Rolex Middle Sea Race Record - A possibility for Esimit Europa 2

by Louay Habib on 25 Sep 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race 2014 - Racing yachts have taken a quantum leap in design and speed in recent years and as a result, world records for many famous ocean races have tumbled. One record that has stood the test of time is that of George David's RP90, Rambler. In 2007, the American maxi set a time for the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which has still to be bettered - 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

In 2007 Rambler, and her crew, experienced tough conditions in setting a record for the Rolex Middle Sea Race that has lasted for seven years. America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Ken Read, was on board for the record run.

'The front arrived with five visible water spouts, perfectly defined and rather large, they brought a big lump to your throat.' commented Ken Read after finishing. 'The third appeared in front of us and the last two formed within a couple hundred yards of Rambler. The water would start foaming and spinning in a 50 metre circle right in front of our eyes. A wild sight that I will not forget for a long time.

Then came the breeze, and with it, 25-57 knots of wind for the next 20 hours. The front hatch blew off its hinges and about two hours of bailing followed this little glitch in the program. As soon as you thought you had a breather, another squall hit. Right up to the finish, where we had 53 knots of wind five minutes before entering the harbour in Malta. During one very violent squall we were literally flying off the waves - surfing at over 30 knots.

When George bought Rambler he asked that we sail in events that would show him how tough the oceans can be - Well George, I think we nailed that one.'

George David plans to return to Malta for the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2015 with his new Rambler and has high hopes of raising the bar once again.

'Others have tried to beat it, notably Leopard two or three years ago and Esimit but both have failed. Records are a combination of boat size and power, preparation, organization, crew, and of course the weather has to cooperate – which it did in 2007.' commented George David.

This year the biggest threat to Rambler's record will come from Igor Simcic's canting keel Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, led by three-time Olympic Gold medalist Jochen Schumann. Esimit Europa 2 has taken line honours in the Rolex Middle Sea Race in three consecutive years (2010 -2012) but was unable to take part last year. Jochen Schumann believes the race record is a possibility.

'The Rolex Middle Sea Race is both the highlight and the end of the year for Mediterranean offshore sailing. We felt very sorry last year when we broke our rig on the way to Malta and couldn't compete, so we feel it was almost an obligation to come back this year. It is a tradition and one of the best races we do.

We have a great welcome from the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the delivery is also a speed record attempt from Trieste to Malta and the club organise a finish line for this. Lately it was close to midnight when we finished but even so we had a great welcome with members of the club and media coming to cheer us in.

For sure it is possible to break Rambler's record, I think ideally we need a consistent, good breeze. If we have around 15 knots the whole way around that would give us a sufficient average speed around Sicily and the other islands. I think it is very possible to break the record but in the past, as long as I have sailed this race, we have had a lot of calm nights, where we are wasting time and that made it impossible, even to get close to the record. Consistent breeze would be ideal and we don't need too much. Everything is prepared - we are ready.'

The 2014 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race starting on Saturday 18th October is likely to have the largest fleet ever assembled in the 46 year history of the race. With less than a month to go before the start, 120 yachts flying the flags of over 20 countries will be participating. The international fleet is an astounding mix of famous yachts and corinthian crews, aiming for honours in the classic Mediterranean offshore race.

3rd October is the deadline for entries for the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

For more information and online entry visit event website.