Competitors in the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race gathered in the Malta’s capital city of Valletta at midday yesterday for the official prize giving.

In keeping with this island’s rich and fascinating culture and history, the ceremony was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, located in the former “Sacra Infermeria”, once a hospital during the 1800s.

Close to 1,000 competitors, guests, race officials, and media showed up in force. Commodore Georges Bonello DuPuis welcomed the guests and said, “We’ve seen the race grow from a well-regarded event with a few entries from our nearby European neighbours, to a truly international offshore classic, attracting interest and entries from the world over.”

The main event at the prize giving was the overall winner in IRC For this, the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy and a Rolex Yacht-Master timepiece were presented by Bonello DuPuis, Mr Yann Dupasquier of Rolex and Malcolm Lowell, of Edwards, Lowell & Co to Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard, of Artie.

Satariano said, “I have to say we faced loyal and worthy opponents and I want to thank every one of them for making this race very challenging.”

Satariano added, “The victory is a result of the hard work that our team has put in – co-skipper Christian, as well as Matthew, Isaac, John, Kurt, Jan, and Peter. Your determination and ability have made Artie’s dream a reality. This group of men go beyond the definition of crew – you are a second family, and thank you.”