First 24 hours of the Rolex Middle Sea Race - Strait Up!
by Nic Douglass 20 Oct 2019 07:38 PDT
19-26 October 2019
2019 Rolex Middle Sea Race, day 1 © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
The 40th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has been under way for 24-hours, and the line honours leaders are now exiting the Strait of Messina on their way to Stromboli!
The Swan 42 out of Italy owned by Renzo Grotessi currently leads overall on IRC, followed by the French IRC52 Arobasa2 and the Cookson 50 Kuka 3. More in my update recapping the start, and following the boats through the Strait.
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2019 - Day 1
It was as busy for the 24 hours in the lead up to the race, as the first 24 hours. I caught up with the youngest sailor in the race, a German sailor who happened to learn in Malta. In case that wasn't impressive enough, as the youngest sailor, he will also be helming for his first ever offshore race as a co-skipper.
Interview with Richard Schultheis - 14-year-old skipper
Also mentioned in my daily recap, before the race started, I took the time to catch up with Black Sheep and Bellino to chat about their expectations for the race, and took a little dock walk around the Royal Malta Yacht Club to show a few of the behind-the-scenes moments in the preparation of a race like the Rolex Middle Sea Race. So on that note, a big thanks to all who worked hard to make the race start happen yesterday, and will continue to work hard over the next few days - and thanks also to Susan Glenny for helping to make this Dock Walk happen!
Dock walk before the start: Interviews with Black Sheep and Bellino
And of course all of this preparation led up to my coverage of the start of the race. I had a little adventure trying to get the breakwall which was suggested to me as the best spot to watch the race. It didn't work out, but I did get to see a part of Malta that many have never visited, including my Bolt driver!!!
Searching for the best spot for the start!
And then there was Rolex! A big thanks to Lionel from Rolex for having me at the Rolex reception at Port Angelo for an amazing view of the final two starts, which you can share with me below. Amazing to see the Grand Harbour in person, even with no wind! Even better to see so many around the Harbour enjoying watching sailing adventures - the best thing I could ask for! Thanks to Rolex for all that they do for sailing around the world!
Starts of Division 5 and 6
Standby for my adventures from dock-side before the race and onboard with Wizard!
For more adventures head to www.sailorgirlhq.com