Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1031063
31 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORTS SAILING PHOTOGRAPH BY ROLEX / KURT ARRIGO One month to go and a record fleet in prospect IF the 131 yachts currently entered in the 2018 Rolex Middle Sea Race all cross the start line on 20 October, the race will have surpassed its previous record fleet – 122, set in 2014. What better way to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Mediterrane- an's most renowned 600-mile offshore classic, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club? The entry list is a cosmopoli- tan affair with some 32 na- tions represented. Italy provides the largest contingent with 18 entrants, followed by France (15), Unit- ed Kingdom (14) and the Rus- sian Federation (14). Entries close on 5 October. Headline acts include George David's Rambler, the 27-metre monohull rocket- ship, seeking a record fourth line honours victory in a row. The crew are also hoping for the conditions to propel them round in a time faster than the course record set by one of David's previous Ramblers back in 2007. And, if the wind gods do conspire in her favour, do not be surprised if the American Maxi achieves a clean sweep of the major trophies. Elsewhere, it will be inter- esting to see how fast the 35-metre Nikata, the largest yacht ever to have entered the race, can negotiate the course, particularly the no- torious, narrow and complex Strait of Messina. The Maxi 72 Momo, from Germany, two Volvo 70s - Green Dragon from Den- mark and Ocean Breeze from Switzerland, the Swan 80 Plis-Play, fresh from victory at the Rolex Swan Cup, and the Swan 78 Haromi will be doing their best to hang onto the coat tails of the expected frontrunners. The Multihull division is not short of glamour entries ei- ther, equally hoping for con- ditions conducive to posting a quick time. The highlight is the Mul- tihull course record holder, Giovanni Soldini and his foil- ing 21.2-metre Multi70, Ma- serati. Soldini's record break- ing participation was in 2016, when damage en route to the start diminished the trima- ran's potential. Given better luck and simi- lar, positive conditions, the Italian crew will have their eyes on bettering their bench- mark time. Maserati will be up against another racing trimaran, the 23.38-metre Ultim'Emotion and two fast cruising cats - the 25.5-metre Swiss entry Allegra and the 20m R-Six from Poland. Past winners of Rolex Mid- dle Sea Race Trophy for over- all victory under IRC will be represented with the popu- lar Greek winner from 2004, Optimum 3, owned by Nikos Lazos and Pericles Livas, re- turning. Although not yet on the official entry list, there is news that Igor Rytov and Bo- gatyr, the 2017 overall victor and first ever winner of a 600 nm offshore classic from the Russian Federation, is plan- ning to take part, albeit this year as a double-handed en- try. Yachts around the 16-metre mark have proven mightily successful over recent years, with five of the past 10 win- ners slotting in at this length. 2018 looks to be packed with highly competitive yachts around this size. There are two ClubSwan 50s; highly regarded as in- shore speedsters, the design has proved itself capable of heading offshore in the Bal- tic's Nord Stream Race over the past two summers. Bro- nenosec and Stella Maris fly the flag for the class. With an offshore-hardened TP52 winning the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart, it is perhaps little surprise to find plenty of that ilk entered: Anafesto of Poland; Arobas of France; and, Freccia Rossa from Rus- sia, winner of the Rolex Gira- glia in 2017. Cookson 50s have shown their prowess, with Mascal- zone Latino winning the race in 2017. Endless Game from Italy and Riff Raff from Australia will be out to prove that was no fluke. And, Erik de Turkheim's powerful Teasing Machine from France, winner of the 2017 RORC Transatlantic Race, has entered once again. The Maltese fleet with seven entries will be looking to re- peat the past glories of their countrymen in this anniver- sary year. Boats from the is- land state have won the race on seven occasions over the 38 editions of the race. The last time was in 2014, when Lee Satariano's Artie repeated her success of 2011. The local heroes include some well-known boat names: Comanche Raider III, Elusive 2 – sailed by the children of Arthur Podesta, who is re- membered for competing in every race until his untimely passing in 2015, Maltese Fal- con, Otra Vez, Ton Ton Malta Charters, Unica and Xpresso. Irrespective of whether these crews are in contention for the overall win, expect a bat- tle royal to determine home bragging rights. Entries close officially on 5 October, although late entries may be accepted up until 12 October at the discretion of the Organising Authority.