include Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Surfside yacht, Jonas Diamantino’s Commanche Raider Gasan Mamo yacht, Edward and Aaron Gatt Floridia’s Otra Vez yacht and Sandro Musu’s Aziza yacht. All entrants will be pushing for the podium, but the initial challenge for the faster yachts will be to break the course record set by George David’s Rambler yacht (USA) in 2007, in a time of 47 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds – a feat that shattered the previous record by some 17 hours.

Rambler 100 at RORC Caribbean 600, 2011 Credit Tim Wright

Rambler 100 at RORC Caribbean 600, 2011 - Credit Tim Wright

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and has been sponsored by Rolex SA since 2002.

Rolex Middle Sea Race: Valletta hosts prize giving

November 01, 2010

Today, in the ancient fortress city of Valletta, the former 16th century “Sacra Infermeria” of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, was host to the prize giving for the 31st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Close to eight hundred guests – skippers, crews, family and friends – were on hand to collect trophies and awards for the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s premier offshore race.

The former 16th century hospital, located adjacent to Fort St Elmo and overlooking an historically accurate restoration in the late 1970s, which earned it numerous design awards. In a city rich in history, the Sacra Infermeria is an impressive edifice, and was considered to be one of the best hospitals in Europe, one that could accommodate over 900 patients in an emergency.

The main hall, measuring 155 metres in length, was at that time, one of the largest in Europe and was described as “one of the grandest interiors in the world.” Surviving four direct hits during the bombardment of WWII, the building was repaired and later served all sorts of uses: as a command hall, an entertainment centre, a children’s theatre, a school, and finally in the late 1970s, a modern conference center.

Rolex Middle Sea Race Prizegiving Ceremony - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Rolex Middle Sea Race Prizegiving Ceremony - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Seventy-six boats started the race, and 60 finished, one of the highest numbers of finishers in recent years. The fleet included boats from 17 nations, a veritable United Nations of competitors and certainly along the quay at Grand Harbour Marina, boats from Hungary, Italy, UK, US, Spain, and Slovenia, among others, bore this out.

At the prize giving, Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, Georges Bonello DuPuis thanked the competitors, event organizing committee, the international jury, yacht club staff and volunteers, and race sponsor Rolex. The Commodore was clearly pleased and he said, “I was asked how I would summarise this year’s event and the first word that came to mind was “epic”, as I’m sure many of you who competed would agree.”

The race started last Saturday, in Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta on a day full of bright sunshine and blue skies. With the start signals from the Saluting Battery cannon at the Upper Barrakka Garden, Principal Race Officer Peter Dimech got the five classes away in an easterly breeze of eight knots – enough to get the race fleet out of the harbour, and on their way towards Sicily.

Start of the 31st Rolex Middle Sea Race from the Upper Barrakka Gardens - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Start of the 31st Rolex Middle Sea Race from the Upper Barrakka Gardens - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

The fleet experienced light wind and a rhumb line filled with wind holes, so there was a lot of starting and stopping, with the back markers compressing at times to level up again. The trick was to get through the Messina Strait with a fair tide, one of a couple of tidal gates on the course, that would come into play. The 100-foot maxi Esimit Europa 2(SLO) led from the start and was able to keep their distance on their chief rival, the 100 foot ICAP Leopard (GBR). In fact, once around Stromboli, Esimit legged out and never looked back from there. When the two maxis reached the northwest corner off Trapani, the northwesterly mistral came in on schedule, though never built to the higher ranges that had been forecasted by some weather models.

Meanwhile the 50-70 footers, including Alegre (GBR), the Volvo 70 E1 (RUS), and particularly the TP52s Pace (GBR) and Lucky (USA), the R/P60 Wild Joe (HUN) and the Cookson 50, Cantankerous (ITA) were seemingly bound together pretty much all along the course. At the finish, these last four would finish within 30 minutes of each other.

Lucky’s crew did a fine job strategically and physically – racing a TP52 around a 600+ mile course requires lots of fitness and stamina – of getting through the light spots and holding on through the bigger breeze, essentially sailing a nearly flawless race.

Once Lucky finished and assumed the overall lead on corrected time, the only real threats to her title were from what some might consider unlikely boats for an offshore race with a reputation for physically challenging conditions that are often the norm. The two boats in question might be unlikely, unless you know something about the depth of the local Maltese fleet. The J/122 Artie co-skippered by Lee Satariano and John Ripard has a great racing record, as well as having a crack crew of mostly family and friends. Likewise the J/133 Jaru, co-skippered by Andrew Calascione and Christian Ripard, is a top competitor in the local racing fleet.

So, with the clock ticking over the next 18 hours, the two J boats put the pedal down – photos taken onboard Artie during the race confirm that the boat was unleashed in a bid to get to the finish line pronto. In the end, despite a mistral that was producing 30+ knots in that area of the race course, and with average boat speeds on Artie of 9+ knots, and maximum speed in the high teens, between Pantelleria and Lampedusa, and then through the Comino channel, it was not to be. First Jaru fell off the pace nearing Malta, and then entering Marsamxett Harbour, the wind went light and Artie struggled to reach the finish line off the Royal Malta Yacht Club, missing the overall win by only 26 minutes. Still, a phenomenal effort for boat and crew and Artie finished 2nd overall in IRC and 1st in Class 4, while Jaru finished 1st in IRC Class 3, 1st in ORC Class 3 and 1stoverall in ORC.

Commodore Bonello DuPuis, said, “I must say that I feel extremely proud of our achievements as a Club, but even more so of the results of the Maltese fleet, especially those of Artie, Jaru, and Commanche Raider who gave it their best and literally put Malta on the map. Well done, boys! You made us proud.”

The main event at the prize giving was the overall winner in IRC, and for this the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy and a Rolex Yacht-Master timepiece were presented by Georges Bonello DuPuis and Mr. Malcolm Lowell, of Edward Lowell’s to Bryon Ehrhart, and the TP52, Lucky (USA).

Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy & Rolex Chronometer presentation to IRC Overall Winner Bryon Ehrhart (LUCKY) - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy & Rolex Chronometer presentation to IRC Overall Winner Bryon Ehrhart (LUCKY) - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Ehrhart, from Chicago, Illinois, USA, is a member of the New York Yacht Club and Chicago Yacht Clubs, and this past year he’s actively campaigned his boat on this side of ‘the pond’. Although this was Ehrhart and Lucky’s first time at the Rolex Middle Sea Race, it was clearly not beginner’s luck, as a lot of prior planning and race practice – last year’s Rolex Fastnet Race for one – ensured Lucky would get to Malta battle ready. The majority of Lucky’s 13 crew members have been sailing on the boat since 2006, a mix of Americans, Brits, Welsh, Irish, Kiwis, and Aussies – more than a few of them fellow Etchells competitors.

Crew member Rodney Hagebols from Australia and several crew members, accepted the award on behalf of Ehrhart, who had to return to the US. Hagebols said, “This was our first time here in Malta and it was above and beyond everything we could have hoped for. Thanks to Bryon, he’s an inspiration to us all; to the other competitors, who made the race very interesting. I mean the race was three days and we couldn’t relax for a second. We pushed probably harder than we ever did before, and it was gratifying to have a great result…and thanks to Malta, for making us feel welcome – it’s been a fabulous experience.”

On Wednesday, when the overall win had been secured, Ehrhart said, “Certainly, we didn’t come expecting to win anything like this. We came expecting to work hard and put our best in. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a classic and, in my mind, it will remain a classic. I would encourage everyone to come here to Malta to challenge.”

The Malta Tourism Authority Trophy for first foreign boat home, the RLR Line Honours Trophy for first boat home, and a Rolex Yacht-Master timepiece was presented to Igor Simcic, and his Slovenian maxi, Esimit Europa 2.

Mr Malcolm Lowell Jr. from Edwards Lowel and Igor Simcic, ESIMIT EUROPA 2, line honours - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Mr Malcolm Lowell Jr. from Edwards Lowel and Igor Simcic, ESIMIT EUROPA 2, line honours - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Anna Rossi, president of the Malta Sailing Federation and Godwin Zammit, Rolex Middle Sea Race Committee Chairman presented the IRC and ORC handicap class prizes:

IRC class winners were Class 1, Igor Simcic, Esimit Europa 2; Class 2, Bryon Ehrhart, Lucky; Class 3, Andrew Calascione, Jaru; Class 4, Lee Satariano, Artie.

ORC class winners were Class 1, Vladimir Prosikhin, E1; Class 2, Jens Kellinghusa, Varuna; Class 3, Andrew Calascione, Jaru; Class 4, Tomas Dolezal, Three Sisters

The youngest participating crewmember, Maltese Thomas Zammit Tabona, 16 years old, who sailed on Elusive 2 Medbank, was presented with the Youth Cup. His Excellency Efisio Luigi Marras presented owner/skipper Gerado Sigler with the Italian Ambassador’s Trophy for performing an outstanding act of seamanship onboard his 75-foot yacht Buccaneer.

The John Illingworth Trophy for first boat on corrected time in Double Handed Class went to the Maltese double handers, Anthony Camilleri and Gilbert Azzopardi, on the 34-foot BOV Plain Sailing. Given the severe conditions that developed for the last boats home, it was a feat to even have finished.

The Transport Malta Trophy for first boat across the line having a Maltese Skipper and a majority of Maltese crew members, went to Andrew Calascione, Jaru. Onboard Jaru, almost all of the crew were related in some way to co-skippers Andrew Calascione and his brother-in-law, John Ripard. Calascione said, “Everybody jelled, we all had different skills, different roles, we got on very well together and I think it was one of the greatest races I have done.”

Starboard Trophy for first Maltese boat overall on handicap under IRC and ORC went to Lee Satariano, on Artie (IRC), and to Andrew Calascione, on Jaru (ORC). The Nations Cup for best-combined score on corrected time under IRC by three boats from the same nation went to Artie, Jaru, Comanche Raider, all from Malta.

Alex Bocage

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 rounding Stromboli - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 rounding Stromboli - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Rolex Middle Sea Race Class Winners Confirmed.

October 29, 2010

If the early miles of the Rolex Middle Sea Race were a test of patience, the latter miles were a true test of endurance. A strong mistral of up to 40+ knots helped push the fleet homeward to the finish in Malta. The last two yachts, Zizanie and Amethyst Abroad, were around the island of Lampedusa and racing towards the finish line off the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The two boats showed heaps of perseverance for hanging in, even if the northwesterly breeze had subsided to a ‘mere’ 25+ knots.

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Meanwhile the bulk of the fleet were safely secured in either Marsamxett Harbour or around the corner in Grand Harbour Marina, and the overall class standings were sorted as the last boats trickled in.

LUCKY, Bryon Ehrhart - Photo credit Rolex Rene Rossignaud

LUCKY, Bryon Ehrhart - Photo credit Rolex Rene Rossignaud

IRC Overall – Lucky (USA)

IRC 1 – Esimit Europa 2 (SLO)
IRC 2 – Lucky (USA)
IRC 3 – Jaru (MLT)
IRC 4 – Artie (MLT)

ORC Overall – Jaru (MLT)

ORC 1 – E1 (RUS)
ORC 2 – Varuna (GER)
ORC 3 – Jaru (MLT)
ORC 4 – Three Sisters (CZK)

Double Handed – BOV Plain Sailing (MLT)

JARU, John Ripard & Andrew Calascione - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

JARU, John Ripard & Andrew Calascione - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Racing offshore double handed is not for the faint-hearted. It requires all-round seamanship, determination, stamina and above all courage. At the 606-nautical mile Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Double Handed Class is somewhat under the radar with only three entrants, but this year’s competitors were a diverse and experienced group.

ARTIE, Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

ARTIE, Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Taking line honours in the Double Handed Class was White Star, a custom 54-footer, which finished yesterday afternoon with an elapsed time of 4 days, 6 hours, 44 minutes, and 18 seconds. But the Italian boat would have to wait until today when BOV Plain Sailing finished, to see who would win on corrected time.

White Star’s crew were experienced double handed sailors Diego Tisci and Daniele Chiamenti; Tisci is a veteran of eight Rolex Middle Sea Races, Chiamenti several as well, but this is the first double handed Middle Sea for either of them. An Italian owner built the yacht and is entering it in double handed races as a way to showcase its’ potential. As Tisci said, “This was the first race of a new program for the boat. It was like a test; so we see how the yacht goes, how we have to optimize that and the crew.

VARUNA, Jens Kellinghusen - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

VARUNA, Jens Kellinghusen - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

“We had a problem at the start and we broke the jib, this is why we stayed far to the east on the way to Messina. We could only use the staysail and code zero, which doesn’t allow you to sail very close to the wind – that’s why we had a very strange track! At the end that was the best we could do. Around Stromboli, we didn’t have much wind and again it was difficult to go to weather without the proper headsail.

Chiamenti explained, “After that the race was very strategic. But our strategy was based on the sails that we had, not on the wind!” When the forecast coincided with this strategy, White Star was in good shape. From Trapani on, the northwest breeze allowed them a favourable point of sail. To add to their woes, White Star lost instruments as well. The two sailors estimated maximum wind speed at approximately 35 knots; but off the wind, and with a staysail set, they were good to go.

Asked about the best part of sailing double handed, Tisci said with a smile “I think the team.

E1, Vladimir Prosikhin - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

E1, Vladimir Prosikhin - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

But really, I like sailing short-handed. It’s nice to be at sea. You don’t have to argue about what you think is right or wrong; it’s your race, just yours. You aren’t a wheel in a big mechanism; you are only the mechanism. And we take all decisions together.”

The two concurred about the course, and Chiamenti said, “For sure it’s the best race in the Mediterranean. It’s very tactical, and the panorama is great. You’ve got a volcano, you’ve got the Messina Strait, and the time of year is great, it’s not too cold, not too warm.

The 34-footer, BOV Plain Sailing, crossed the line midday on Thursday after five days, zero hours and 52 minutes at sea. Their corrected time was good enough to give the Maltese boat the Double Handed Class overall win.

BOV PLAIN SAILING-TANGO 34, Anthony Camilleri - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

BOV PLAIN SAILING-TANGO 34, Anthony Camilleri - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Maltese sailing veteran, skipper/owner Anthony Camilleri is no stranger to the Rolex Middle Sea Race, sailing in his tenth race. But his crew, Gilbert Azzopardi has never raced two-handed before and neither has the boat. The Tango 34 is the smallest and lightest boat of the 76 yachts that started the race.

Camilleri spoke dockside after completing the race, “I am delighted that we have won, but first and foremost, I must give a mention to Bepe Bisotto, skipper of Atame. We had a great battle, often side-by-side, but when we developed a problem with the reefing lines of our mainsail, he offered to stop and help. That offer of assistance shows the spirit of our discipline, we look after each other.

“Probably the lowest moment in the race was the last night. We were tired and the weather was really bad, up to forty knots of wind on the beam, with six metre waves crashing into the cockpit. We took down the mainsail and continued under storm jib alone, it was the hardest part of the race. This race is one of contrasts and the previous day the sailing was spectacular. Downwind with the spinnaker up, we were surfing at a constant 12 knots, at times accelerating to 18 knots. It is an amazing feeling with just the two of us, a very special moment.”

Last night, the Fast 42 Atame pulled into Trapani to get a respite from the relentless wind and sea. Beppe Bisotto emailed, “ ‘Ad impossibilia’ (it’s impossible), as the Latins say. Ian (Knight) and I shared the same thinking. Outside, a Force 8 gale is blowing hard from the north. No way to pass Favignana island, as we had been stopped for ten hours with no wind. We missed the wind shift, blowing at SW Force 7 straight into the face, with forecast predicting force 8 on the back. More than this, to Pantelleria Force 7 SW on the nose was forecast. So, surrounded by gales, we decided to stop and avoid any possible damage. Do not forget that we were only two- handed instead of a full crew of eight to ten. By the way, we are happy to have raced faster than many bigger boats with full crew! Atame is definitely solid, fast, and reliable.”

Only the x40 Pita Maha (ITA), retired today, bringing the total number of retired boats to 13, with 58 boats finished and two still racing (note: three boats have sought shelter, but have not officially retired).The race fleet can be tracked online at www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/tracker/#tracker

The final prize giving is at 12.00pm on Saturday, 30 October at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta, Malta

Rolex Middle Sea Race, Esimit Europa 2 receives line honours.

October 25, 2010

At 18h 32m 32s CEST on Monday the Rolex Middle Sea Race committee signaled the finish and line honors victory for Esimit Europa 2 (SLO) in Marsamxett Harbour. The Slovenian maxi’s elapsed time was 2 days, 6 hours, 52 minutes, 32 seconds.

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 - Line Honours - crossing the finish line at 183232 Photo credit Rolex Daniel Forster

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 - Line Honours - crossing the finish line at 183232 Photo credit Rolex Daniel Forster

Dockside at Grand Harbour, owner Igor Smic was presented with a Rolex Yacht-master timepiece by the Malcolm Lowell Jr. from Edwards’ Lowell, as well as the R.L.R. Line Honours Trophy by Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, Georges Bonells DuPuis.

Line Honours Presentation, L-R Georges Bonello DuPuis (RMSR Commodore), Igor Simcic (ESIMIT EUROPA 2) and Malcolm Lowell Jr. from Edwards' Lowell Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Line Honours Presentation, L-R Georges Bonello DuPuis (RMSR Commodore), Igor Simcic (ESIMIT EUROPA 2) and Malcolm Lowell Jr. from Edwards' Lowell Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Recapping the race, Flavio Flavini, Esimit’s skipper said, “It was quite a slow race in the first part, but then towards the coast of Sicily the wind started to increase. The first difficult part was entering the Strait of Messina because at that moment there was very light wind and it was very difficult to get in, but then after a while the current helped and we were able to manage quite well and leave the Strait quite fast.

Esimit led from the race start in Grand Harbour and managed to keep putting distance on Leopard until some 25 miles from the Strait of Messina where the maxi stopped in a big hole and their speed dropped away to zero. Leopard closed the gap, but then found themselves in the same hole.

Esimit managed to restart and gain ground, as Tiziano Nava, the navigator said, “We restarted and Leopard stayed stopped, probably there was some current against them. We gained a lot of miles at that point. For the rest of the race, we sailed pretty well, we made the right sail changes: the wind changed, the angle changed, all the time we had the right sails, so we could produce maximum target speeds, all the time.”

Flavini continued the story, and said, “Quite a large area around Sicily was light to very light wind, so quite complicated, because it was difficult not to stop in a wind hole. Towards the Egadi Islands we had some sirocco winds, which helped the boat to accelerate. But then it changed very quickly from the sirocco to the mistral, not too strong, but good enough to move well. The second part of the race was in fact very nice, with a nice breeze and fast.” The most wind Esimit saw was about 23 knots between Lampedusa and Malta; the maxi sailed 23 knots, with one reef in the main and a genoa staysail, later changing back up to a full main

About their win Flavini added, “It’s really not an easy one, full of tricks and I have to say, it’s really a great race. We got line honours, but we do not know how we will end up in handicap. We can’t do anything more, just wait. If the wind picks up the small boats will win; if it drops, we might do well.

“For us the big challenge was again Leopard, who won Line Honours last year here, but has also won the Rolex Fastnet, so it’s not an easy boat to beat, even more so because it is a very good boat , but I think in this light winds we had an advantage with our boat. If it had been a very windy race, we don’t know.

Esimit Europa 2 has had a successful first season taking line honours at the Giraglia Rolex Cup winning the Maxi class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, and line honours at the Barcolana Race. About Esimit’s Rolex Middle Sea Race win, Igor Simcic, owner and project manager said, “This race is much different from the other races, it’ve very important, very difficult, and winning this race ahead of Leopard is a good message that we are doing our job seriously, that we are preparing ourselves to the maximum, and that we are thinking of the future. We must be perfect today to have a chance tomorrow to take another important step.

Going forward next year, Esimit Europa 2’s program is to do the same schedule of regattas, as well as entering the Transpac Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Simcic said, “We want to give this message of all Europeans on the same boat very clearly and with the results we are confirming that it the only way to achieve European goals.

This year’s weather conditions, lighter than forecast in the speed department, were not conducive to knocking off the course record. Esimit’s time was seven hours outside of the course record set by George David’s Rambler (USA) of 47 hours, 55 minutes, and 3 seconds.

The final prize giving is at 12.00pm on Saturday, 30 October at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta.

Rolex Middle Sea Race: Competitive international sailing yacht fleet registered.

September 23, 2010

With just a month to go until the start of the 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race, over 60 yachts have registered for this ever-challenging 606-nautical mile offshore race, which starts from Grand Harbour in Malta on 23 October 2010.

View of the start in Grand Harbour - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

View of the start in Grand Harbour - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

While some distance races effectively run straight along a rhumbline, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is unique as its course is almost square in shape. Starting from Grand Harbour the fleet heads north to Sicily and a passage up its eastern coast to the Strait of Messina. Once through the Strait, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands, including Strombolicchio and the active volcano of Stromboli, where the yachts turn west to the Egadi Islands. At the western corner of Sicily, competitors head south towards the island of Lampedusa, leaving Pantelleria to port. Once past Lampedusa, the fleet turns northeast on the final leg to the Comino Channel and the finish in Marsamxett Harbour.

This year, the 31st edition, has a United Nations quality to it, with 64 yachts from 18 countries, including, notably, more entries from Eastern Europe than any prior year, including Marton Jozsa’s R/P Custom 60, Wild Joe from Hungary; Moryanka, Yaroslav Isakov’s Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i from the Ukraine; Three Sisters, Milan Hajek’s Beneteau First 40.7 from the Czech Republic; and from Russia, Sergey Popelyshev’s Dufour 45 Comrade, Valentin Zubkov’s Shipman 63, Coral, and Oleg Smirnov’s Business System Telehaus.

One of the most recent entries, and one of the biggest, is Mike Slade’s maxi sailing yacht ICAP Leopard (GBR). The 100-foot Farr-designed canting-keeled maxi was launched in 2007 and has been actively campaigned, racing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race in 2007 & 2009, the Rolex Fastnet Race in 2007 and 2009 (Line Honours winner both years), and the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race, where Leopard was Line Honours winner and missed breaking the course record by less than 25 minutes.

Sailing yacht ICAP LEOPARD, taking line honours 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Photo Credit Rolex Alan Carville

Sailing yacht ICAP LEOPARD, taking line honours 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Photo Credit Rolex Alan Carville

The irrepressible Slade will be back to take another shot at the record, and he said, “We love the challenge of the Rolex Middle Sea Race as you’re pretty much guaranteed to use every sail in the inventory, which gives the crew a good workout.  The scenery is spectacular – combined with the wonderful hospitality of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, ensures that this is an event on our racing calendar that we look forward to immensely.”

ICAP Leopard should provide fellow 100-footer, the Reichel/Pugh-designed Esmit Europa suitable competition, as they have raced against each other in EsImit’s former life as ex-Alfa Romeo 2.

Andres Soriano is back with his mini maxi Alegre (GBR), to defend their overall win in the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Soriano and his Mills-designed 68-footer have enjoyed an impressive racing career to date, with recent class wins at both the Rolex Capri Sailing Week and the Rolex IMA Championship. Alegre also claimed Line Honours in the 2008 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Another in the maxi fleet is the Baltic 77, Black Pearl launched in 2008 and entering its’ first offshore race. The yacht was custom-built as a family cruising boat –a ‘café racer’ – with a lifting keel and a full cruising interior. The boat sports such details as a birch veneer interior in the main salon, and an emphasis was made on using lightweight materials, such as carbon/Nomex panels for the interior furniture, and composite rigging.

While the boat has not raced offshore yet, it has accumulated a fair number of sea miles – since her launch in Finland, she has been to the Caribbean, through the Suez Canal to Egypt and cruised extensively in the Mediterranean.

As well, Black Pearl’s crew is highly seasoned with Rolex Fastnet’s, Rolex Sydney Hobart’s, Newport Bermuda Races and trans-atlantic races under their belts. Navigator Marc Lagesse sailed with the South African team in the 32nd America’s Cup, and the boat’s designer Bill Tripp will sail onboard as well.

Skipper Matthew Sweetman said, “The owner has been looking at sailing in an offshore race for some time and the Rolex Middle Sea Race fit in very well with this year’s program, and is sailed in some of the more interesting part of the Mediterranean, with differing weather patterns and scenery. Her performance has been impressive and it will be great to push her around a long race course to see what she can really do.”

With three weeks until the close of entries (15 October), more boats are still trickling in. The record year for entries was 2008 – the 40th anniversary of the race – with 78.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race commences on Saturday, 23 October 2010. The final prize giving is on Saturday, 30 October. George David’s Rambler (USA) established the current Course Record of 47 hours, 55 minutes, and 3 seconds in 2007. 



Rolex Middle Sea Race to start October 23rd 2010

September 02, 2010

Whilst the major noise surrounding the 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race will resonate around the yacht Esimit Europa 2’s anticipated assault on the course record, there is much more to the race than the maxi component. The Maltese participation is a crucial element in the success and popularity of the race. After watching foreign yachts secure overall victory in seven out of the eight races so far sponsored by Rolex, there is a feeling amongst the locals that it is time to redress the balance. When the 606-nautical mile race starts on 23 October, there will be a veritable posse of Maltese yachts chasing the seemingly elusive crown.

2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - fleet passing Stromboli - Photo Credit to Kurt Arrigo/Rolex

One of those yachts is even named Elusive II; the weapon of choice for Arthur Podesta, a thirty-time veteran of the race, which is now approaching its 31st edition. Podesta’s record is enviable. No other major 600-nm offshore course – Rolex Fastnet, Rolex Sydney-Hobart or Newport-Bermuda – can boast a participant that has competed in every race since its inception. Immensely proud of his continuing achievement, which includes being a three-time winner as crew, Podesta takes nothing for granted and is happy enough to make the start-line each year. Do not confuse that with lack of ambition. Podesta and his crew, which usually has its backbone formed by his three children – Maya, Aaron and Christoph – push as hard as anyone for the win. In 2008, they finished third overall, a mere forty-minutes off the corrected time pace.

Another family affair involves the last Maltese winners and a family name synonymous with the colourful history of Malta’s flagship sailing event. In 2002, John Ripard Jr and Andrew Calascione sailed Market Wizard to first overall. This year they are back again, with a neat twist as Ripard explains, “my brother-in-law Andrew Calascione and I will co-skipper Andrew’s very recent acquisition Jaru, which is a J-133. We’ll have with us a crew comprised almost entirely of direct family, being: my two sons, Sebastian and Thomas; Andrew’s two sons, Daniel and Marc; plus, my sister Rachel’s son, Luke Scicluna, and, my sister Erika’s son, Sam Pizzuto. My father, John Ripard Sr [winner of the inaugural race in 1968], will have six grandchildren on the same boat!” The remaining three crew are Benji Borg, Sebastian Ripard’s 49er Olympic campaign partner, John Santy from the UK and an Australian, Jordi Smith.

DSK PIONEER INVESTMENTS at the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Image credit to Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Another local with an eye on the main prize is Jonas Diamantino embarking on his tenth race and, once again, with Comanche Raider II Gasan Mamo. Diamantino exudes optimism ahead of each race; firmly believing he has the crew and the boat should the conditions favour them. This should not be seen as making excuses ahead of game-time for a poor finish. However good the handicap system, there is always an element of chance that the weather conditions will suit one end of the fleet or the other. That is the accepted nature of long-distance yacht racing. In recent years the big boats have held the upper hand. 2008 provides the sole glimmer of hope since 2002 for the smaller yachts, when the First 40.7, Spirit of Ad Hoc, took the crown.

Also in the same camp as Diamantino is Jonathon Gambin, with Ton Ton Surfside. Gambin sees nothing wrong in aiming high; seeking to test himself and his crew each time they cross the start line. Sandro Musu and Aziza have also come close to the Holy Grail, finishing fifth overall in 2004. Musu is as excited as ever heading into his seventh straight race.

2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Strombolicchio - Image credit to Kurt Arrigo

Kevin Dingli and Fekruna will be satisfied to make the start line after last year losing his rig just before his debut race as skipper. Caught by a truly destructive waterspout during the inshore warm-up race, Dingli thought his race was over until his friend Peter Vincenti offered up his yacht, Manana. Edward Gatt Floridia, who has tasted the glory of being onboard the first Maltese yacht to finish, is skippering Otra Vez Fexco, one of the smallest boats in the fleet, for the second time. Another member of the Ripard clan will be on Lee Satariano’s J-122 Artie. Christian Ripard is a two-race winning skipper, once in 1996 and then again in 2001; coincidently, both times with J-Boats – maybe a good omen. Satariano, himself, came close to the ultimate prize in 2006, almost scooping the trophy from under the nose of the German maxi Morning Glory. Alfred Manduca and Allegra round out the Maltese roster.

Sonke Stein may be German, but he is as good as a local in the eyes of many. He and his exuberant crew, which includes seven Maltese, have been a feature of the race for a number of years. Stein loves the it, most of the time, and this year is entering a new boat, coincidently a J-133 just like Ripard and Calascione, “she’s named Juno and though she is registered in Hamburg, she is based in Malta. We have raced the boat a couple of times and are very happy with her performance. The crew is still a majority of Maltese, comprising my old team mixed with some others from the J-125 Strait Dealer [winning boat in 2001] crew. With experience from my earlier J-105 Oh Jee and the experience from Strait Dealer added to it we are looking forward to the race.”

Whatever the weather and whatever the eventual results, the Maltese crews may expect a crescendo of noise to match any surrounding their more celebrated foreign-counterparts. The crowds lining the Valletta bastions at the start and the Royal Malta Yacht Club deck at the finish will make sure of that.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race commences on Saturday, 23 October 2010. Entries close on 15 October. The final prize giving is on Saturday, 30 October. George David’s Rambler (USA) established the current Course Record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds in 2007.

31st Rolex Middle Sea Race 2010

August 11, 2010

25 Sailing Yachts have confirmed so far their presence at the 2010 31st Rolex Middle Sea Race with the largest yacht being the maxi Esimit Europa 2 yacht (EUR), formerly Alfa Romeo II, with her 30.5 metres (100 foot). Commodore Georges Bonello Dupuis is happy with the amount of entrants, however hopes to exceed the previous year’s turn out.

Start of the 30th Rolex Middle Sea Race 2009 - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

The summer sailing season is halfway through in the northern hemisphere. For some yachts their autumn schedule is coming to the fore. The Rolex Middle Sea Race has long been the season closing offshore race. At 606-nautical-miles it is a major test in anyone’s programme and once again, the 31st edition is attracting the usual mix of professional and Corinthian adventurers willing to pit their skills and reputations against one of the most technically demanding races in the calendar. The nature of the course and its location make predicting the weather and the winner a lottery, but when 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race starts from Grand Harbour on 23 October, a raft of uncertainties will be answered.

Elusive Medbank - 2008 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Image credit to Rolex_Kurt Arrigo

At present 25 yachts have committed themselves to the challenge, which according to Commodore Georges Bonello Dupuis is a good showing at this stage in proceedings, “of course, we’d be happier with more, we are always greedy! We have grown used to a surge in September as those that have planned the race for some months finally submit their entry form. We always hope to beat the previous year’s fleet, but seventy yachts may prove too much.” On 23 October, we’ll know the answer.

The largest and fastest yacht entered is 30.5-metre (100-foot) racing yacht maxi Esimit Europa 2 (EUR) (formerly Alfa Romeo II). The yacht itself has graced the four-cornered race once before in 2006. She was unable to show her true pedigree as light winds plagued the second half of the course, which takes the fleet from Malta, through the Strait of Messina, past Stromboli across the northern coast of Sicily, through the Egadi Islands and south to Lampedusa and Pantelleria, before heading eastwards back to Malta. Under new ownership, Slovenian Igor Simcic, and new management, Italian Flavio Favini, Esimit proved herself still to be the fastest yacht in Europe by winning line honours at the Giraglia Rolex Cup in June. On 23 October we will know if Esimit has a shot at the course record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds set in 2008 by the American yacht Rambler.

Nadejda in 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

At the moment, the newest yacht expected on the start line is the 24.5-metre (80-foot) Singularity sailing yacht. Designed by Adrian Konynendyk and built by McConaghy in Australia, Singularity was launched earlier this year. According to racing skipper, Bouwe Bekking, who won the race overall on his last visit in 2006 with Morning Glory, Singularity looks and performs like a racing yacht, but conceals a full interior designed by Mark Tucker and Design Unlimited. “She defies logic,” says Bekking. “With her performance polars you’d imagine she must be like a Volvo 70 down below. She’s not at all. She has a lightweight interior, but of the highest quality and luxury. We’re looking forward to the race; it is a true tactical challenge. Hopefully, we’ll get breeze all the way around the course.” On 23 October we will get to see what Singularity is truly made of.

Looking at other parts of the fleet: the oldest yacht entered to date is the forty-year old sailing yacht Andrea (NED), a Camper & Nicholson 55 skippered by Jacobus Labeij. The smallest yacht is Claudio Barzan’s X-362 Spinone Offshore (ITA) with a length overall of 10.72-metres (35 feet). The furthest travelled category is likely to be taken by American Bryon Erhart’s modified TP52 Lucky, although the Ukrainian entry Moryanka of Yaroslav Isakov claims its homeport is in The Seychelles. Jonas Diamantino, Comanche Raider II Gasan Mamo Insurance (MLT) holds pole position as most experienced skipper with nine races under his belt, closely followed by Filippo Lancelotti, Sciara (ITA), who is aiming for his ninth Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Luna Rossa 2009 - Photo credit Rolex Kurt Arrigo

With substantially more entries expected, between now and October, a number of these claims may well be supplanted. What is certain though is that all competitors, young and old, professional or Corinthian, contender or adventurer, fast or slow, that are on the start line on 23 October will be shaping more of the history of this remarkable race.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race commences on Saturday, 23 October 2010.
Entries close on 15 October. The final prize giving is on Saturday, 30 October 2010.
George David’s Rambler (USA) established the current Course Record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds in 2007.

2010 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE IS TAKING SHAPE

June 03, 2010

The Rolex Middle Sea Race heads towards its 31st edition in great health. In recent years the 606 nautical mile race has seen a consistency in entry levels that seemed inconceivable, ten years ago. Not just are numbers good, the quality is excellent and the international contingent a key contributor. Throw into the mix that the Royal Malta Yacht Club has moved into new, modern premises and put the showpiece start into one of the world’s showpiece arenas – Grand Harbour – and there seems little doubt that this classic offshore test will continue to move from strength to strength. The 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race starts in a little under five months time on 23 October.

Start of the 29th Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta

Unsurprisingly, entries have already begun to arrive in the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s mailbox. The current entry list has competitors from the USA, the UK, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany and, of course, Malta. Whilst some eyes may be on the movements of last year’s overall winner, Andres Soriano, to see if he returns with his Mills 68 Alegre (GBR) to defend his hard won crown, an equal number will be watching Mike Slade and ICAP Leopard (GBR) to see if they will return for another stab at the course record that narrowly eluded them last year. Neither has yet been drawn on their intentions for this year. Of course, though, there is more to headline grabbers with this race.

The course is without doubt a true navigational test. It is one that involves volcanoes, islands, headlands, tidal gates, varied winds and rapidly changeable seas. Tom Addis, a competitor last year and one whose professional resume includes the Volvo Ocean Race, describes the navigator’s challenge, “this race is always very interesting. You don’t get many 600-mile races with this number of corners and land effects. Quick changes in conditions and very local changes, especially going up through the Strait of Messina. There’s always something to be working on next with no big straight lines,”

Yacht BOMBARDINO at the Coastal Race - Photo by Rolex, Kurt Arrigo

In 2006 it was Hasso Plattner, owner of the maxi Morning Glory that best summed up the peculiarities ““It’s warm, it’s great [racing] around the islands and you’re never out of the race. Every corner you turn, and it starts again. We had a fantastic race against Maximus. Each corner, it was hello, good morning, and let’s start the race again.”

Peter Isler is another renowned navigator who has attempted the challenge. In his case, back in 2007, and he has acknowledged the tricky nature of the racetrack, “the course has a lot of opportunities for tactical decisions and local knowledge. The race is set up for someone who has done it before. You could build up a lot of local knowledge…I aim to talk to someone who has done the race before about how to get up through the Straits, playing the currents there and the winds at the various turning marks. It’ll be fun though. I love a highly tactical race with a lot of challenges.

Sailing Yacht RAPTURE, Jeff Hanlon Photo by - Rolex, Kurt Arrigo

Some of those with local knowledge already have their preparation well in hand. Jonas Diamantino from Malta aims to embark on his tenth race. Last year Diamantino was third in his IRC class and finished twenty-second overall with Comanche Raider II Gasan Mamo Insurance.

“Comanche Raider II is a Judel/Vrolijk designed ILC 40 optimised for IRC, ” according to Diamantino, who has made a number of changes since acquiring her. “We’ve already replaced the keel, fitted a fixed bowsprit and installed a high-modulus carbon mast. This year we’ve added a carbon boom. All of which allows bigger, masthead asymmetric sails and more speed downwind.” Diamantino takes great pride in his participation, “for me, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is all about the excitement and tension leading up to the start, and, the satisfaction of completing the race safely.”

RAPTURE, Farr 100 at the start of the Coastal Race Photo by Rolex, Kurt Arrigo

Another local Maltese crew looking ahead is Jonathon Gambin and Ton Ton Surfside. This will be Gambin’s fourth race. Last year he suffered the frustration of retiring on the first night with rig trouble following some heavy conditions that eventually put paid to a number of other yachts. “We were having a really good race [and] were at the front of our class. We had seen winds between 25 and 30 knots, and were fast with good boat speed. We needed to free a halyard during a sail change and sent a man up the mast. He spotted a big crack in the starboard spreader. Luckily, we were on port tack. We chose not to risk any more, dropped our sails and retired.” A few hours later Tom Addis’s ride, the STP65 Rosebud, lost her mast.

Sailing Yacht ROSEBUD - TEAM DYT at the Start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race Malta - Photo by Rolex, Kurt Arrigo

Gambin is on a mission to do better this year, “we have been racing hard and well this season. I have a regular crew, all with experience of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. I feel much better prepared already, this year, and with a little help from the weather we will be trying our best for an overall win.”

That might seem seriously ambitious. But the Maltese have a history of winning this race. The last time a Maltese yacht won was in 2003, and many think their time is due again.

Sailing YachtROSEBUD - TEAM DYT at the Start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race Malta - Photo by Rolex, Kurt Arrigo

For the 31st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Royal Malta Yacht Club is looking to break the eighty-boat barrier. “It can be done and we are working hard to maximize entries,” says Commodore Georges Bonello DuPuis, “but naturally we are always satisfied simply to put on another successful race that matches or exceeds the expectations of all the competitors – however many they are and wherever they come from.”

The Rolex Middle Sea Race commences on Saturday, 23 October 2010.

Entries close on 15 October. The final prize giving is on Saturday, 30 October 2009.

George David’s Rambler established the current Course Record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds in 2007.

Race Yacht ALEGRE From Above 2 Photo by Kurt Arrigo

The Rolex Middle Sea Race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Unique for a race of this length in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the 607-mile route includes the deep azure waters of Sicily and the Straits of Messina, along with the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. It even features Stromboli’s active volcano as a course mark. Starting from Grand Harbour beneath the bastions of the UNESCO Heritage City of Valletta, the 2010 race will mark the 31st edition.