The 2015 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, in Malta organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, will start this Saturday, 17th October, in Grand Harbour, Malta. For the second year in succession, well over 100 yachts will be competing, flying the flags of 22 countries.
The 36th edition of the race has a record number of 11 canting keel carbon fibre flyers racing, and weather permitting all of these high performance yachts are capable of breaking the course record, which has stood since George David’s Rambler 90 record run of 2007 (47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds).
The overall winner of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the coveted Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy is decided by the best corrected time under the IRC handicap system. Last year, the competitors experienced flat calm to storm force winds. This variety makes predicting the overall winner very difficult.
The international fleet of yachts will be crewed by an astounding mix of Olympic, America’s Cup and round the world sailors, as well as passionate amateur Corinthian sailors. Italian yachts represent the largest entry by country with 31 boats entered.
Seven locally based Maltese yachts will be competing, in 606-mile Rolex Middle Sea Race will start at 1100 CET, Saturday 17th October, with seven starts for the fleet in the stunning surroundings of Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
To follow the race, visit the official Rolex Middle Sea Race web site. All of the competitors are encouraged to contact the media team during the race with stories from the sea, pictures and even videos.