The Podesta family’s First 45 Elusive 2 won the Yachting Malta Coastal Race on Wednesday 14th October, the traditional curtain-raiser to the 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts on Saturday.
Principal Race Officer Peter Dimech set a course of approximately 30 nautical miles, starting outside the Royal Malta Yacht Club, rounding Comino and returning to Marsamxett Harbour. “Champagne sailing,” he said. “12–15 knots from the southwest, building to 18 knots later in the day, with about a metre of swell on the west coast of Comino and flatter seas on the east coast.”
In the first start, Timofey Zhbankov’s Russian JPK 10.80 Rossko got away best and went on to win their class and place second overall. In the second start, Elusive 2 showed the way with great pace out of the harbour and won the race overall after IRC time correction. Jean-Pierre Dick’s French JP54 The Kid took line honours in 2 hours 47 minutes 39 seconds, placing third overall.
“Last year we showed our potential by winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race overall. We know it is a tough race to win and we are not getting big-headed. We hope we can be faster than in 2019 and win our class,” said Christoph Podesta, co-skipper of Elusive 2.
Jean-Pierre Dick, a veteran of three Vendée Globe races and winner of the Barcelona World Race, is back for his second Rolex Middle Sea Race. “Today’s race was a good test for the boat in racing conditions and to practise manoeuvres and sail changes. This is a different game to the Vendée Globe, but it is a challenge just the same, and this year the race is wide open.”
“Yachting Malta is delighted to once again show its support towards the Royal Malta Yacht Club as it gears up for the much-awaited Rolex Middle Sea Race. The Coastal Race provides a taster of what is to be expected in the coming week,” said John Huber, Chairman of Yachting Malta.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race starts from Grand Harbour at 11:00 on Saturday 17th October, with live coverage on TVM2 and on Facebook. Winners of the Coastal Race will be recognised at the final prize-giving on Saturday 24th October.
Photo Credits: Yachting Malta / Royal Malta Yacht Club / Alex Turnbull
