RORC Caribbbean 600 champion Conor Fogerty's Bam from Howth Yacht Club is an early Irish entry into the 37th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and doubtless there will be more strong Irish offshore entrants before the start on Saturday 22nd October 2016.
Entries for the race have been steadily coming in with a good mix of familiar names and new ones signing up for the 608 nautical mile race.
Last year, Malahide boat and race regulars Dermot and Paddy Cronin took the double–handed honours. This year the Irish offshore season is starting to build for April's first race on the Irish Sea and with plenty of new boats there may be some tempted to extend the season by taking the trip to Malta.
Since its inception in 1968, the Middle Sea Race has developed into a highly rated offshore classic, popular among both professional and Corinthian crews, putting Malta firmly on the sailing map. The scenic course around many islands provides changeable and demanding conditions that require crews to be constantly at their best. The event attracts a varied fleet which is divided into numerous classes giving every boat a fair chance for a good result.
2015 welcomed an interesting fleet which included some high profile boats making up a total of 111 yachts, representing 22 countries to make yet another successful event. Monohull Line Honours went to George David’s Rambler 88 which arrived soon after Lloyd Thornburg's MOD 70 Phaedo 3, which was the first Multihull home. Michele Galli's Italian TP52, B2 won the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy, whilst fellow Italian Vincenzo Onorato's Cookson 50, Mascalzone Latino won the Boccale Del Mediterraneao.
Although still early in the year, the interest and response so far is very encouraging, suggesting that there will be another good fleet in 2016. Participants should expect another memorable offshore sailing event combined with the usual great hospitality at the RMYC.
