ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE2014
Transcription
ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE2014
ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 35TH EDITION CONTENTS ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EVENT PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd EDITORS Godwin Zammit Francesca Vincenti Maria Vella-Galea ART & DESIGN Network Publications SALES & MARKETING Nick Formosa 99438839 04 06 10 12 14 20 24 26 29 35 36 38 44 Commodore’s Message Welcome Messages Schedule of Event Off Shore Classics Highlights of 2013 Past Winners The Fleet for 2014 Kurt Arrigo RMYC Entries The Fifth Element Honourable Mention: Teddie Borg Jury List Class Challenges You Can Trust Thomas Smith to Deliver Shipping | Insurance Freight Forwarding | Port Agency With over 165 years of integrity, insight, expertise and experience we make sure that our clients are always in good hands for any shipping and insurance requirement. For Shipping details kindly email [email protected] or give us a call on 22058135 For Insurance details kindly email [email protected] or give us a call on 22058000 www.tcsmith.com COMMODORE’S MESSAGE GODWIN ZAMMIT For yet another year the Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown in the numbers of boats that have committed to compete in this ever popular offshore race. As the date draws near a fleet, impressive not only in numbers but also in its quality and diversity, has been building up to face the challenge. Much has been written about the fascination with this race over the years that it has been run. The scenic but challenging course, the hospitality that the RMYC offers its guests, the entertainment before the race and the reception on their return have all played their part in making it the international event that it has become. In October a large number of sailors, professionals as well enthusiastic amateurs, will gather in Malta for this exciting race. For many it will not be their first time here and for others it will be the fulfillment of something they had wished to do for some time for this is one of those races that most offshore sailors wish to do. The crew party gets the event going as more than a thousand sailors and friends gather at the club for a night of entertainment before the race. After the spectacular start in Grand Harbour, the race itself is long and challenging and on their return the sailors can expect a warm reception at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Many are those from the club that contribute to making this race happen but I particularly wish to thank our partners Rolex for their continued support which has been instrumental to the growth of the race. I also wish to thank the Ministry of Tourism and Transport Malta for their co-operation in organizing this event. The Royal Malta Yacht Club is ready to welcome all participants to this year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race I wish them all a successful and rewarding race. 04 56 WELCOME MESSAGES DR. EDWARD ZAMMIT LEWIS MINISTER FOR TOURISM I would like to welcome you to the 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, an event that has assisted our island to build a strong image of a year-round destination, making Malta one the least seasonal Mediterranean island destinations. Tourism is a major contributor of the Maltese economy, representing directly and indirectly almost 30% of our Gross Domestic Product. Malta has been registering progressive growth in tourism year on year. 2014 is a record year where the amount of tourist arrivals is set to reach an annual amount of almost four times our population. Sports Tourism is indeed one important driver. Our climate with its mild winters and particularly hot summers makes this country an ideal place to cater for and promote even further the growing niche of Sport Tourism. Besides the climate, our geographical position in southern Europe makes the Maltese islands also a perfect and remarkable destination for beginners as well as for experienced sailing enthusiasts looking for a flexible range of sailing options. 06 The Rolex Middle Sea Race brings together participants hailing from Mediterranean countries and beyond. It is a pleasure for me to note that this year’s race will bring together different countries from around the world amongst which UK, Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, Malta, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Austria, USA, Slovenia, Monaco and Switzerland. Crews from all over the world are already making their way to Malta to prepare for this 606 nautical mile race and acclimatize themselves to the notorious October weather patterns in the Mediterranean that make this one the most challenging race on the Rolex Calendar. Moreover, the Rolex Middle sea race also promotes the Maltese Islands as a perfect holiday destination, through the vast reportage that such prestigious events are given in the media which are bound to put Malta in the limelight for the days of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Government is firmly committed to support events of this caliber, for better prospects in the Tourism Sector in the immediate future and beyond. Together we can be a catalyst for this country to make a quality leap in tourism. It is with great pleasure that I welcome all crew members, yacht owners, skippers, sponsors, and their supportive families, and anyone connected to this event as well as esteemed international journalists who came here purposely for this. I wish you all a very safe and exciting race! You are my sunshine on a rainy day People you can trust Call 8007 3434 or visit atlas.com.mt Ta’ Xbiex | Paola | SkyParks | Bormla | Qormi | Birkirkara | San Gwann | Rabat | St Paul’s Bay Atlas Insurance PCC Limited is a cell company authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on general insurance business. The non-cellular assets of the company may be used to meet losses incurred by the cells in excess of their assets. CHRIS AGIUS PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR RESEARCH, INNOVATION, YOUTH & SPORT It is that time of year again, when one of our harbours provides the perfect backdrop for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. It is with pleasure that I welcome you to the 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which has put Malta on the map as far as regatta races are concerned. The Rolex Middle Sea Race has, over the years, become a distinguished race, often mentioned concurrently with Rolex Sydney-Hobart, and we are all proud to have such a race start and end in our little island. The legacy that this race holds shows the prestige it carries. In these 35 editions, there has been an increase in the number of participants year by year. We have seen sons and daughters following in the footsteps of their parents. This legacy serves also as a promotion for the young generation which still finds the race as interesting. Sports tourism in our country is still in its initial phase. However, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the activities that contributes most to this new tourism. The Government is working to increase visitor numbers by offering incentives to Sport Governing Bodies to hold international events in our country. Already, our climate and strategic position helps to attract athletes who see value in training on the islands, away from the logistical problems that their country might pose. Having said that, October offers challenging weather for the participants of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Throughout the years we have seen yachts face difficulties along the route; such difficulties make the race a daunting one. But then the Rolex Middle Sea Race attracts sailing boats whose crews have experience of different seas and races. Malta has to live up to the impeccable organisation that has always reigned in this race. I am sure that the RMYC committee will once again not disappoint in this respect. I wish the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the crew members and skippers participating in the event, families that have come to support GAVIN GULIA CHAIRMAN, MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY I take this opportunity to welcome the Rolex Middle Sea Race in its 35th Edition. This is an event of great prestige for Malta and it continues to highlight our country as a popular destination for tourists and the sailing community. Needless to say, sport and in particular yachting, is a very important contributor to our Industry. Indeed, Malta being the southern most point of Europe, makes our position in the Mediterranean and its importance in the sailing industry indisputable. Our shores, harbours and our climate, highlights our Country as the ideal destination to promote Sports Tourism, not only during the peak months but also in the shoulder months with growing interest throughout the entire year. The Malta Tourism Authority has along the years supported this event and other international events through its network of overseas offices and its PR Agencies, as well as through our Local Department. It shall continue to do so for the benefit of this event itself as well as for the benefit of the entire Industry. It is the aim of the MTA to strengthen this particular segment with the renewed enthusiasm to support this niche to grow. I wish you all a very safe and successful race and look forward to meeting you again next year. 08 Photo Photo Photo Credit Credit ---Martin Gilles Gilles Gilles Martin Martin Martin Raget Raget Raget Photo Credit - Gilles Martin Raget Photo Photo Photo Credit Credit Credit ---Gilles Gilles Gilles Martin Martin Martin Raget Raget Raget Photo Credit -Credit Gilles Raget OCEANIS Oceanis 41 // 48 Oceanis 41 // 45 4538 48 Daysailor – Weekender – Cruiser Never has comfort been so great Never Never has has comfort comfort been been so so great great Forth Mansions, Mansions, Ta’ Ta’ Xbiex Xbiex Sea Sea Front, Front, Ta’ Ta’ Xbiex. Xbiex. XBX XBX 1027. 1027. Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Ta’ Xbiex. XBX 1027. Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Ta’ Xbiex. XBX 1027. Forth Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Ta’ Xbiex. XBX 1027. Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Ta’ Xbiex. XBX 1027. Tel: (+356) (+356) 21 21Forth 346 461 461 | Email: Email: Ta’ [email protected] | www.medyachtsales.com www.medyachtsales.com Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Sea Front, Front, Ta’ Ta’ Xbiex. Xbiex. XBX 1027. 1027. Mansions, Xbiex XBX Tel: 346 [email protected] Tel: (+356) 21 346 461 Email: [email protected] www.medyachtsales.com Tel: (+356) 21 346 461 |||| Email: [email protected] |||| www.medyachtsales.com Tel: (+356) 21 346 461 Email: [email protected] www.medyachtsales.com Tel: (+356) 21 346 461 Email: [email protected] www.medyachtsales.com Tel: (+356) (+356) 21 21 346 346 461 461 ||| Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] ||| www.medyachtsales.com www.medyachtsales.com Tel: 6 spinnaker / autumn 2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENT REGISTRATION Monday 13th to Thursday 16th October at RMYC (09:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 18:00) On arrival in Malta all entrants complete their registration with the Race Office SCRUTINEERING Monday 13th to Friday 17th October (By arrangement with Safety Inspectors) Boats undergo a safety inspection to check compliance with regulations 10 COASTAL RACE (IRC ONLY) Wednesday 15th October (start at Marsamxett Har.bour 10:00) A short day race in Maltese Waters CREW PARTY Thursday 16th October at RMYC (20:00) The Crew Party is the highlight of the week leading up to the start BRIEFING Friday 17th October at RMYC (18:00) The evening before the start of the race the skippers are given a pre-race briefing ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE Saturday 18th October Start at Grand Harbour(11:00) The race starts off in Grand Harbour with a sequence of starts ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY Saturday 25th October At Mediterranean Conference Centre (12:00) The event ends with the prize giving ceremony at Mediterranean Conference Centre ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 11 THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE A CLASS OF ITS OWN The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a classic 606 nautical mile offshore race that is organised on a yearly basis by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, with the support of ROLEX. The race was first staged in 1968 with just eight boats in late November and won by Josian skippered by John Ripard Senior. Now in its 35th edition, this sporting challenge has succeeded in attracting a growing number of yachts that put their endurance to the ultimate test when facing a course that brings on changing seas and wind conditions, throughout the course. Those who have sailed the ‘Middle Sea Race’ have described it as the most beautiful course in the world. The coastal beauty of Malta itself is enhanced by the rich history that this island has witnessed, from pre-history to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, the Ottoman, Spanish, Corsairs to the Knights of St John, the the French navy, the Russian and British Fleets right up to the giants of WWII who fought for control over this strategic rock. The race sets itself apart from other offshore classics in that it starts and ends in the same place. It takes its participants on one of the most scenic routes of the Mediterranean on an anti-Clockwise journey. With the start to the sounds of the cast iron cannons set up high above the bastions overlooking the Grand Harbour of Valletta, hundreds of spectators line the fortifications built by the seafaring Knights of St John to cheer the fleet out past the breakwater. The yachts will sail up along the East coast of Sicily, passing the towns of Syracuse, Catania and Europe’s largest most active volcano Etna to get through the straits of Messina as fast as possible where they will face the notorious currents between Reggio Di Calabria and Sicily. From there they sail in a North Westerly direction to round the smouldering Island of Stromboli – a most visually spectacular volcano to witness especially at night. Once past Stromboli the yachts turn South West to Favignana, Southwards to Pantelleria, with a final rounding at Lampedusa where the final home run to Malta begins- all islands are left to Port in this race. It is also one of the most tactically demanding offshore courses on the calendar with every turning point marked by new conditions and variable weather. Set in October, the autumn weather sees a meeting of warm & cold fronts that bring on spectacular celestial electric light shows to crystal clear days accompanied by friendly dolphins and other sentient beings worthy of Grecian mythology. The race is open to yachts ranging from 9.0m to 30.5m, starting from production boats to professional maxis. As many as 90 yachts have been participating in recent years with interest 12 from new countries being received with each new edition. The fleet is divided into classes and dual scored under IRC and ORC, thus giving boats the possibility to compete fairly in a large varied fleet. In the days leading up to the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Royal Malta Yacht Club welcomes the registrants, organises activities and a short coastal race, a skippers briefing and the renowned Crew Party. After the race itself, the prize giving is held in one of the most architecturally impressive creations left by the Knights, the Sacra Infermeria - the world’s first real hospital that cared for all citizens regardless of their social standing or wealth and nationality. Today, this building is a conference centre that has welcomed skippers, crews, friends and families as all celebrate the winners of each class and forge new friendships. Over the years, the RMSR has seen internationally renowned sailors on some of the worlds fastest boats grace the start line. From Nirvana in 1982, to Saudade in 1983, to Sagamore in 1997, Zephyrus IV, Nokia, Alfa Romeo, Esimit Europa, Hugo Boss, Strait Dealer, ABN Amro (winner of the Volvo Ocean Race), and the super Maxis, Maximus to ICAP Leopard. The list is endless. In 2012 Esimit Europa II returned to claim Line Honours that she had set in 2011, but the overall in IRC was won by the South African yacht Hi Fidelity while the overall winner in ORC was Optimum 3 Aspida from Greece. 2013 saw Kristina Plattner’s Morning Glory finish with Line Honours and the overall the winner in IRC was B2. Johann Killinger on Emma won the ORC. The largest number of entries to date was 99 established in 2013. This year’s line up is already seeing a competitive fleet list with entrants such as Ran, Esimit Europa 2 and others including last year’s overall winner B2 warming up to this ultimate test of seamanship but most of all patience in the ever changing yet demanding conditions that this offshore race offers. The race is included in the Trofeo d’Altura del Mediterraneo together with the Palermo to Monte Carlo race, as well as the long races of the Giraglia Rolex Cup and the Tre Golfi Week. It is one of the races that counts towards the Royal Ocean Racing Club Annual Offshore Championship. The course record for the Rolex Middle Sea Race was set in 2007 by Rambler and remains as yet, unbroken at an impressive 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds. The 35th Edition is being sponsored by ROLEX who has consistently supported this Classic since 2002. Their support has been instrumental in the success and growth of the race in recent years. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 Course CourseMap: Map: Strombollicchio Strombollicchio Vito Lo Lo Capo Capo S. Vito Levanzo Levanzo Messina Messina Favignana Murro MurrodidiPorco Porco Pantalleria Pantalleria Capo CapoPassero Passero Malta Start/Finish Malta Start/Finish Lampedusa Lampedusa 13 A LOOK BACK AT THE 2013 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE PERSISTENCE REWARDED IN MALTESE CLASSIC As always it began in style. A spectacular start sequence, set against Valletta’s sun-kissed limestone bastions and animated by the firing of cannons from the grandiose Saluting Battery, opened the 34th Rolex Middle Sea Race. and traditional methods to get the best from the yacht. “We ended up racing B2 like a dinghy and Francesco (de Angelis) had to call strategy almost completely blind – I don’t think he had more than two hours sleep!,” confirmed Postigo. For the second year running the sizeable watching public witnessed a record-breaking fleet depart from Malta ahead of a 606-nm anticlockwise loop around Sicily. 99 yachts from 19 countries easily surpassed the figure of 82 entrants from 2012. A remarkable ascendancy for the event organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and sponsored by Rolex since 2002. Expertly guided by de Angelis, B2 was able to avoid many of the traps the chasing fleet fell into. “It was a difficult race, the first time this team has done a race this long together. To arrive ahead of almost 100 boats is a great achievement,” explained de Angelis, no stranger to the course. Sailing an all out racing boat like a TP52 is not necessarily the most relaxing way to experience the Rolex Middle Sea Race. “We are very tired!,” he continued, “comfort is not really associated with a TP52 and we experienced everything: light, medium and some strong wind. Technically and physically it was a very challenging race. The key was not losing ground in the difficult moments or becoming blocked during periods of light air.” The reasons for its continued popularity are clear: a breathtaking race course, tactically challenging and scenic in equal measure, close competition throughout the fleet and, above all, the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The 2013 race was characterized by light conditions, demanding patience and perseverance in the quest for small positional gains. The Kristina Plattner-skippered Maxi Morning Glory from Germany claimed line honours as the race’s fastest boat while the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy for overall winner was awarded to B2 from Italy. B2 IS THE ANSWER Michele Galli’s TP52 B2 ended an eight-year hiatus since the last Italian victory at the Rolex Middle Sea Race. On that occasion, Carlo Puri Negri’s Farr 70 Atalanta II scooped both of the race’s main prizes. B2 arrived in Malta with winning intentions as Spanish navigator Nacho Postigo confirmed shortly before the race. “This is a boat which has a good chance as it performs well in both light and strong winds.” Almost exactly three days after the start, B2 was the eighth boat to complete the race. An impressive feat that saw her top the leaderboard on corrected time. Immersed in rapidly fading conditions, the chasing fleet would find it impossible to surpass the B2 benchmark. The TP52 is a stripped-down racing boat, not designed for comfort rather constructed for maximum performance. It is a model that regularly performs well in the fickle world of offshore racing. Both Franck Noel’s Near Miss from Switzerland, winner of the 2012 the Giraglia Rolex Cup, and American Brian Ehrhart’s Lucky, Rolex Middle Sea Race winner in 2010, are TP52s. B2’s success was one of persistence, teamwork and creative thinking in the face of adversity. On the second night the crew lost their onboard electronics, probably due to flooding. “We tried everything to reboot the system, but it simply didn’t work, all the displays went black,” explained Postigo. The solution relied on the height of modern cellular technology: one smart phone with a compass app strapped to wheel pedestal to maintain course and another phone loaded with digital cartography to plot position. Technology may have provided a stopgap solution to the navigation, but in the absence of key instruments, the ItalianSpanish crew was forced to rely inherent nautical instincts 14 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 TRIUMPHANT RETURN Morning Glory returned to the Rolex Middle Sea Race for the first time since winning the competition in 2006. Derailed by a last minute technical hitch the 100-ft Maxi Esimit Europa 2, line honours winner during the last three editions, was unable to defend her title and consequently the chase for line honours was more open than in recent years. Morning Glory and the two competing 72-foot Mini Maxis Alegre (GBR) and Robertissima (ITA) began as favourites. Morning Glory, Hasso Plattner’s 86-ft Maxi, skippered for the first time by his daughter Kristina, led from the start and was able to gain a march on her nearest rivals through the Messina Strait and the approach to Stromboli. While the race record of 47 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds was never under serious threat, her position at the front of the fleet was comfortable. “There were a few light patches in the north of Sicily after Stromboli. We got in the lee of the island and ended up with a lot of light running so it wasn’t conducive to getting the record. However, we never felt threatened by the boats behind us,” explained navigator Andrew Cape. Fellow afterguard member Chris Nicholson agreed: “The conditions were lighter than predicted but that didn’t surprise anyone. This is a very changeable racecourse, which definitely keeps you concentrated. Weather forecast and routing software are not that useful, you have to see what is happening around you and react.” Despite not being able to race the boat to anywhere near its full speed potential, most evident during the painful crawl to the finish line after just over two days and 16 hours at sea, the crew enjoyed their success. “The victory means a lot,” explained Kristina Plattner. “It is the first time my father has not been on the boat when I am here. I was quite scared beforehand to do this without him but I’ve known some of these guys for years and they looked after me really well. It’s been pretty awesome!” CORINTHIAN COURAGE Despite the difficulties encountered during the long week at sea, the vast or mainly Corinthian fleet revelled in the competition, its challenges and warm welcome on arrival back in Malta. Massimo Juris and Pietro Luciani’s First 40.7 Blucolombre (ITA) won the increasingly popular and keenly contested double-handed class, where resources are stretched to the limit. “I originally entered the boat with a regular crew and then I saw there was already a lot of double-handed boats so I switched my preference,” explained Juris. When pressed for his reasons for sailing double-handed, Juris admitted: “Sailing with just two people, there is more room on board. For an owner to manage a crew it’s always a big task. In long races with a lot of people it can be uncomfortable.” On the other hand, sailing double-handed the hours are longer and responsibility greater. “You have to be available at all times,” continued Juris, “the watch shifts are very important, you have to manoeuvre continually as if you had a full crew. The legs are relatively short so you can’t put things off. We are always having to bang on the boat to suddenly wake the other one up!” Racing fully-crewed and as a local sailor Edward Gatt Floridia, Maltese skipper of J/122 Otra Vez, could draw on greater Rolex Middle Sea Race experience. “Racing in light airs is very tiring, to keep the boat moving requires the whole crew to concentrate, even the off-watch have to wake up and move their weight to the correct side of the boat. The weather suited the bigger yachts this year.” The rare statistic of just one retirement demonstrates just how well prepared the largely amateur fleet was and their determination to finish the course, in spite of what the elements dictated. HOPEFUL FOR A HUNDRED With the race over for another year, the Royal Malta Yacht Club is already looking to the future and is confident that the race will break the symbolic hundred entrant level next year. “The Club speaks with many sailors and yacht clubs in the Mediterranean, word of mouth from sailors who have enjoyed the race helps. We have seen a big increase in the medium to smaller boats and amateur crews. Hopefully it will grow even more,” explained Commodore Godwin Zammit. The 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday 18 October, 2014. Further information on the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race can be found at www.rolexmiddlesearace.com 15 2013 ROLEX MIDDLE BOAT TYPE CLASS B2 NIKKA SIXTY FIVE EMMA ALEGRE CANTANKEROUS WILD JOE CARO ROBERTISSIMA III MORNING GLORY SPEEDY OTRA VEZ EOS PITA MAHA OILTANKING JUNO SAGOLA BIOTRADING BLACK BULL XP-ACT THREE SISTERS FREYJA AMAPOLA DUFFY OF MARINA DI POLICORO HAKUNA MATATA ARTIE-RTFX VIKESHA II ELUSIVE II CAPRICCIRICCI JSTORM MUSIC LA REPONSE KING’S LEGEND TRES AMIS COURRIER DU COEUR MUCA MACA - TAMAR RACING BLUCOLOMBRE TON TON MALTACHARTERS.COM TRUSTMARQUE QUOKKA UNICA KUKA-LIGHT KABESTAN INTUITION COMANCHE RAIDER II GASAN MAMO WINDRIVEN LIBERTINE CLEM AURORA SEAWOLF OF SOUTHAMPTON ENCORE TWT UCOMM STREKOZA KRASOTKA GAETANA PROSPETTICA IRC 52 65’ sloop Swan 60 Mills72 Cookson 50 R/P CUSTOM 60 Botin IRC65 MINI MAXI 72 Z86 MARTEN 49 J 122 ELAN 410 X-40 J 133 Grand Soleil 37 J 111 XP 44 Beneteau First 40.7 ELAN 40 Oceanis 430 Dufour 34e Performance SUN FAST 3200 J122 Xp 44 First 45 X 55 J 111 Swan 53 First 40 Swan 65 ELAN First 44.7 Xp 44 FIRST 40.7 Dufour 44 Performance Grand Soleil 43 Solaris One 42 One Off 42 Reflex 38 ILC 40 Dehler 34 COMET 45 S Swan 56 canard 41 Pronavia 38 First 40.7 Class 40 Salona 41 B&C41 Swan 651 Comet 41S Class 2 Class 2 Class 2 Class 1 Class 2 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 2 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 1 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 2 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 16 CORRECTED TIME d h m 4 5 51 4 8 15 4 8 42 4 9 16 4 9 28 4 10 36 4 10 42 4 11 34 4 13 20 4 15 2 4 15 28 4 15 29 4 15 37 4 15 45 4 15 50 4 17 32 4 18 12 4 19 13 4 20 29 4 20 34 4 21 1 4 21 10 4 21 10 4 21 34 4 21 43 4 21 59 4 22 25 4 22 47 4 22 49 4 22 51 4 22 58 4 23 1 4 23 3 4 23 9 4 23 10 4 23 16 4 23 17 4 23 44 4 23 48 5 0 1 5 0 16 5 0 26 5 0 52 5 1 10 5 1 10 5 1 24 5 1 25 5 1 41 5 1 54 5 1 56 5 2 15 s 27 21 39 21 38 4 10 33 29 41 15 44 19 51 38 25 6 13 19 50 2 3 32 30 21 57 43 32 35 23 48 2 23 10 50 55 57 22 9 59 30 23 27 16 59 20 31 50 10 15 35 POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 t BOAT NAME ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 SEA RACE IRC RESULTS BOAT NAME BOAT TYPE CLASS LILLA AK 47 REBEL URBAN HOTEL DESIGN ESCAPE BY TOMMY HILFIGER HIGH SPIRIT LITTLE EMILY AUGUST RUSH BETA PAINTS SCIARA LION LOGIC DUSTOM MOON SHINE MONTRACHET KNYAZ JOKER GALILEO JUKEBOX TRYSAIL BELLAMIA ANNA FULCRUM II MONSTER PROJECT LANDE LURIGNA GLOBAL YACHT RACING - EH01 SHAMLOR LUNZ AM MEER ATAME WAYPOINT AQUIS GRANUS BIG ONE EXTREME SAIL ACADEMY BLACK CAT FEKRUNA OJALA’ II AZUREE INFANTA GAGARIN MANANA SKIPPERCLUB LIBERA POKEKIAKKIERE BAVARIA MLT52 CNB 76 BENETEAU FIRST 45 first 40 First 47.7 First 44.7 First 40.7 Pacer 376 First 44.7 Reflex 38 Salona 37 Cori 52.5 Swan 48 Arcambault 40 Bavaria Vision 50 FIRST 47.7 IMX 40 Sun Fast 43 Mobile 53 Class 40 VOLVO 70 Azuree 40 Baltic 56 First 47.7 Nacira 67 Swan 651 / 07 Fast 42 Class 40 Lutra 52 WOR 60 Class 40 Elan 310 OCEANIS 411 CELEBRATION IOR One Tonner Azuree 33 One Off Yawl First 47.7 OCEANIS 523 Elan 431 COMET 51S ELAN 340 Vision 50 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 2 Class 2 Class 1 Class 4 Class 2 Class 4 Class 1 Class 3 Class 3 Class 2 Class 2 Class 1 Class 2 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 CORRECTED TIME d 2h m s 5 44 14 2 5 56 43 3 5 3 2 3 5 19 17 3 5 30 26 3 5 39 28 3 5 51 3 3 5 53 35 3 5 58 44 4 5 1 48 16 4 29 20 4 5 10 38 4 5 46 16 4 5 48 2 6 5 5 16 6 5 10 11 7 5 49 47 8 5 4 8 8 5 31 50 9 5 3 4 9 5 13 51 9 5 21 10 9 5 56 1 11 5 56 11 12 5 27 9 12 5 40 13 14 5 48 54 16 5 42 51 19 5 11 6 19 5 28 53 0 6 18 23 2 6 54 35 5 6 49 25 6 6 30 50 6 6 35 43 14 6 29 23 14 6 53 33 18 6 13 20 9 5 17 42 4 6 25 45 DNF POS 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 93 93 17 2013 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE ORC RESULTS BOAT NAME BOAT TYPE CLASS EMMA CANTANKEROUS B2 WILD JOE SAGOLA BIOTRADING PITA MAHA CARO CIPPA LIPPA 8 MORNING GLORY OILTANKING JUNO THREE SISTERS SPEEDY DUFFY OF MARINA DI POLICORO HAKUNA MATATA XP-ACT FREYJA AMAPOLA TRES AMIS ELUSIVE II VIKESHA II COURRIER DU COEUR ARTIE-RTFX LIBERTINE STREKOZA ESKAPADE UNICA PROSPETTICA COMANCHE RAIDER II GASANMAMO LILLA SEAWOLF OF SOUTHAMPTON AK 47 CLEM HIGH SPIRIT REBEL URBAN HOTEL DESIGN WAYPOINT MOON SHINE JOKER BELLAMIA KNYAZ ANNA ATAME BIG ONE PATRICIA2 AQUIS GRANUS BLACK CAT FEKRUNA OJALA’ II LIBERA MONOMOTAPA DREAMING SWISS GAGARIN POKEKIAKKIERE Swan 60 Cookson 50 IRC 52 R/P CUSTOM 60 Grand Soleil 37 X-40 Botin IRC65 Cookson 50 Z86 J 133 Beneteau First 40.7 MARTEN 49 Dufour 34e Performance SUN FAST 3200 XP 44 ELAN 40 Oceanis 430 ELAN First 45 Xp 44 First 44.7 J122 COMET 45 S Salona 41 X 119 Solaris One 42 Comet 41S ILC 40 CNB 76 Pronavia 38 BENETEAU FIRST 45 Swan 56 First 44.7 first 40 Class 40 Cori 52.5 Bavaria Vision 50 Sun Fast 43 Arcambault 40 Mobile 53 Fast 42 WOR 60 Class 40 Lutra 52 Elan 310 OCEANIS 411 CELEBRATION IOR One Tonner COMET 51S SWAN 46MK1 Xc 42 First 47.7 ELAN 340 Class 2 Class 2 Class 1 Class 1 Class 4 Class 4 Class 1 Class 2 Class 1 Class 3 Class 4 Class 2 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 3 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 4 Class 2 Class 3 Class 2 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 3 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 Class 4 18 CORRECTED TIME d 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 h 22 23 23 23 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 3 14 15 16 19 20 0 0 1 5 6 10 16 11 12 15 11 m 44 36 37 50 50 4 17 5 5 13 20 55 59 39 57 3 29 59 10 33 34 36 47 47 55 58 7 30 43 0 10 19 2 18 6 54 19 56 38 54 18 22 48 2 29 7 13 29 20 46 17 8 s 8 35 56 30 38 47 26 40 40 1 13 23 57 1 23 31 30 15 8 6 15 10 19 29 27 58 24 31 40 48 26 25 53 1 25 15 46 55 45 37 19 36 49 34 49 23 32 34 20 11 18 6 POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 6-9 NOVEMBER ROYAL MALTA YACHT CLUB, TA’ XBIEX OVER 40 EXHIBITORS . PRODUCT LAUNCHES OPENING & CLOSING CEREMONY (EVENTS BY MARTIN) FASHION SHOW ON THE BREAKWATER (MODELS M) & MORE... C [email protected] 9943 8839 circleeventsmalta.com facebook.com/circleeventsmalta BLUE MED Y A C H T I N G E O N A H C TER NG R R TI E T HA CH N E C YA S AY ED E E D D G EM E N I N LU T N B AT IN H W IT W F ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE TROPHY WINNERS 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Josian Surprise Tikka Comet Genoeffa Aura Mandrake Valentina Sumbta IV Bembow Nita IV Nita IV Nita IV Antares Levantades Saudade Bigfoot Albablu Leo Pigier Aspirin Astro 2K Zephyrus IV Strait Dealer Market Wizard (Jammin) Nokia (Enigma of London) Optimum III Atalanta II Morning Glory Rambler Spirit of Ad Hoc Alegre Lucky Artie Hi Fidelity B2 J. Ripard M. Violati J. Ripard C. Ricci M.Ruggero Bianchi W.Stenhouse G. Carriero E. Masini M. Boris E. Recchi N. Mazzaferro N. Mazzaferro N. Mazzaferro P. English G. Diano A. Buel C. Ripard R. Irrera A. Ursino R. Wilheim R. McNeil C. Ripard J. Ripard Jr./ A. Calascione C. Dunstone N. Lazos / P. Livas C. Puri Negri H. Plattner G. David T. Bouchard A. Soriano B. Ehrhart L. Satariano E. de Villiers M. Galli Malta Italy Malta Italy Italy United States of America Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy France Italy Germany Malta Italy Italy Austria United States of America Malta Malta United Kingdom Greece Italy Germany United States of America France United Kingdom United States of America Malta South Africa Italy ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE LINE HONOURS (MONOHULLS) 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20 Stormvogel Stormvogel Stella Polare Penduik III Mania War Baby Entreara II Benbow Benbow Benbow Mistress Quickly Rumegal Bumblebee IV Antares Nirvana Saudade Alexia B Sagamore Riviera di Rimini Riviera di Rimini Zephyrus IV Strait Dealer Nautor Challenge Alfa Romeo (Shockwave) Alfa Romeo (Shockwave) Atalanta II Alfa Romeo (Shockwave) Rambler Alegre ICAP Leopard Esimit Europa 2 Esimit Europa 2 Esimit Europa 2 Morning Glory C. Bruynzeel C. Bruynzeel M. Di Giovanni E. Tabarly P. Goulandris W. Brown G. Moratti E. Recchi E. Recchi E. Recchi W. Whitehouse Vaux R. Gardini J. Kahlbetzer P.Englsh M. Green A. Buell A. Roemmers J. Dolan G. Benvenuti G. Benvenuti R. McNeil C. Ripard S.Spangaro N. Crichton N. Crichton C. Puri Negri N. Crichton G. David A. Soriano M. Slade I. Simcic I. Simcic I. Simcic K. Plattner Holland Holland Italy France Greece Bermuda Italy Italy Italy Italy Bermuda Italy Austria France United States of America Germany Argentina United States of America Italy Italy United States of America Malta Italy New Zealand New Zealand Italy New Zealand United States of America United Kingdom United Kingdom Slovenia Slovenia Slovenia Germany ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE COURSE RECORD (MONOHULLS) 1968 1973 1978 1998 2000 2007 Stormvogel War Baby Mistress Quickly Riviera di Rimini Zephyrus IV Rambler C. Bruynzeel W. Brown W. Whitehouse Vaux G. Benvenuti R. Mcneill G. David Holland Bermuda Bermuda Italy United States of America United States of America 146hrs. 9 mins. 45secs. 86hrs. 46mins 33secs 79hrs. 20mins. 57secs. 72hrs. 50mins. 42secs. 64hrs. 49mins. 57secs. 47hrs. 55mins. 3secs. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE PRIZES A Rolex Timepiece will be awarded to the first monohull boat to finish the race and to the overall winner on corrected time in the IRC Category. It is also intended to award first, second and third prizes in each class where the number of entries is six or more boats and first and second prizes where there are only five or less boats in a class. The Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy will be awarded to the overall winner on corrected time of the IRC Category. The Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy will be awarded to the overall winner on corrected time of the ORC Category. The RLR Trophy will be awarded to the first monohull boat to finish the race. The John Ripard Trophy will be awarded to the monohull boat that breaks the course record established in 2007 by Rambler. The course record is 47hrs 55mins 03secs, over a distance of 606 miles. The course record will be decided by taking the highest average speed over the particular course sailed and the John Ripard Trophy will be awarded if this average speed is greater than 12.64 knots established in 2007. The FIV Trophy will be awarded to the first Italian Boat on corrected time in the ORC Category. The Youth Cup will be awarded to the youngest crewmember on board any competing boat. The Transport Malta Trophy will be awarded to the first boat to finish the race having a Maltese citizen as skipper and the majority of crew being Maltese. The Malta Tourism Authority Trophy will be awarded to the first foreign boat to finish the race. The Starboard Trophies will be awarded to the first boat on corrected time in each of the IRC and ORC Categories, having a Maltese citizen as skipper and the majority of crew being Maltese. The John Illingworth Trophy will be awarded to the first boat on corrected time in the Double Handed Class. The Captain Morgan Trophy will be awarded to the first boat on corrected time in the Multihull Category. The Italian Ambassador’s Cup will be awarded to a boat that is deemed to have performed an outstanding act of seamanship or sportsmanship The Nations Cup will be awarded to the three boats from one nation with the best combined overall positions on corrected time in the IRC Category. The Swan Mediterranean Challenge Trophy for first Swan on corrected time in the IRC Category. 21 HISTORY BECKONS The 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is fast approaching and appears likely to rewrite the record books. Entries are shortly due to close and the Royal Malta Yacht Club is already bracing itself for the biggest fleet to grace its island home since the Great Siege of 1565. The Ottoman Armada of 450 years ago was recorded to be 193 in strength. This year’s race entry is currently 129 and, even with the likelihood of some falling by the wayside before the start on Saturday, 18 October, there is every possibility that the number crossing the start line in Grand Harbour will exceed the current highest entry of 99 participants set last year. The vibrant interest in this 606-nm offshore race reflects a resurgent passion within the yacht racing community for events that offer a proper test to both Corinthian and professional crews. The similar length biennial Rolex Fastnet Race is the biggest in terms of sheer numbers, attracting in excess of 300 yachts in each of its two most recent editions. This year’s 70th edition of the Rolex Sydney-Hobart (slightly longer at 628-nm) anticipates a fleet around 130 yachts, which would be its largest entry for 20 years. INTERNATIONAL SCOPE As a core component in the offshore ‘circuit’, the Royal Malta Yacht Club can take pride in its ability to consistently draw yachts from around the world. Italy and the United Kingdom provide a solid foundation, with Russia, Germany, The Netherlands and France sizeably swelling the ranks. The local Maltese naturally contribute a good contingent, while entrants from Australia and the USA add a touch of glamour to a nation/ territory roster that currently stands at 23. WINNING WINDS Predicting the outcome of the race is full of ‘what ifs’ this far out. Esimit Europa 2 is the most powerful boat, and a banker to be first home should all go according to plan. Skipper Jochen Schümann is looking forward to the race: “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is both the highlight and the end of the year for Mediterranean offshore sailing. It is a tradition and one of the best races we do.” If the wind cooperates Schümann will undoubtedly have half an eye on the course record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds set by American George David’s Rambler in 2007. His crew will take nothing for granted having had to withdraw from last year’s race after the yacht’s rig broke during the delivery passage to Malta. 22 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 The wind gods will also play their part in determining the overall victory. Swedish internet entrepreneur, Niklas Zennström will be hoping the mythological deities will favour his latest Rán (named after a Norse sea goddess) in the quest to add the Rolex Middle Sea Race to his impressive list of palmarés, which includes back-to-back Rolex Fastnet wins. Zennström’s Maxi 72 recently finished second at the Mini Maxi Rolex Worlds in Porto Cervo. The Greek pair of Pericles Livas and Nikos Lazos, racing the 52-ft Optimum 3 will recall their famous victory in 2004, and will hope the mid-fleet gets the better of the conditions as they prepare for another assault on the course that takes yachts from Malta, north to the Strait of Messina, past the volcanic island of Stromboli across the northern coast of Sicily, through the Egadi Islands and south to Lampedusa and Pantelleria, before heading eastwards back to Malta. Another former winner, Lee Satariano skipper of the 40-ft Maltese yacht Artie, which sent national pride soaring in 2011,will be leading the prayers for the smaller yachts in the fleet. Whatever the eventual conditions and the eventual outcome, the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race looks set to further cement the race’s place in the gilded pantheon of offshore yacht racing. And, the island at the ‘Crossroads of the Mediterranean’ will take centre stage once again as a cosmopolitan fleet prepares to take on this classic adventure. 23 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA BOAT RACE NAME SAIL NO. BOAT TYPE ENTRANCE INFRARED BELLA SASSY NO-RELAX AZAWAKH WAYPOINT BENEMEDO FULCRUM II CASSIOPEIA HEBE IV FREYJA The Yacht Tribe TEASING MACHINE SHAMLOR TEAM JOLOKIA CRUZE ESKAPADE BEST BUDDIES ISKAREEN POGO 1 AQUIS GRANUS BLACK PEARL DRALION MOANA VARUNA SJAMBOK XP-ACT BANKS SAILS RACING SEAWOLF ACR 2X LADY RUTH ACR OPTIMUM 3 - ASPIDA - SAXO BANK DU 4 ENCORE SOUTHERN CHILD AMAPOLA ANOUSCHKA AZUREE CUOR DI LEONE DUFFY BY MARINA DI POLICORO FUTURA MAGIA POKEKIAKKIERE SAGOLA BIOTRADING VELENOSA ATAME AURORA ITA 333 PAZZIDEA PROSPETTICA WALLE G AKOYA ALCOR V ARS UNA GAETANA GREEN CHALLENGE IL CAVALIERE IL MORO DI VENEZIA XXVII NEO FERMAX PEGASUS SCIARA ZENHEA TAKESHA B2 CIPPA LIPPA 8 DURLINDANA3 HAGAR II MASCALZONE LATINO CANTANKEROUS DAMACLE EXTREME SAIL ACADEMY RQ 145 Aus 1123 AUT 80 BEL 12345 CRO 69 CRO 2513 CZE 100 517 FRA 40 FRA43512 FRA38757 FRA38565 FRA 43534 GER 001 GER 3919 GER 4908 GER 11 GER 6002 GER1375 GER70067 MLT 5301 GER 5549 GER6700 GER 6480 MLT 9939 GBR6738R FRA 28482 GRE 53 MLT 1962 IRL8407 GBR8405R ITA 15585 ITA 12770 ITA 16569 ITA 12447 ITA-16134 ITA 11062 ITA16691 ITA-4033 ITA 15037 ITA-13477 GBR 2472 R ITA 333 ITA 15363 ITA 16335 ITA 16797 GBR4728T ITA-13834 ITA 15001 GBR3968 ITA136 Il cavaliere 3 ITA 16417 ITA-4001 FRA 3600 ITA 14741 ITA 16126 ITA 5200 ITA-4888 Ita16923 ITA15561 ITA 14909 ITA 16133 FRA37250 ITA 84 First 45 Vision 50 IMX 38SD MC 34 Patton POGO S1 Class 40 Comet 45 S Pogo 40S2 Class 40 Dufour 500 Grand Large Elan 40 Racing First 40.7 A13 NACIRA67 VO60 Corsair CRUZE 970 X 119 441 R M34 Pogo 40 Class 40 Lutra 52 Carkeek 47 KER53 C/R Marten 49 Ker 50 Reichel Pugh 48 Xp 44 Pronavia 38 First 40.7 FARR 52 OD Dufour 45 First 40.7 Bermudian Sloop Oceanis Beneteau 430 first class europe Azuree 33 JOD 35 Dufour 34e viva 48 GRAND SOLEIL 39 NEW ELAN340 Grand Soleil 37 RIMAR 36 Fast 42 Canard 41 X-37 1.98 comet 41 s Grand Soleil 43 F BALTIC 58 BENETEAU FIRST 47.7 ADRIA 49 Swan 651 BM40 Class 40 Comet 50 NM 43 Neo 400 carbon akilaria 950 First 44.7 MILIUS 48 IRC 52 Cookson 50 Farr 60’ Felci 61 Cookson 50 COOKSON 50 J 122 Class 40 Richard Harrison Brian Pozzey Australia Murray Wilkes Murray Wilkes Australia Karsten Heinzle Karsten Heinzle Austria Eric Van Campenhout/Vincent WillemartEric Van Campenhout/Vincent Willemart Belgium DAMIR ČARGODAMIR ČARGOCroatia Jan Hirnsal Jan Hirnsal Czech Republic Fulcrum Sailing s.r.o. Marek Chatrny Czech Republic Zdenek Jakoubek Zdenek Jakoubek Czech Republic CORDEAU Bernard G. CORDEAU Bernard G. France Yann Lythgoe Yann Lythgoe France Eric De Turckheim ERIC DE TURCKHEIM France BENOIT TORSET OSCAR KONYUKOV France Sarah Fraisse Pierre Meisel France Stolz Stolz Werner Germany Michael Drettmann Michael Drettmann Germany Kay-Johannes Wrede Kay Johannes Wrede Germany Christiane Dittmers / Soenke Bruhns Christiane Dittmers / Soenke Bruhns Germany Sailing Island GmbH Heiner Eilers Germany Gerhard Henssen Gerhard Henssen Germany Stefan Jentzsch Stefan Jentzsch Germany Pit Finis Pit Finis Germany Dr. Hanno Ziehm Christian Hamma Germany Jens Kellinghusen Jens Kellinghusen Germany Jens Kuehne Jens Kuehne Germany Josef Schultheis Josef Schultheis/Timmy Camilleri Germany David Latham David Latham Gibraltar Wouter Hazebroek Wouter Hazebroek Gibraltar Periklis Livas & Nick Lazos Periklis Livas & Nick Lazos Greece The Blondes Mr Cathal Drohan Ireland Dermot Cronin Dermot Cronin & Bernard McGranaghan Ireland Darren Wright Darren Wright Ireland ASD Anemos - Maviglia M. D’Amico Italy Mario barbetti Mario Barbetti Italy Ballerini Pierpaolo Pierpaolo Ballerini Italy Isidoro Santececca Isidoro Santececca Italy Enrico Calvi Enrico Calvi Italy leonardo cattaneo leonardo cattaneo Italy Massimiliano Rizzo Massimiliano Rizzo Italy Alberto de Rossi Alberto De Rossi Italy Peppe Fornich Peppe Fornich Italy Marco Valentini MARCO VALENTINI Italy Beppe Bisotto Beppe Bisotto Italy Roberto Bruno Bruno/ Bonomo Italy Guido Longhi Guido Longhi Italy Giacomo Gonzi giacomo gonzi Italy BRUNO MARIN MARCO AUGELLI Italy Franco Henny Franco Henny Italy GENNARO AVERSANO GENNARO AVERSANO Italy ANTONIO GIULIO CAFARO ALBERTO NUNZIANTE Italy riccardo pavoncelli Riccardo Pavoncelli Italy Alessio Verardo Cristiano Verardo Italy Fabrizio Saveriano Fabrizio Saveriano Italy Alessandro Narduzzi Alessandro Narduzzi Italy PAOLO SEMERARO PAOLO SEMERARO Italy PIETRO BEORIO Boerio - Conforto Italy Filippo Massimo Lancellotti Filippo Massimo Lancellotti Italy QUADARELLA ALDO - ELIA NATALE Quadarella Aldo Italy Giorgio Benussi Michele Galli Italy Guido Paolo Gamucci Francesco Diddi Italy Giancarlo gianni Giancarlo gianni Italy Gregor Stimpfl Gregor Stimpfl Italy Vincenzo Onorato Vincenzo Onorato Italy Germana Tognella Gabriele Bruni Italy Roy Caramagno Roy Caramagno Italy Sergio Frattaruolo Sergio Frattaruolo Italy 24 SKIPPER COUNTY ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 RACE 2014 FLEET LIST BOAT RACE NAME SAIL NO. BOAT TYPE ENTRANCE SKIPPER AMBERSAIL AC marine Tango for 2 FEKRUNA MALTESE FALCON II ARTIE GEISHA L L Y C LIQUIGAS XPLANE OTRA VEZ UNICA ELUSIVE BOV OILTANKING JUNO AUGUST RUSH BETA PAINTS MANANA SALANASAILING Foreign Affair WINSOME COIN COIN MONTRACHET TULIP OZ HISPANIOLA SKIPPERCLUB TON TON KABESTAN COURRIER DU COEUR GAGARIN High Spirit PARMA ANNA Petite Flamme TSAAR PETER JUKEBOX TRYSAIL KNYAZ SHARK MUCA MACA - TAMAR RACING ESIMIT EUROPA 2 BALEARIA ARMEIGIN 3 RÁN GORDONS KAJSA III KUKA-LIGHT KEYIF 60 FINOLA GABI DUE INTUITION KABESTAN JARHEAD LITTLE EMILY MAGIC DRAGON STORMY WEATHER OF COWES TOMAHAWK EL STAN SIGIRIYA BELLADONNA YACHTING DAWSON MICROSURGERY EALA OF RHU GYR SCARLET OYSTER SLEEPER TELETRADE - NORTHERN CHILD ARWEN BRISTOLIAN GREY GOOSE MONSTER PROJECT KUKRI SHOCKWAVE LTU 1000 MLT341 MLT888 MLT 407 MLT 2222 MLT4041 MLT645 MLT 47 MLT 142 MLT 450 GER-370 MLT 166 MLT 523 MLT 001 MON 46 NED118 NED 342 NED7746 NED 8812 NED8501 15516 2460 RUS MLT274 RUS2790 RUS 030 RUS 15284 2707 RUS RUS 931 RUS 2260 RUS2760 RUS14001 RUS404 SLO 3666 SLO 417 SLO1001 ESP 7369 POR 7070 SWE 72 SUI 5006 SUI2012 SUI 4200 TUR 2028 GBR23806 GBR 3297L GBR9383R GBR 918 R GBR4807R GBR4950T 115 226 GBR6511 MLT445 GBR1346R TBC GBR 7754 R GBR1702T GBR 486 GBR5951T RSA23 GB 7924 R GBR8000L RUS 1 GBR 1203 USA 60272 VO 60 T-34 OCEANIS 411 CELEBRATION Beneateau first 40.7 J 122 IMX40 XC45 J122 Solaris First 45 J-133 Pacer 376 oceaniS 523s Bavaria 46 Cruiser Nautor’s Swan 46 MKII S & S 41 Sydney GTS 43 Nautor Swan 48 Classic 88’ Sloop OPEN 60 EVENTO 42 Elan 431 Dufour 44 Race Bermudian Sloop First 47.7 First 44.7 Dufour 45e Mobile 53 Swan 60 Swan 60 IMX 40 Archambault 40 Sun fast 3200 Xp - 44 Reichel/Pugh 100 TP52 C70 Mini Maxi Baltic 50 DK46 Franco Niggeler Grand Soleil 45 Swan 36 Grand Soliel 37 B&C Reflex 28 J109 First 40.7 Grand Soleil 50 classic yawl Bermudan Yawl Prima 38 445 Grand Large Grand Soleil 46 Contest 50 CS Swan 45 Oyster Lightwave Azuree 46 Swan 51 Akilaria Class 40 CNB 92 special design Swan 82 Volvo Open 70 Nicholson 55’ Bermudan Maxi 72 Arvydas Paunksnis Saulius Pajarskas Anthony camilleri Anthony Camilleri KEVIN F. DINGLI KEVIN F. DINGLI Matthew Scicluna Matthew Scicluna Lee Satariano Lee Satariano David Pizzuto David Pizzuto Sean Borg Sean Borg/Matthew Agius Delicata Aaron Gatt Floridia Aaron Gatt Floridia / Edward Gatt Floridia Jamie Samut Jamie Sammut Arthur podesta Arthur Podesta David Anastasi Sonke Stein Charles Borg Barthet Charles Borg Barthet Peter Ellul Vincenti Peter ELLUL VINCENTI Anna Maria Darmanin Gareth Thomas Paul Basson Paul Basson Harry J. Heijst Harry J. Heijst Bastiaan de Voogd Bastiaan de avoogd Robert Schuijt Bart Ijzerman Melle Boersma Tony Pryor MIKHAIL AGAFONTSEV ILGONIS BALODIS EVDOKIMOV ANATOLII Saulius Veselauskas Oleg Smirnov Oleg Smirnov Yuri Fadeev Lee Gallacher Arbuzov Andrey Arbuzov Andrey Alexey Moskvin Alexey Moskvin Igor Katalevskiy Kirill Sakhartsev Vitaly Tarakanov Vitaly Tarakanov Mikhail Mataruev Mikhail Mataruev Dmitry Samohkhin Andy Beadsworth Sergey Borodinov Sergey Borodinov Mikhail Voronov Mikhail Voronov Anatolii Shchurenkov Anatolii Shchurenkov Janez Gorec Janez Gorec Miha Dolinar Miha Dolinar Igor Simcic Jochen Schuemann Jascha Bach / Toni Guiu Joan Navarro Antonio Mesa Cervigon antonio mesa Niklas Zennstrom Niklas Zennstrom Koenig Juerg Juerg Koenig Rolf Auf der Maur Rolf Auf der Maur Franco Niggeler Diogo Cayolla Elif Gumruk Elif Gumruk Chris Frost Chris Frost Peter Sowrey TBD Yuri Fadeev Yuri Fadeev Gregory Nasmyth Gregory Nasmyth James Sweetman James Sweetman / Simon Sweetman Richard Dickinson Richard Dickinson TARQUIN PLACE Jamie Abdy Collins Jamie Abdy Collins Andrew Williams Andrew Williams Ian D’Arcy Ian D’Arcy Andrew Howard NIck Jones Andrew Dawson Andrew Dawson Jamie McGarry/ Colin Moore Jamie McGarry Global Yacht Racing Andy Middleton & Ross Applebey Jonty Layfield Jonty layfield Lucy Reynolds Petr Nekrasov Austen Clark Austen Clark Philip Rann Daniel Newman Grey Goose Malta Ltd Toby Clarke Andrew Budgen Andrew Budgen SlutterGreg Miller Greg Miller Shockwave George Sakellaris COUNTY Lithuania Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Malta Monaco Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Russia Slovenia Slovenia Slovenia Spain Spain Sweden Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United Kingdom United States 25 Kurt Arrigo IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA! By Wilfred Sultana ‘KURT ARRIGO IS AN ARTIST WHO EXPRESSES PASSION IN HIS WORK, AN ADVENTURER WHO SEEKS TO CAPTURE HIDDEN SHAPES AND SHADES AND A FAITHFUL LOVER OF THE SEA,’ IS MY MODEST INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAY THE TALENTS OF THE MALTESE PHOTOGRAPHER WHOSE WORK GAINED HIM RESPECT AND RECOGNITION AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. KURT’S STANDING IS TODAY REFLECTED IN HIS PROFESSIONAL REPERTOIRE WHERE HIS WORKS FEATURED IN FAMOUS PRINTS THE LIKE OF THE FINANCIAL TIMES WEEKEND, BOAT INTERNATIONAL, YACHTING WORLD, COMMUNICATION ARTS, YACHT CAPITAL, AND SEA HORSE INTERNATIONAL. HIS PROFICIENT SERVICE IS ASSOCIATED WITH FAMOUS BRAND NAMES THE LIKE OF ROLEX, PERINI NAVI, NAUTOR SWAN, OYSTER, BACARDI, STARWOOD, CEVRON, GAASTRA SPORTSWEAR AND HSBC. KURT HAS ALSO HAD HIS THRILLS AS A STILL PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY CAPTURING ON CAMERA MOVIES STARS SUCH AS SHARON STONE, RUPERT EVERETT AND RUFUS SEAWELL. HIS TALENTS HAVE TAKEN HIM TO THE SKIS SLOPES OF KITZBUHEL TO PHOTOGRAPH THE HANNENKHAM AND SKI WORLD CUP FINALS IN SWITZERLAND. CATCHING HIM IN MALTA BETWEEN TWO INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS I SHARED A FEW MOMENTS RELATED TO HIS THRILLING PROFESSION. Kurt Arrigo is also the publisher of three engaging publications which reflect his passion, flair and versatility as a photographer and I would say as an ‘entertainer’, in his own way. These are entitled Malta: A Coastal Journey (published 2005). This was also regarded as the official publication for the CHOGM 2005 held in Malta where all Commonwealth leaders were presented with a copy, Grand Harbour Malta (Published 2011) and Maritime Malta published in 2013. Kurt got his first camera at 11 – “I was attracted to adventure and curiosity that led me to capturing moments that interested me.” Today, a good number of years after that first experience, Kurt Arrigo still goes for adventure and curiosity when behind the camera. Showing the style and creativity of a real artist Kurt’s is a true case aligned to a well-known quote which says that “a photographer shoots with his mind and heart not with his camera”. Certainly one moment of pride in Kurt’s career was when forty-six yacht racing photographers from all over the world submitted the photograph of their choice for the Yacht Racing Image of the Year, presented by Mirabaud & Cie, Private Bankers. Five distinguished jury members described “the five shortlisted photographs as exceptional”. The verdict: “The winner of Yacht Racing Image of the Year 2012 is photographer KURT ARRIGO from Malta.” The Yacht Racing Image of the Year 2012 – taken during the Rolex Volcano Race 2012, featuring the Belgian yacht Nilaya and the reflection of the Island of Capri on her hull. 00 26 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 “I was attracted to adventure and curiosity that led me to capturing moments that interested me” ALTHOUGH YOU ARE WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AS A FOREMOST ‘SAILING’ PHOTOGRAPHER YOUR PORTFOLIO PROJECTS VARIOUS TOPICS. ACTUALLY IS IT A QUESTION OF ‘ONLY PHOTOGRAPH WHAT YOU LOVE’ OR ‘PHOTOGRAPH ANY JOB THAT COMES ALONG’? At this stage I would personally prefer to get involved with assignments that I connect with and feel passionate about. IN THIS REGARD DO YOU HAVE ANY PREFERRED TOPICS? Definitely the sea and anything to do with it would be my first preference. HOW FACTUAL ARE EMOTIONAL FEELING AND MOTIVATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY? The more you are connected with the subject the more one can express it visually in the image which should speak for itself. THE RENOWNED AWARD-WINNING PHOTOJOURNALIST EVE ARNOLD IS QUOTED TO HAVE SAID THAT “IT IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER, NOT THE CAMERA THAT IS THE INSTRUMENT.” HOW CAN YOU APPLY SUCH A QUOTE TO YOUR EXPERIENCE IN PHOTOGRAPHY? I would have to agree with Eve Arnold. Today we are all surrounded by a huge amount of technology to capture images with. Knowing your subject, feeling passionate about it and the commitment is what really captures those moments. YOU HAVE BEEN EVER PRESENT ON THE ROLEX YACHTING CALENDAR FOR A GOOD NUMBER OF YEARS NOW. WHAT MAKES THIS GLOBAL YACHT RACING SPECTACLE SO DISTINCTIVE? The Rolex events are all very special and in their own right are unique which makes them so distinctive - whether it is the class, location, heritage or course – they all having something spectacular to offer. WHAT IS YOUR WISH LIST OF ESSENTIAL FACTORS FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER’S POINTS OF VIEW FOR AN EXCITING AND COMPETITIVE 2014 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE? Undoubtedly in a 606 nautical miles race the weather is one of the most essential factors to create the right scenario for an exciting challenge to the famous skippers and experienced crews and their prestigious boats. 27 DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR BOAT? Have it on display at the Valletta Boat Show C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 6TH-9TH NOVEMBER ROYAL MALTA YACHT CLUB, TA’ XBIEX TICKETS AT €5 (FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 14) BLUE MED Y A C H T I N G autumn 2014 / spinnaker 13 [email protected] . 9943 8839 . circleeventsmalta.com . facebook.com/circleeventsmalta ROYAL MALTA YACHT CLUB COMPETITORS ARTIE RTFX LEE SATARIANO Last year was no easy race as after Stromboli we parked for a long while as others worked their way through the light wind patches! The race can hold many twists and turns this is why the RMSR is one of the top offshore races, right from the straits of Messina, wind shadow round Stromboli and the different elements around the course make it a spectacular race year after year. The Artie crew this year is based on a great local crew Christian & Sebastian co skippers, Matthew, Sam, Tom and Gordon all great sailors! We are at that moment of preparation on board Artie and final stages to fine tuning. Looking forward to another great atmosphere at the RMYC and great credit goes to the committee and staff for all the hard work throughout the year! ELUSIVE II BOV ARTHUR PODESTA When in October 1967 the Middle Sea Race was proposed to the Royal Malta Yacht Club Committee, it was unanimously accepted. That made it an immediate success. The first race was planned for November 1968 and although there were only eight participants they were all thoroughbred yachts. In 1969 there were twelve yachts and the numbers kept increasing. Skippers and crews spread the news about this super race all over the world and with the arrival of Rolex in 2002 it all went viral and today the participants will total a record number of 127 yachts. I feel proud to have been there from day one, as well as to have participated in ALL editions. I raced on various different sized yachts in the early years until I could race my own yacht with my children and friends as crew. This I have done for the past fourteen years. I augur all participants and the RMYC organisers lots of excitement and fair winds. LIQUIGAS XPLANE SEAN BORG With 10 Middle Sea races of experience between our 6 men on board Xplane this should be quite a tough challenge. Plans to race only started 2 weeks ago giving us a short time to prepare the boat. Xplane is 45 feet with 3 guys on each shift, without any words needed this is going to be full on for us. Also being the first time for Xplane so we expect a few problems here and there. As the skipper, at only 20 years of age, am hoping for nothing extreme to come at us, but yet this is what my crew and I live for. With cruising sails, a 14 ton boat, 6 guys on board with an average age of 21 we are going out there as if it’s the last thing we do. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is by far the best thing that happened to us till now. 29 A.C MARINE TANGO FOR TWO ANTHONY CAMILLERI I remember watching the start of the first edition of the Middle Sea race back in 1968. I was only 10 years old at the time but used to sail regularly with Jimmy White, one of the founders of the race on his 37ft sloop Sandettie. Sandettie felt like a big super yacht at the time! I sailed my first Middle Sea Race back in 1997 and participated in at least 12 RMSR editions since, including 4 times double handed. I won the Double Handed division twice, in 2008 on my Bavaria-Flyer MLT 52 and in 2010 on BOV Plain Sailing-Tango 34. This year I will be racing again on Tango for Two which is a light displacement performance cruiser and will probably be one of the smallest boats competing at just under 10m in length. Andrew Agius Delicata is my co skipper and crew this year and has also been sailing since childhood and has participated in at least 4 RMSR editions. This year will be Andrew’s second attempt to do the race double handed with me, last year we sailed my other boat the Bavaria MLT52 but unfortunately had to retire due to some damaged gear. GEISHA DAVID PIZZUTO Lloyd’s of London Yacht Club (LLYC) is proud to be represented in the RMSR this year – the club celebrated 75 years in 2013 and currently has around 800 members and a Swan 53. Lloyd’s itself is recognised as being the centre of the world’s insurance and has long held strong trading relations with Malta and Gozo. The club sought one of the most experienced Maltese racing skippers, David Pizzuto, with a fast yacht and a good knowledge of the race and the waters so that an experienced crew could be seriously focused on sailing to the best of their ability and the prevailing conditions. Truly international in composition, the hand-picked crew cover 5 nations – Malta, Italy, UK and USA and a first female Ukrainian to sail round the world. For several, it is unfinished business, being forced to retire from the RMSR in 2012. All the crew are experienced offshore sailors and are very much looking forward to a memorable race and of course to the famed RMYC hospitality! FEKRUNA KEVIN DINGLI RMSR 2014 will see FEKRUNA, essentially a cruising yacht, participating for the fourth time, even though it was only last year that we finally succeeded in completing the Race. Our objective this year is to improve on our timing and positioning. We are confident of success based on experience gained, a good mix of motivated young and seasoned sailors under the direction of a colourful navigator / tactician, the state of readiness of the boat and the performance we have registered on training sessions. The RMSR is admittedly a gruelling race which is to be taken very seriously, in a full state of preparedness and discipline throughout, but it presents a unique challenge which we find to be utterly irresistible. Crossing the finishing line last year at the end of an exhilarating fetch from the South Comino channel after a frustratingly windless night brought out indescribable emotions in the whole crew. Much has been written about the sheer scenic beauty of the course, even though there are of course a number of offshore stretches where one is left to contemplate the insignificance of man in the context of unbounded open space and untamed wilderness. This year promises to witness a record number of entrants on the start line. We wish everyone a good and safe Race. 30 MANANA PETER ELLUL VINCENTI This year for the second time I will be doing the RMSR double handed with my brother in law and co Capitan Peter Delia. Most people ask if I am a masochist. The definite answer is NO. The challenge is just addictive. Pushing oneself physically and mentally is the bug that drives me to try and complete the course once more. The experiences from last year will be on our minds all the way through the outstanding course. I hope that all we have learnt over the years, the four times we have done the RMSR will help us to improve on our achievements so far, and complete the course once more. MALTESE FALCON II MATTHEW SCICLUNA The Maltese Falcon II is a Beneteau first 40.7, skippered by myself and Lee Gauci and we shall be the youngest double handed crew to ever start the RMSR. Lee and I have been sailing together since the age of 12 at Malta Young Sailors Club, sailing an Optimist. I also raced on keel boats, and would occasionally invite Lee for a sail. As we grew up Lee helped me maintain the boat and race it. Double handed sailing has proved to be challenging, however Lee and I have gotten the rhythm and continue to improve. I have completed eight RMSRs, my first four on Maltese Falcon, two with Ton Ton and two with Elusive II. Lee has competed in one RMSR, however he has taken part in numerous offshore races with me, with our boat becoming our second home. Lee and I have been training for over a year by racing in as many races as possible. This is quite challenging since we are double handed, there is only two of us who maintain and prepare the boat for races – all this when juggling work and training commitments. We cannot wait to start the race, our aim is to finish, our dream is to win our class. OILTANKING JUNO DAVID ANASTASI Oiltanking Juno is a J-133 based and competitively campaigned in Malta. It is sponsored by Oiltanking, a global bulk liquid storage company, which owns and operates assets in Malta. The team comprises of Maltese and foreign sailors. Owner Sonke Stein and Skipper David Anastasi, as well most of the team, have been sailing together for many years and are looking forward to this year’s event. Albeit being a repeat competitor the team has worked hard to improve performance of both crew and boat. “There is no room for complacency in offshore racing”, states Sonke Stein, “The competition never sleeps and is ever growing for this popular race”. 31 OTRA VEZ AARON GATT FLORIDIA This will be the 4th consecutive year that Otra Vez participates in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Many of the crew however, are veterans of this race having completed it on different boats since the late 90’s. This level of experience is important as the race is complex and local knowledge is important. The crew is a great mix of older and younger sailors who look forward to this race every year. The race has come a long way in it’s international standing and the level of competition is very high. It will be challenging to repeat last year’s result where Otra Vez placed first in Class 4 but we will certainly give it our best shot. UNICA JAMIE SAMMUT After competing last year for the first time on UNICA, we obviously decided to attack the course once again. The race progressed well, kept up with our closest competition but eventually we got stuck in a windless hole, like many others just outside Palermo for 8 hours. And when this happens and your competition finds that zephyr of wind and sails bye, you know that there’s not much else you can do but hope for the best. Great times on board throughout the race, and with this in mind, we’ve decided to keep changes to the minimum. The crew and their spouses, are the backbone to a campaign and it is thanks to my mates on board and their patience, that we managed to stick together and give it another go. In 2014, we raced the cross channel regatta with an overall first in IRC but unfortunately, didn’t fair to well in a local regatta. Very slight modifications were made to UNICA and attention to detail was our aim. We all have a goal in mind. An excellent performance in our class and a top spot on the overall leader board. But most of all, a safe and enjoyable sail. SALANA SAILING ANNA MARIA DARMANIN It is Anna Maria and Gareth’s first time participating in the RMSR. Both had wished to be part of this great event in view of the long range course it covers and being in the center of the med. They have entered into the race with expectations that would be perceived as different to the usual racer’s motivations. So the expectations are to have a good time in the most prestigious race in the med and push their boat to perform at its optimum in this race conditions. Anna Maria and Gareth are both sailing instructors, qualified by the RYA and run an RYA sailing school. Both are long distance sailors who derive most pleasure in long passage sailing both in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic. Their crew is composed of people with different experiences but all share one common element, the desire to experience the RMSR. 32 CENTRAL ACADEMY OF BALLET COMBINES PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE TO HELP FULFILL THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY STUDENT CURRICULUM Classical Ballet • Recreational Ballet starting from 3 years of age • Spanish & Flamenco Dance • Jazz • Contemporary Dance • Adult Beginners Classes in all Genres • Hip Hop • Pilates PRINCIPALS Mireille Coleiro (L.I.S.T.D) & Monique Pellegrini Petit (L.I.S.T.D) REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN FOR OCTOBER 2014 Every Tuesday from 5:30 - 7:30 18 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Tel: 2143 6886 / 2144 1631 • Mob: 7906 8682 / 9943 2604 Studio: 222, St.Julian’s Road, Birkirkara spinnaker / autumn 2014 COOKSON 50’s This edition of the RMSR will see three Cookson 50’s on the start line. Cookson boats are considered to be one of the leading boat builders in the world for custom hi-tech racing yachts. They have the track record of being successful on the international racing circuit. Cookson boats is a major force in the world of racing yachts today having top designers, naval architects and engineers constantly improving this outstanding design. This year, the RMSR shall see three Cookson 50’s vie for a placing at this 35th edition of this offshore classic. Entering for the first time ever is Mascalzone Latino skippered by Vincenzo Onorato. The team competed at Giraglia again after a two decade absence earlier this year and have now set their eyes on the Rolex Middle Sea Race on hull number 32 of the infamous family of rascal boats that have dominated international offshore races in the past, from the America’s Cup, to the Louis Vitton Trophy and the Sydney-Hobart Offshore. Designed by Farr and built by Cookson in 2005, this latest racercruiser Cookson has a total crew compliment of 14, with some renowned faces gracing the start line. 34 The latin rascals are geared up to give the entire RMSR fleet a good run for their money in IRC 2 and ORC 2. Cippa Lippa 8 is no stranger to the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Having participated in the last four editions of the offshore race, this Farr design monohull (built by Cookson in 2004) intends to be amongst the leaders in IRC 2 and ORC 2. She has entered the 2014 RMSR edition under her owner Guido Paolo Gamucci. With skipper Francesco Diddi at the helm, the yacht will be leaving Grand Harbour with a compliment of 12 well prepared crew. This boat’s advantage over Mascalzone Latino might just be the ‘local’ knowledge that she acquired from her previous participation in the 2011 edition. Cantakerous is another RMSR veteran returning for her fourth race. Being entered by Germana Tognella and skippered by Gabriele Bruni, this beautiful Fractional sloop with her canting keel has consistently placed in the top 6 places in IRC 2 since 2010. No new comer to the challenges facing the crew ahead, Cantakerous is another yacht to watch closely in this celebrated class. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 THE FIFTH ELEMENT Louay Habib SIX YEARS AGO, THE PLANE DOOR OPENED AT MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND I KID YOU NOT, A MALTESER CHOCOLATE WAS STUCK IN THE DOOR FRAME! I HAVE RETURNED TO MALTA EVERY YEAR SINCE AND ALTHOUGH THE CHOCOLATE HAS NEVER RE-APPEARED - THE ISLANDS, ITS PEOPLE AND THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE, HAS NEVER FAILED TO BRING SURPRISES. I never visited the Royal Malta Yacht Club in its previous home, the new Club house at Ta’ Xbiex had only been open for a few months when I first arrived in 2008. The purposely built facility was nearing completion and the staff were still painting and decorating when I stepped through the door for the first time. I remember one of the members getting down off a ladder and asking me what I wanted. “Oh, I am a journalist here to cover the Rolex Middle Sea Race.” was my reply. “Well you will need a drink then.” Was the response. I had my first Cisk beer and certainly not my last. As a yacht racing journalist I am privileged to visit many private yacht clubs all over the world but I can say, with my hand on my heart, there are very few that can rival the hospitality and free thinking of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The members are passionate about their yacht club, their sailing and their fellow sailors and keen to explain to visitors about their values but it is not a sales pitch. They encourage lateral thinking and new ideas and have no fear in discussing them with you in a direct way - It is difficult not to fall in love with the place. ‘The Rolex’ as it is known throughout Malta, is the highlight of the year for the club, if not the country. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is the biggest international sporting event of the year and through coverage on national television and newspapers, the whole of Malta seems to turn up to watch the start from the Upper Barakka and the vantage points along the Grand Harbour. Sailing has been a part of Maltese tradition for centuries but the Royal Malta Yacht Club doesn’t have thousands of members. But for one week, the whole of Malta tunes into the Race; jump in a taxi or chat with a coffee bar owner, they all know that ‘The Rolex’ is happening. In 2002, Rolex began its sponsorship of the race and there were 41 entries. This year over 100 yachts are expected and it is not just that quantity that has risen. The race now attracts modern production yachts and purpose built racing yachts from all over the world. Also the number and quality of Maltese yachts has risen, add together the Maltese yachts and the Maltese sailors competing on yachts from overseas and there over one hundred Maltese sailors taking part in the race and nearly all of them are members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. You can analyse statistics until you are blue in the face, but in my mind, the reason the entry list has grown virtually year on year is that people enjoy the experience. The formula for success definitely includes the course, which has fantastic scenery and is full of variables and that variety makes each race different for people who come back year after year. The one constant in the formula is the Maltese hospitality – friendship is part of their DNA. Rolex sponsor a number of offshore races and one of the features of their support is fantastic media coverage: Breath taking photographs from Kurt Arrigo and professional videos from IMG show the beauty and tell the story of the race. The 2013 Rolex Middle Sea Race video was an outstanding production; beautifully themed and wonderfully produced. It’s first showing, in the vast and highly impressive Mediterranean Conference Centre, was so thought provoking that there was stunned silence followed by rapturous applause at the end. The theme for the video was the elements: Fire, Water, Air and Earth and added a fifth – Spirit. I can think of no word to describe The Royal Malta Yacht Club. 35 Teddie Borg Adapted from Martin McDonald A DEDICATION ON THE PASSING OF TEDDIE BORG; A CREATOR, WRITER AND PRESENTER OF TELEVISION, RADIO AND A JOURNALIST WHO BROUGHT THE PRINTED WORD TO LIFE AND ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE LARGER-THAN-LIFE INTERNATIONAL SPORT AMBASSADORS THAT MALTA & GOZO EVER HAD T eddie Borg was a marvelous maverick. He was smart, hardworking, hard-playing and wore his big heart on his sleeve for all to see. But he was far from being a sentimental soft touch and had no fear of going after what he wanted and believed was right, even if it caused controversy or cut across what others thought he should or should not do. These strengths are the qualities needed of any ambitious man, be it as TV film-maker for his programme Starboard, newsman, sports commentator, chairman of the Malta Powerboat Federation, member of Rolex Middle Sea Royal Malta Yacht Club organising committees, magnanimous host, entertaining guest, awards compere, a loving husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather and every other way he grabbed life and shook it to make a positive difference to other people. 36 Teddie was a veritable whirlwind of pride when it came to evangelising about his island nation at the heart of the deep blue Mediterranean, never missing an opportunity to promote his beloved Gozo and Malta. As ambassadors go, he was among the best, sincerely leaving an indelible impression and a boatload of reasons in the minds of every person he met to entice them to go and visit Malta. I first met Teddie because of our joint love of the sea – and racing upon it, with sail and with power. When I arrived in 2003 he was known as ‘Mr Sailing’ but we were about to change that. I had come with the idea to create the Powerboat P1 Malta Grand Prix of the Sea and to promote the country in the same way Monaco uses Formula 1 to create its attractive international mystique. Although I found little in the way of strategic visionary thinking, we invested big anyway and the rest, as they say, is history. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 Among the core of believers I did find who immediately sensed the immense scale and power of P1 to put Malta on the aspirational tourism map was Teddie. He became a tireless ambassador for the Malta Grand Prix and the sport in general and he was able to walk the power/sail debating line with aplomb (even helping me find a boat for my first of several Middle Sea Races). Teddie’s own passionate P1 programme making and reporting and his national pride in Aaron and Charlie Ciantar’s P1 achievements helped them greatly too and yet still left room for him to become an ever-popular presence among all the P1 racing fraternity at major Grand Prix events from Cowes to Istanbul. He will be missed and saluted in many languages. He was extremely proud to be involved with P1 and became Malta’s first ever official UIM Powerboat Federation chairman. Among a great many benefits P1 brought to Malta, perhaps his greatest pride was P1’s creating a five times Maltese world champion racer and putting an unknown Malta boatyard on the global stage to sell increasingly complex and valuable powerboats: Chaudron. His wife, Roselle has lost a good man and our thoughts and prayers are with her and his sons Ray and Charles, as well as their families as we bid fair winds and farewell to Teddie. However, she and the family can lean gently upon the lingering breeze of his presence and know, always, that here was a larger-than-life man who truly made a positive difference to the lives of many people – Maltese and foreigners alike. R.I.P TED. HAPPY SAILING 37 THE RMSR 2014 INTERNATIONAL JURY EVERY EDITION OF THE RMSR HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY AN INTERNATIONAL JURY. THE ROYAL MALTA YACHT CLUB, AS ORGANISERS HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT IN THE RACE. THE RACE OFFICIALS TOGETHER WITH THE RMYC WISH TO ENSURE THAT THE PERSON WHO HOLDS THE TROPHY AND EVEN THE REST OF THE FLEET ARE IN THE POSITIONS THEY’RE IN BECAUSE THEY SO DESERVE TO. OURS IS A SELF-POLICING SPORT. OFFICIALS HARDLY EVER INTERFERE BUT WE DO TAKE AN INTEREST. OURS IS POSSIBLY THE ONLY SPORT WHERE A JUDGE CAN HAVE A TRIPLE ROLE, THAT OF A JUDGE, A WITNESS AND THAT OF A PROTESTOR. THE JURY CONSISTS OF A CHAIRMAN AND OTHER MEMBERS FOR A TOTAL OF AT LEAST FIVE. THE MAJORITY SHALL BE INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND NOT MORE THAN TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE FROM THE SAME NATIONAL AUTHORITY. PETER VALENTINO CHAIRMAN Always a sailor and connected to the sea. An ISAF International Judge since 2001 and has officiated at around 250 events in at least 25 nations. Peter judged all Olympic Classes, many dinghy races and several big boat regattas. He attended three Olympic Games, Sydney 2000 as a coach, Athens 2004 as a volunteer in the International Technical Officers Dept., and London 2012 as an ISAF Judge. He has recently returned from Chairing the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship and sat on the jury for the Rolex Swan Cup 2014. MANUEL SANTOS E SILVA Manuel has been an International Judge since 2000. He is also an International Umpire as well as being involved in High Level Dinghy events and yachting regattas such as the Copa Del Rey, TP 52’s the ORC and the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2013 LARS NYQVIST Lars Nyqvist - IJ, NU, NRO, Lars has been an International Judge since 2001 and was previously also International Umpire and International Race Officer. He has been Judge at various events including the Delta Lloyd North Sea regatta (14 times), Rolex Sydney Hobart (3 times), ORCi Worlds 2012, Star Easter Hemisphere Ch 2012, Rolex Middle Sea Race 2013, while Umpiring for prestigious matches for Grade I matches (IU) for events in Marseille, Vladivostok, Amer Cup and for Grade 2 events such as the Baltic Match Tour and Eurosaf Europeans 2011. He has been on Race Management for the Melges 24 Words 2010, Olympic Classes Europeans 2011, 8mR Worlds 2013, 49er Europeans 2014 and the ISAF Youth Match Worlds 2014 38 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 12 spinnaker / autumn 2014 JOVIN RAUSI An avid sailor, formerly as a competitor and now for leisure since 1975 to date. Jovin has been instrumental in organising countless sailing events organizer but is now more involved on Protest Committees and as an International Jury member. Jovin has held many offices in sailing. In the main; he was founding member and Commodore of the Ghadira Sailing Club, President of the Malta Sailing Federation, founding member and President of the Malta Boating Association, founding member (representing Malta) at the European Boating Association, International Jury member of the (Martini) Middle Sea Races in the early 1980’s and also in recent years, Chairman of the Middle Sea Races 1998 and 1999, past member of the Malta Olympic Committee, Malta representative (as official) at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, National Sports Official of the Year, National Judge, officiated in countless International Juries both locally and abroad, Event Director for the GSSE (Sailing) for the years 1993 and 2003, and was greatly involved in the organisation of many local, as well as International Sailing Events held locally, including National and International Windsurfing Championships and 1 metre events. RICARDO ANTONI National Race Official since 1980, National Umpire since 1993, International Umpire from 1996 to 2007 and International Judge since 2000, Riccardo was a member of the working group of Judges and Umpires from 1992 to 2000 as well as a member of FIV Regional Committee (FIV Zone) from 1990 to 1998. He has sat on the Appeals Jury since 2009 and has been the Coordinator for Eurosaf Exchange Program (FIV) since 2013 In November 2013, he was awarded the Gabrio De Szombathely Prize awarded to the Italian International Judge, for his distinguished service at International and National events, thus contributing to the continuity of the technical and human values that are the values attributed to this prestigious award. Riccardo is also the designated official responsible for the appointment of Italian Race Officials since 2014. His ISAF activities include being a member of the International Judges Subcommittee since 2009 and being on the ISAF Working Party for Conflicts of Interest since 2013. GIOVANNI IANNUCCI Giovanni started sailing dinghies at the age of 14 and later moved on to offshore yachts. He participated in well-known ocean races such as the Transatlantic, Transpacific, B.A to Rio, the renowned Fastnet and in several other offshore races in the Mediterranean sea. Giovanni started judging when he retired from competitive racing and has been Principal Race Officer for several European and World Championships in Italy and internationally. He has been a member of the International Jury of the Rolex Middle Sea Race every year since the race was restarted in 1996. He also acts as liaison officer with the Italian Coast Guard Authorities, in particular with regard to the particular maritime implications of the RMSR as it progresses through the Straits of Messina. 40 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 Q&A WITH... GIOVANNI IANNUCCI GIOVANNI IANNUCCI HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY OF THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE EVERY YEAR SINCE THE RACE WAS RESTARTED IN 1996. IN THIS ARTICLE HE SHARES SOME OF HIS THOUGHTS ON THE RACE HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE MIDDLE SEA RACE (MSR)? It was almost from the very beginning. I participated in the second edition of the race in 1969 as skipper of Stella Polare, the training yacht of the Italian Navy, and it was “love at first sight”. I had already sailed in several much longer ocean races, such as the Transatlantic and the Transpacific, a straight course across the ocean and no land in sight. It is true that crossing an ocean is a fascinating enterprise. However, it might be somewhat boring, especially with a steady wind. You don’t have chances to get bored in the MSR and if you get becalmed, besides the two volcanoes, you have a beautiful and varied landscape to admire along a great part of the course. HOW HAS THE RACE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? Not much. The course was so cleverly planned at the beginning that no change has ever thought to be necessary. Only the sense changed after a few years from clockwise into anticlockwise and that was a sensible change which moved the Strait of Messina with its tidal currents, which can reach 4 or even 5 knots, away from the finish. Since then, if you are unlucky in the Strait you have almost two thirds of the race to recover. What has substantially changed from the beginning is the navigation. To hit precisely Pantelleria, Lampedusa and Malta you needed sextant and RDF. It was not as easy as it is today with GPS. THE RACE KEEPS GROWING EVERY YEAR. WHY DO YOU THINK THE RACE HAS BECOME SO POPULAR? My replies to the first questions are some of the reasons for the MSR to have become so popular. There are many more, however. The course gives all the competitors more opportunities. If your yacht sails better to windward, due to the changing course, you will find those conditions even if the wind does not change. Then the flawless organization and the warm hospitality, thanks to the contribution offered mainly by many members of the Club. Then the Rolex sponsorship which has made the race more known and famous and has considerably increased the number of entries. YOU ATTENDED THE EVENT MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS. IS THERE ANY ONE EDITION THAT IS IN SOME WAY PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU? There are many, but I would like to mention the 2007 edition in which the Australian yacht Loki, with a crew of 16, lost her rudder off the North Sicilian coast in treacherous weather conditions. We monitored the situation from the Club from five o’clock in the afternoon until midnight, when the last eight men of the crew were delivered safely ashore at Palermo airport. It wasn’t easy for me to convince the Italian Coast Guard to request the rescue helicopter because a Mayday had not been declared. The helicopter pilot was great! He operated successfully at his discretion in those weather conditions that were above the limits prescribed. WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THE RACE TODAY AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE EVENT EVOLVE IN THE FUTURE? It is said that perfection is not human, but I think that the Rolex Middle Sea Race has almost reached it. Therefore I do not see many opportunities to make it even better than what it is now. I look forward to having the opportunity, which I consider a privilege, to continue offering my support, albeit small, to the Race. 41 Memories of the first MIDDLE SEA RACE NOVEMBER 30, 1968 I have often been asked how the idea of having a long race in autumn came about. It resulted from a sporting challenge when back in 1967 club members Jimmy White and Alan Green remarked that we Maltese sailors might not be so successful in the RMYC’s offshore races if we were faced with a real offshore race such as the 600 mile Fastnet. The idea of the Middle Sea Race was born, out came a chart of the central Med and today’s challenging course was created by English and Maltese rival sailor friends. The first ever MSR started on the 30th. November, 1968 in a stiff NW’ly which soon developed into a Force 8 gale on the leg from Gozo to Lampedusa. This later fizzled out and very light conditions prevailed all the way round Sicily which in the early editions was rounded in a clockwise direction. The Swan 36 “JOSIAN” won the 1968 inaugural race, skippered by the undersigned and crewed by 5 Maltese and 2 Englishmen, amongst whom was Arthur Podesta who has the enviable record of having participated in all editions of the Middle Sea Race. The rest is history. As is the fact that Malta with 6 victories is second only to Italy as the nation to have won most MSR’s. The Middle Sea Race Trophy was awarded to an Italian yacht on 15 occasions, to Malta 6 and the USA 4 occasions. These are the top three nations to win most RMSR’s. 42 2014 will be remembered for attracting a record of 130 entries from 23 countries. The Rolex Middle Sea Race, now recognized internationally as the Mediterranean’s most demanding and challenging offshore classic, By John C. Ripard goes from strength to strength. I thank all participants for contributing to the race’s success, especially those who came to our shores from afar. May you all have fair winds. and a successful and enjoyable race. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2014 - Sir Francis Chichester presenting the Middle Sea Race Trophy to John C. Ripard, December 1968 CLASS CHALLENGES SWAN MEDITERRANEAN CHALLENGE TROPHY FINOLA EALA OF RHU TELETRADE- NORTHERN CHILD Petite Flamme TSAAR PETER GAETANA GREY GOOSE MONTRACHET Foreign Affair Swan 36 Swan 45 Swan 51 Swan 60 Swan 60 Swan 651 Swan 82 Nautor Swan 48 Nautor’s Swan 46 MKII CLASS 40 GREEN CHALLENGE POGO 1 ARWEN FULCRUM II WAYPOINT EXTREME SAIL ACADEMY 44 Cutrico Marine is one of the leading providers of marine equipment and maintenance services in the Mediterranean, and supply some of the leading brands in the industry. All installations and services are undertaken by fully qualified factory trained technicians, with 24/7 service available to clients to ensure the highest level of service. Our Services: • Marine Air-Conditioning • Marine Refrigiration & Cold Rooms • Marine Water Makers • Marine Sewage Treatment Plants • • • • Ventillation Engine Room Ventillation Ballast Water Treatment Sanitation Systems