Cannons will fire from Valletta’s Saluting Battery this Saturday, 17th October 2020, to signal the start of the 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race. An iconic moment for not only the yachts on the start line this year but the organising committee challenged with delivering a safe race.
The COVID-19 Task Force led by former-flag officer Mark Vella and Principal Race Officer Peter Dimech are responsible for the racing. “Delivering this year’s race in a safe, sensible and sensitive manner is my priority,” says Dimech. “At a competitor, organiser and spectator level, we have taken a number of steps, otherwise in many respects it is business as usual”.
Yachts to watch this year are the Doyle powered Shockwave and Wild Joe, both sporting new inventories that utilise the exclusive design, technology and innovation that is synonymous with Doyle Sails taking Structured Luff and Cableless technology to the full extent.
Hungarian Marton Jozsa and his crew onboard Reichel Pugh 60 ‘Wild Joe’ will be returning once again this year hoping to better their 5th place in 2019 in the IRC Class 1. A strong partnership between Inifinti Yachts, Dynamic Stability Systems and Doyle Sails has allowed Wild Joe to be maximised to the full potential taking all of the gains available for foiling yachts that come with Structured Luff technology.
While Shockwave are looking to make their mark on the Middle Sea Race for the first time (as Shockwave). Owner Serge (Christiaan Durrant), a former fighter pilot in the Australian Air Force, is no stranger to operating in high-performance environments and getting teams to unite in their goals and performances on air, land and sea. Although Shockwave is still in the early days of a race program, the sensational 63-foot trimaran with her formidable shark graphic on the bow is a truly awesome sight. Serge and his crew have spent a number of days training for the Middle Sea Race in Malta and will be looking forward to making their way to the start line in two days’ time.
The 606 nautical mile passage takes in scenic and tactical junctures like the Strait of Messina, Etna, the volcanic island of Stromboli, the rugged Aeolian and Egadi Islands. A truly iconic race.
Follow the Rolex Middle Sea Race Fleet HERE
Learn more about Doyle Sails HERE
Follow Shockwave Racing HERE
Follow Wild Joe HERE