With only 15 yachts having completed the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race, the competition is still fierce, with approximately 85 of the 96 yachts remaining at sea vying for the main trophy determined under IRC time correction. Balthasar, which finished on Tuesday morning, is currently in pole position after facing intense moments during the race. The remaining participants are determined to push for overall victory until mathematically impossible.
The seasoned crew on the Mills 72, led by Louis Balcaen, had a tense finish at Marsamxett Harbour. French yacht Daguet 5, entered by Frédéric Puzin, was the first to challenge Balthasar’s lead, showcasing their strong performance early in the race. Puzin expressed satisfaction with their experience and strategy, noting the challenges faced during the night and the navigation through the Strait of Messina.
Continuing south, Whisper in IRC 1 successfully closed the gap with Daguet, which reached Lampedusa on Tuesday morning and accelerated towards the South Comino Channel. Puzin highlighted that Lampedusa could typically be a trap, but this year it turned out to be advantageous for their race strategy. However, Daguet ultimately crossed the finish line 20 minutes behind Balthasar on corrected time.
The Italian entry Django Deer, led by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, also made significant progress throughout the race. Despite facing a severe storm early on, the crew demonstrated resilience and skill, earning them a strong position as the race progressed. Although they finished just five minutes short of Balthasar in corrected time, Vascotto praised the team’s performance and decision-making throughout the race.
As the race unfolds, the monohull battle continues with many yachts still navigating their way from Favignana to Lampedusa. A significant number of boats remain in a parking lot situation, with some, like Chenapan 4 and Artie III, managing to break free into fresher winds. The outcome of this stage could greatly influence Balthasar’s chance of securing the trophy.
In the Multihull Class, Allegra from Switzerland secured Line Honours and is likely to win the MOCRA trophy as well. Owner Adrian Keller reflected on the challenges faced during the race, including a lack of wind at critical points, but noted the excitement of finishing in Valletta after a long journey.
Looking ahead, more yachts are expected to finish in the upcoming days, filling the docks and bringing vibrant stories of their experiences during the race.
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