105 yachts from 30 countries registered for this year's edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Approximately 1,000 crew members shall be taking part in this race with yachts of different sizes, including some that have achieved major results in international competitions and some crews participating in this race for their first time.
Sports Minister Byron Camilleri was in attendance for the official start of the 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. The Ministry for Sport described this race as "one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the Mediterranean."
The race started on Saturday, 17 October and brough crews and yachts from various countries to Malta, thus bolstering Malta's presence in the international sailing calendar, the Ministry for Sport said.
This race covers a distance of 606 nautical miles, which equates to around 1,125 kilometres. The route commences at the Grand Harbour and goes through several areas in the Mediterranean, including the Strait of Messina, Stromboli, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa, before ending in Marsamxett Harbour. This race route is known for its rapidly changing weather and sea conditions that put participating crews' skills, endurance, and preparation to the test.
"The Rolex Middle Sea Race is much more than a sailing race. Every year, the Grand Harbour, one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, serves as the starting point for this prestigious competition, placing Malta at the centre of international attention," Minister Camilleri said.
Minister Camilleri said that this event also serves as an opportunity to showcase the potential of Maltese sport. He continued that the government continues to invest and work together with sports associations to bolster the sport of sailing in Malta - "a sport that is already bringing success and bringing honour to Malta on an international level."
He added that national authorities must built on what has been achieved and create more opportunities for Maltese athletes to thrive by offering support for sports to grow locally.
"Through the investment and collaboration that we are making, we believe that we can achieve more results and successes for Maltese sport in the years to come," Minister Camilleri said.
He stressed that the organisation of international sports competitions has great value to the development of local sport in the country, as such events offer local talent the chance to compete with sportspersons from other countries and gain experience from them to continue developing their skills, while encouraging more young people to approach different sport disciplines.
The first edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race was organised back in 1968 with just eight yachts. After some years of absence, the race returned to the sailing scene in 1996, making this year's edition the 30th anniversary of its return. Since then, it has become an established event in the international sailing calendar as it continues to grow and attract more crews from all over the world.
The Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, Mark Napier, attested to this, noting that this race attracts sailors with this race experience plus newcomers for this route. He also acknowledged the contribution of the partners, authorities and volunteers who help to make this race possible year after year.
The race is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, with the support of Rolex and the collaboration of various entities and volunteers.
Minister Camilleri congratulated all crews for their participation and thanked the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the organisers, all partners, and volunteers for their work in ensuring that this race continues to be an important part of Malta's international sporting calendar.