Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/404410
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2014 Sport 52 THE prize giving ceremony for the Rolex Middle Sea Race was held at the Mediterranean Con- ference Centre, one of Valletta's most historic venues. Honoured guests included: The Minister of Tourism; The Hon Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis. The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure; The Hon Joe Mizzi. Parliamen- tary Secretary for Research, In- novation, Youth and Sport; The Hon Chris Agius. Malta Tourism Authorit y Chairman; Dr. Gavin Gulia and His Excellency Irish ambassador; Padraig Mac Co- scair. Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, expressed his sincere apprecia- tion of Rolex for their continued support and their participation over the years, which has con- tributed so much to the success- ful growth of the event. Godwin Zammit continued by thanking the Malta Tourism Authorit y, Transport Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta for their sup- port and paid tribute to the Race Committee and staff of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, as well as the many volunteers. "The 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has been a memorable one. Over the past year, the indication that it would be a big one grew steadily and in the end 122 boats set off from Grand Harbour, well above the 'century' of entries that eluded us last year. The first days were slow with light winds, testing the patience and powers of concen- tration of the sailors and also an opportunit y to admire the scen- ery, spot a dolphin or two and pray for wind. Well those prayers were truly answered as the wind filled in from the northwest with a venge- ance. Most of the f leet had to deal with gale force winds and huge waves, for those that sailed the course successfully, it was an exhilarating and adrenalin filled ride home as they battled to keep up the pace while maintaining the safet y of the crew. Others were less fortunate and numer- ous tales of damage and retire- ments reached the race office, keeping Principal Race Officer, Peter Dimech very busy for a couple of days. Many took shelter in Sicilian ports and just over 50 boats finished the race. This has highlighted once again the challenging nature of the race; the changeable conditions of the Mediterranean at this time of year and the need for the crew to be well prepared for anything they might encounter. This year's event will most cer- tainly maintain the reputation of the Rolex Middle Sea Race as being varied, unpredictable and as challenging an offshore race as any and the popularit y of the event is likely to keep growing." There was rapturous applause for a special award to Arthur Podesta, a token of his participa- tion in every edition of the Mid- dle Sea Race and a dedication to the passing of Teddy Borg, Malta's 'Mr Sailing'. The most memorable larger-than-life in- ternational sport ambassadors that Malta and Gozo ever had. Each winner was applauded as they took to the stage but the biggest cheer of the ceremony was the last. Malta's Lee Satari- ano, owner of Artie, led his team onto the stage to collect the over- all winner's trophy for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE U.C.I.M. CO. LTD, ALFA ROMEO SHOWROOM, MSIDA VALLEY ROAD, MSIDA. T: 2382 3500 E: ALFAROMEO@UCIM.COM.MT Glittering in Valletta Artie crew with the Boccale Del Mediterraneo Trophy, Rolex Chronometer and the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy. Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo Download the MaltaToday App now