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Photos courtesy of Hēdonē Magazine
Rolex Coastal Race
Depending on the weather, the race will begin in Marsamxett Harbour, head towards the Island of Gozo and return past Comino. The course of the above coastal race may be altered depending on weather conditions. Final instructions for the coastal race will be given during the Coastal Race Briefing.
Source: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
Rolex Middle Sea Race
By Rainer Von Helin on Oct 18, 2014
On Saturday morning 122 yachts started the Rolex Middle Sea Race from the Valletta Waterfront in Malta. The international fleet of yachts included competitors from 24 different countries, off on a race around Sicily, measuring over 600 nautical miles.
On the other side of the Grand Harbour however, were the crème de la crème of the Maltese Islands enjoying the start of the race at the exclusive Rolex Middle Sea Race party on the breathtaking Breakwater Bridge. The nautical themed Rolex party was hosted by Edwards Lowell, Malta’s leading luxury goods retail company.
All over Valletta thousands of spectators watched under the soaring sun, but only a lucky few were able to witness the start of the race from the magical Breakwater Bridge. The event’s attendants enjoyed their privileged view, quenching their thirsts with mimosas, champagne and flamboyant small talk. Rolex watches were on display, a live band was there to play, fantastic weather and beautiful people, this much we can say.
Some very refined gentlemen followed the start of the race through their binoculars, protecting themselves from the blazing sun with the help of Rolex sun hats. Elegant wives and mothers paraded their beautiful children, eligible young men paraded their beautiful companions and of course there was no shortage of young beauties parading themselves.
A tremendously enjoyable social event, one of the “best of the season” we are told. Hēdonē Magazine loves to be out and about on the quest for pleasure and it was a wonderful Saturday to do just that; celebrating yachting, the love for Rolex and social refinement. It was a privilege to enjoy the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race amidst such a fine crowd on such a fine day. We applaud the hosts of the event.
Follow the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2014 live and online using the YB tracker here
About Rolex Middle Sea Race
The Rolex Middle Sea Race course is approximately 606 nautical miles long and is sailed anti-clockwise. Starting from the Grand Harbour, Valletta, beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, the fleet head north along the eastern coasts of Sicily up towards the Straits of Messina.
Mt Etna is usually visible on the fleets port side, billowing ashes and lava throughout the night. Once through the Straits, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli where the yachts turn west to the Egadi Islands. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa leaving Pantelleria to port. Once past Lampedusa the fleet turns northeast on the final leg towards the South Comino Channel and the finish at Marsamxett Harbour. En route the crews take in an amazing diversity of landscape and sea conditions, all of which combine to create the attraction and challenge of the race. The Course Record, established by Rambler in 2007, is 1day, 23hours, 55mins 3secs.
Preceding the Rolex Middle Sea Race itself is one shorter coastal race: The Malta Rolex Cup will be awarded to the overall winner on corrected time.
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