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Rolex Middle Sea Race- DSK Pioneer Investments counting it down

by Trimsailing on 13 Oct 2009
DSK Pioneer Investments Carlo Borlenghi / www.carloborlenghi.com

DSK Pioneer Investments are in the final stages of preparation for the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which begins on 17 October. Organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, 2009 marks the 30th edition of this spectacular offshore race.

Danilo Salsi and his team are no strangers to this regatta and the challenges it presents, having taken part in the 2006 edition with Swan 45 DSK-Comifin. Stepping up to a Swan twice the size, DSK Pioneer Investments will be the second largest yacht in the fleet of 76 boats, second only to Michael Slade’s ICAP Leopard.

Following on from the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup a few short weeks ago in Porto Cervo, the team has been focused on shifting gears to prepare for this offshore, while also working diligently to improve the Swan 90’s rating under IRC.

'When DSK Pioneer Investments was built it was with the intention to compete in important offshore races such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Likewise, I am looking forward to the start in Grand Harbour and to see how we perform among this impressive fleet. I think the competition will be intense, but I am confident that we are well prepared for what lies ahead,' said owner and helmsman Danilo Salsi.

The 606 nautical mile course will take the fleet through some of the most beautiful passages in the Mediterranean and present a variety of demanding conditions for the teams. It will be up to the DSK Sailing Team’s Navigator Francesco Mongelli to plot the course for the Swan 90 across the Straits of Messina and around the island of Sicily, before heading up the Marsamxetto to the finish at Ta'biex.

'This should be our regatta,' said the team’s seasoned tactician, Andrea Casale. 'We have a very experienced crew, most of whom have participated in the Middle Sea Race several times. The scenery is stunning, especially the Etna and Stromboli volcanoes, but we will be focussed on the racing. The Middle Sea Race is a test of seamanship and requires the excellent coastal racing skills.'

The team onboard Swan 90 DSK Pioneer Investments includes: Danilo Salsi (helm), Andrea Casale (tactician/trim), Neil Cox, Nick Bice, Francesco Mongelli (navigator), Alessandro Franci (trimmer), Vittorio Rosso (trimmer), Riccardo de Magistris (pit), Niky Mosca (pit), Guido Antar Vigna (mast), Alberto Bolzan, Mark Fliegner (boat captain), Max Cavallo (bow), Saverio Cigliano (bow), Alessandro Tonelli (bow/rig/trim), David Scott, Giuliano Luzzato and Tatiana Loof (logistics).
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