2021 is the 42nd Edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race which is set to start on Saturday 23rd October from Grand Harbour, Valletta. The historic port filled with yachts and cannon fire ringing around the 16th century fortifications, the picturesque background of Malta promises to be spectacular.
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The famous 606 nautical mile race features two active volcanoes, a myriad of islands and, uniquely, a start and finish in the same location – the race is one of the most recognised offshore races in the world, frequented by both the highest performance offshore yachts and many others. This year the entry list boasts 125 entries of all sizes.
Among the 125 entrants, there are a number of significant entries for Doyle Sails. This year the race will feature the recently launched, state of the art Botin 52 ‘Caro’ – this will be the yacht’s inaugural race, having been shipped from Auckland, New Zealand only a number of weeks ago. The goal is to win some of the most well respected offshore races – first on the list, the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Project managed by Grand Prix, Doyle Sails expert Justin Ferris has incorporated the latest developments in Doyle Sails technology including the revolutionary Structured Luff. More images here.
Alongside Caro, looking to secure a win on IRC will be Reichel Pugh 60 ‘Wild Joe’ – a yacht that has had great success on both the European offshore sailing circuit and globally. Wild Joe, was one of the first yachts to adopt the Cableless technology and take it to it’s full extent, combining the technology with DSS foils for even more power.
A firm favourite for line honours this year will be VPLP Supermaxi 100 ‘Comanche’ – skippered by Australian, Mitch Booth. Comanche has recently featured on the start line of the Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup and Les Voiles de St Tropez.
“One of the unique things with Doyle Sails is that they pioneered this Structured Luff technology, and this really is a big game changer in performance. I would say it’s the biggest gain that has been made in recent times in sail development” – Mitch Booth, Australian Olympic, America’s Cup, Grand Prix, and Superyacht sailor
Other Doyle powered yachts to watch: Argo, Windseeker, Freya, ArsUna and Rafale.
The Grand Prix offshore racing scene is alive with race yachts who focus solely on sitting at the top of the podium and being the first to cross the finish line, whether sailing short or long distances, finding the fastest way around the course is crucial. With Doyle Sails, Grand Prix sails are designed to be fast, right out of the bag, designed solely to walk the fine line between high speed and durability, an art form Doyle Sails has mastered. With the inclusion of the most innovative technology on the market, performance with Doyle Sails to a Grand Prix yacht is at the forefront.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // As sailors, our obsession with sailing connects us to the water. The water is our playground, a sanctuary where we seek enjoyment, a competitive playing field where we race; it’s sometimes our home and always a place that unlocks our sense of adventure wherever that adventure might take us.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those who have the same passion for sailing as we do. Sailing is in our DNA, where the water unlocks our sense of adventure. We are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for close to four decades, and while our world changes around us, our commitment to sailors who seek the same enjoyment and adventure as we do hasn’t.
From our sailors to yours, we are your experts in sailing. Your adventure starts with Doyle. By sailors, for sailors.