New registration system for 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race
Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) says it is employing a new registration system for its 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race. The system forms part of an updated race management backend suite geared to improving the experience of owners, crew, fans, media and the race team itself.
The system is based on the Nautical Cloud solution, developed by a group of sailors. It enables sailors to enter races, manage crew (and even find them), process payments and administer certification checklists. Nautical Cloud has been used by several reputable clubs and events including the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Junior offshore Group (JOG). Crews entering this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race will already be familiar with the process.
Commodore David Cremona says: “We are always looking to put the competitors’ interests first. We firmly believe this new race management system will improve their experience and help us to become more efficient in our handling of entries. Despite this development, I am happy to reassure competitors that the race office remains staffed by the usual friendly faces. The Maltese welcome will be as personal and responsive as ever.”
The 2023 race is scheduled to start on Saturday 21 October from Grand Harbour, Malta and registration is now open. Last year’s race attracted 118 yachts and this year, RMYC is looking to challenge the record number of entries of 130 in 2018.
One of two headline boats set to compete is the Stephane Névé skippered Wally 107, Spirit of Malouen, racing as Paprec Sailing Team and representing France. The Judel/Vrolijk designed yacht, built by Green Marine, will be the second Wally yacht to take on the offshore race following the successful participation of Bullitt last year. Despite the vessel’s 32.55m / 107ft length, the record for the largest yacht remains with the 43m / 140ft Skorpios.
Another newcomer is Pyewacket 70 from the United States. The Pyewacket name was first made famous in the yachting world through the series of boats owned by the avid ocean racer Roy E. Disney, a nephew of Walt Disney.
“We all love the big fast maxi yachts whether monohull or multihull,” adds Cremona. “They add real spice to the start and offer the prospect of record breaking passages. While they are an important part of the fleet mix, we know that our core competitors take part on smaller, slower yachts. Rightly so, the most important trophy is for the overall win on handicap under IRC and, over the years, winners have been drawn from all parts of the entry list.”
