Middle Sea approaches
The 2022 Rolex Middle Sea Race is just around the corner, with entries from across the globe.
04 October 2022
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With the start of the 2022 Rolex Middle Sea Race just three weeks away, another fascinating contest beckons. The entry list currently stands at 120 yachts representing 25 countries.
While COVID is no longer so much in the headlines, there are plenty of other uncertainties in the world, but the 606-nautical-mile classic is proving its global appeal.
Starting from Grand Harbour, Valletta on 22 October to the crash of cannon fire from the Saluting Battery high above the water, the stage looks set for another cracking race.
Over 110 monohulls and eight multihulls (including five 21-metre racing trimarans) are currently entered.
The largest yacht competing will be Leopard 3 at 30.48 metres and the smallest is Cuorematto at just 9.5 metres.
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Most entries are from Italy, who currently sit at 27, followed by France with 19. The furthest travelling entries include High Five from New Zealand and Maverick from Australia.
There are also 11 double-handed entries, including two-time Olympic medallist Jonathan McKee on Red Ruby from the United States.
An almighty clash is expected between Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati Multi 70, former line honours winner; Riccardo Pavoncelli’s Mana, former MOCRA handicap winner skippered by speed sailing record holder Paul Larsen; Zoulou (FRA) skippered by Erik Maris, currently leading the owner-driver standings on the GC32 circuit; Frank Slootman’s American entry Snowflake and Cosimo Malesci’s Axciss.
“This is the first Rolex Middle Sea Race for my crew and me. We are super excited about it and this is also our first race on a MOD70,” said Malesci.
“I sailed competitively on dinghies growing up, then on bigger boats in a few offshore races while I was studying in the States where my master’s thesis at MIT was on the seakeeping capabilities of trimarans. I got back into sailing once I graduated, mostly on F18 catamarans.
“I have always wanted to race on a MOD70, and the Rolex Middle Sea Race seemed the perfect setting to do it.
“I recently sold my tech company and to celebrate I have managed to convince the other three founders of the business to join me.
“Since we all met through sailing, when we were younger and then started a business together, I couldn’t think of a better way.
“Being our first race on a MOD70, we will mostly focus on safety, understanding the boat and enjoying the experience. That said, we’re all fairly competitive in nature, so if the opportunity arises, we may push it a bit.”
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