Course Record To Face Strong Challenge At 2004 Rolex Middle Sea Race

Entries from both ends of the size spectrum continue to arrive at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) for this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts on 23rd October.

The most recent forms to be filed are from Silk II a BH41 owned by Masci Filippo, Nisida Seiwa a GY 51, skippered by Dario Boochi and the latest super-maxi on the block, Randall Pitman's Dubois-designed Genuine Risk.

The 90-foot Genuine Risk, built by McConaghy Boats, was launched in late April this year and sailed a day later. This advanced state-of-the-art racing yacht is a result of an intensive full year of research and development; the design employs a canting keel and fore and aft rudders (canards). The Dubois team, along with Andy Claughton and Clay Oliver utilized the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University as the research centre. Initial sailing trials in Sydney Harbour confirmed the boat's high performance potential, which was proven by Genuine Risk's recent line honours win in the Chicago-Mackinac Race.

Currently, Genuine Risk is expected to line up against another 90 footer, Alfa Romeo unbeaten for Line Honours in 70 starts and fastest yacht around the Middle Sea course in 2003, the maxZ86 Morning Glory, the 85 foot Judel Vrolijk designed UCA owned by Dr Klaus Murmann and skippered by Jorn Bock, plus the Reichel/Pugh-designed Black Dragon - sistership to Enigma, handicap winner in the 2003 race.

At the smaller end of the fleet, the experienced local yachts have come forward in strength. Arthur Podesta will compete in his 25th race aboard his Beneteau 45f5 Elusive. Alfred Manduca has entered his Beneteau 47.7 Allegra, Julian Cleave's Commanche Raider returns once more under the leadership of Jonas Diamentino. RORC Vice Commodore Chris Bull will participate on his highly successful J-145 Jazz. Two former winners of the Middle Sea Race Trophy will also be on the start line - David Frank's J-125 Strait Dealer (2001) and the J-109 Jammin (2002 as Market Wizard) of Andrew Calascione & John Ripard. Making his race debut is RMYC Commodore George Bonello DuPuis with the Prima 38, Primadonna.

Entries currently stand at 24 with yachts representing Malta, USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic.

The closing date for entries is 16th October 2004.

Further information about the Rolex Middle Sea Race may be found at:
www.rolexmiddlesearace.com