Rolex Middle Sea Race

The 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race is scheduled to start on 17 October 2020 from Valletta’s Grand Harbour. 79 boats representing 21 countries have currently registered.

In terms of preparations, the RMYC is well advanced. The COVID-19 Task Force led by former-flag officer Mark Vella is drawing expertise from a number of individuals including, importantly, some with front-line experience of managing the public health response in Malta. “It remains a complex situation,” says Vella. “We continue to walk through every aspect of the event, analysing and assessing each risk point, and working up the appropriate protocols and operating procedures.”

Protocols are in place

The RMYC has added a COVID-19 page to the RMSR website where it gives detail about access to the clubhouse, the registration process, facilities and restrictions. “We have already taken steps to limit the number of people using the club in the lead up to the race and members are being very understanding,” explains Vella. “Once we get to the week before the start, access will be strictly by appointment-only whether it is registration for the race or lunch at the restaurant. We have made provision to control entrance to the building and the waterfront area with security personnel checking individuals have a valid reason for entry and taking their temperature. The wearing of face masks will be mandatory and there are numerous hand-sanitiser stations. The effort to reduce risk is thorough and with the safety of competing crews foremost in our mind.”

Hosting a good race is still the priority

Principal Race Officer Peter Dimech is another member of the Task Force with particular responsibility for the racing. “Delivering the race in a safe, sensible and sensitive manner is my priority,” advises Dimech. “At a competitor level, we have taken a number of steps. For example, we have moved as much of the registration process online as we can and we will forgo the usual personal boat inspection, accepting a formal declaration from the Person in Charge that their boat is compliant.” Given so much of the race is conducted in Italian waters, Dimech is regularly in contact with the Italian authorities ahead of the race. This year requires an even more detailed approach. “We are taking all the normal steps including close contact with the Italian Embassy in Malta and relevant maritime bodies,” adds Dimech. “With the pandemic in mind, we are also taking steps to establish an official procedure for boats that retire and need to seek shelter in a Sicilian port.”

The Defenders

Christoph Podesta confirms that the preparatory work is underway to ensure Elusive 2 is in the best possible shape for the race. “We started our effort about a month and a half ago as soon as the COVID situation became a bit clearer,” comments Christoph. “This year we are trying make the boat a little lighter, while refining systems and equipment to make sure they are fully reliable and nothing will let us down, so we can push as hard as we want without any failures.” It has not been straight-forward, as he explains: “COVID has given us a few challenges. We all live in different households, so we need to be careful when working on the boat to practice social distancing and to wear masks.”

Antoine Rabaste, the owner of the 24 metre (80 foot) French multihull Ultim’Emotion 2 (ex-Prince de Bretagne), faces a different set of obstacles to be on the start line. Last year his then Ultim’Emotion 1 (ex-Gitana XI) capsized en route to the Mediterranean and was unable to race. This year Antoine is hoping that favourable conditions and a good crew, will get them to Malta and place them in good stead to compete against their immediate rivals the MOD 70 PowerPlay and Mana, along with the Multi70 Maserati all of which will be in the fight for multihull line honours.

Watch the 2019 highlights here.