Updated: 40th edition of Rolex Middle Sea race gets under way

The 2019 Rolex Middle Sea Race, the 40th edition of the 606nm classic offshore, set off from Grand Harbour today. A fleet of 113 yachts, separated into seven starts, were wafted on their way by a very gentle localised, northerly breeze that sent cats’ paws across the harbour leaving plenty of traps for the unsuspecting. No matter. For the competitors – both professional and Corinthian – the start is just the beginning of a challenge that is not meant to be easy. People can keep track of contestants using the Middle Sea race tracker.  [attach id=780621 type="video"]Video: Chris Sant Fournier [/attach] By 17:00 CEST, the fleet was making slow progress en route towards Capo Passero and the southernmost point of Sicily. On the water, Italian trimaran, Ad Maiora held a slim lead over the leading monohull, Rambler (USA), with the 34-foot catamaran Blackwater (AUS) just behind. Yachts are hugging the rhumb-line from the mark at St George’s Bay, on the northern coast of Malta, and Capo Passero. Wind is a light southwesterly of about 8 knots. Grand Harbour, Valletta, is a majestic environment on any day. For the start of an offshore race it is exceptional. Overlooked by the city of...