Written by: Francesco de Vita, Technical Consultant, Ullman Sails South Africa

The 40th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is finished. I am filled with a lot of regrets but also a lot of hope. It has been three days of light wind and three days of strong wind. When I finally see the bridge of La Valletta, and I say to myself that, “I am done.”

This is my sixth time doing this race. I won it on my very first attempt onboard Riviera di Rimini, an Open 60. Last year I was on the boat that placed second. However, this year, I find myself in a disappointing 20th position.

What Sets the Rolex Middle Sea Race Apart

Most people think the Fastnet or the Sydney Hobart are the toughest sailing races, however, for me, the Middle Sea Race ranks up there with the most challenging of sailing regattas. Most of the time, the wind is very strong and the crew must be fit and strong.

The Mediterranean, where the race is held, is very small sea which is not very deep, creating big, short waves and conditions along the coastline can change very fast. Winds increase quickly, sometimes with speeds of up to 55 knots. However, the wind can also drop completely, putting you in a position where you must be strong in another way and play the mental game while you wait for the wind to arrive.

This Year’s Race

This year we were faced with both conditions. The first three days were sailed in extremely light wind, however upon reaching the island of Stromboli, about halfway through the race, the wind started to pick up.

With the wind turning on the nose in the early morning, it was like sailing in a washing machine with waves coming from all directions. At this point, the wind speed was around 38knots. It is only comfortable to sail with a reef in the main and the storm jib. It is cold and wet but at least by this point the end was in sight.

Finally, we crossed the line and while I may have felt like giving up when I wake up in my bed in the hotel in Malta the next day, I’m already thinking about the 2020 Middle Sea Race.

Advice for Anyone Thinking of Sailing the Middle Sea Race

The most important thing is to arrive ready for this type of race. Don’t arrive late with the boat; be sure to give yourself enough time to do all your preparation. Make sure you have enough food and water, check your desalinator and safety equipment and make sure all the crew knows where everything is, particularly the grab bag. Then the day before you go, take the time to rest and relax.

The race is not about winning the first day but in winning every single moment of the +-5 days the race takes. Be aware of everything that happens around you.

See you in Malta in 2020!