Remon Vos’ Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun, crossed the finish line of the 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race at 15:51:00 CEST on Monday 19 October to take Monohull Line Honours in an elapsed time of 51 hours 51 minutes. This was the sleek black maxi’s third race around the 606nm course under her current ownership, and the posted time is the best yet.
As the favourite for line honours, Black Jack’s crew demonstrated exceptional skill and meticulous preparation, maintaining high performance throughout the 52-hour race. The crew’s cohesion was crucial, particularly during the challenging leg from Lampedusa to the South Comino Channel, which involved difficult upwind sailing in a confused seaway.
“Winning line honours in the Rolex Middle Sea Race is fantastic. It’s a unique experience with this boat and the team on board,” said Remon Vos. “Sometimes I ask myself why I do this, and tell myself I’m never going to do it again, but I keep coming back. You’re completely disconnected, surrounded by the wind and water, the moon and stars, and sharing it all with an extraordinary group of people. That’s what makes it so special.”
This year marks 20 years and the yacht’s eighth appearance at the Rolex Middle Sea Race since her debut in 2006 as Alfa Romeo. The current version has undergone significant modifications since her launch in 2005, ensuring she remains a formidable competitor. Notably, this was the yacht’s fastest passage around the course, beating the previous best by three hours. The wind conditions during the race played a significant role in determining the elapsed time, and the design of the Reichel/Pugh yacht capitalised on these factors.
Elsewhere on the course, battles continue as Django 7X and Balthasar are expected to arrive next, locked in a close competition in a 20-knot east-southeasterly wind. Further behind, Daguet 5 is performing well in her class, while Maltese entry Artie III is leading in IRC 3, having faced challenges at various points throughout the race.
In IRC 4, Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla has made a strong impression, showcasing his experience as he navigates the course under changing conditions. In IRC 5, the competition is tight, with Selma Racing leading on the water, while Colombre currently leads IRC 6, maintaining a strong position against its rivals.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club continues to uphold its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, with support from various partners, including Rolex and the Government of Malta, contributing to the success of the event.
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