ICOYC News

Registration Now Open for 2022 Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is pleased to confirm that the Notice of Race for the 43rd Rolex Middle Sea Race is available online, and registration open. Last year’s race attracted 114 yachts: a remarkable achievement given the backdrop of a global pandemic. This year looks no less difficult due to uncertainty with world events, though the RMYC is optimistic another impressive fleet will gather.

The 2022 race is scheduled to start on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

With this notice, the RMYC acknowledges the unfortunate controversy surrounding the implementation of the alternative finish line at the 42nd Rolex Middle Sea Race, which was done for safety reasons, but which impacted the overall results. Following an internal review, the RMYC has taken and continues to take steps to ensure the rules and regulations surrounding the 43rd race are fit for purpose. In parallel with the internal review, the club has sought feedback from competitors and guidance from the RMYC’s longstanding race partners, including the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

As a result of these actions, the Race Organisation has been strengthened with the appointment of Chris Stone, the RORC’s Racing Manager, as Race Director. A proven professional sailing administrator, he has 20 years of experience managing events such as the Rolex Fastnet Race, RORC Caribbean 600, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and Volvo Ocean Race and Clipper Round the World stopovers.

“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a major event in the international sailing calendar. It attracts a diverse fleet from around the world which expects and deserves the very best in race management,” said Stone. “The primary objective is supporting the RMYC and its people in making race management robust and keeping the reputation and standing of this great race in good stead.”

A second appointment of note is the promotion of Mufti Kling to Chairman of the International Jury. Kling’s offshore jury experience is considerable and notably includes the Rolex Fastnet Race. Along with Stone, Kling has been party to a rigorous review and re-drafting of all race documentation to ensure issues are identified and corrected. The overall approach has been progressive and modern. For example, the alternative finish line provision will remain in the Sailing Instructions for safety reasons, but close attention will also be paid to the course length and potential impact on results.

David Cremona, Commodore of the RMYC, is confident that the club’s approach to addressing the circumstances of 2021 will lead to an improved experience for all competitors. “The 42nd edition should have gone down in history as one of the most spectacular races ever. We had an incredible weather system matched with an incredible fleet. The last thing it should be remembered for is the frustration provoked. We have learnt from it and have redoubled our efforts to ensure all competing crews finish the 2022 race wanting to come back.”

Last year’s fleet ranged in size from 30 feet (9 plus metres) to 140 ft (42.56m) and included some of most powerful monohulls and multihulls competing on the international racing circuit. Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo was first home. The American trimaran took advantage of a once in a lifetime weather window to post a finish time that lowered the outright race record by an impressive 14.5 hours, completing the race in 33 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.

The 43rd edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race starts Saturday, October 22, 2022.

Registration HERE.