[WATCH] Spectacular start to Middle Sea Race

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2014 • Video Ray Attard

This morning the Rolex Middle Sea Race got to a spectacular start at the Grand Harbour in Valletta, in what promises to be another breathtaking race.

Thousands of spectators lined the Valletta Waterfront to witness the start of the 35th Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Jamie Sammut racing his Maltese Solaris 42,Unica summed up the passion just after the start. “We were very nervous, this is such a huge occasion, the size of the fleet was just amazing and we were filled with pride that Malta is hosting such a great yacht race. The emotions definitely affected us and we didn't get a good start but we settled down and got into our rhythm. Just after we left Grand Harbour, we were joined by a big pod of dolphins and I am sure it will not be the last time that our friends will join us in this race. After all our preparations, it is a relief to get going on what I am sure will be a great adventure.”

A record fleet of 123 yachts from more than 20 countries set sail from the Valletta Grand Harbour as the 35th edition of the annual race got under way.

The 608-mile yacht race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Starting and finishing in Malta, the route includes the deep azure waters around Sicily including the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

The start sequence began with the first warning signal at 10:50am and the fleet separated into five different starts scheduled at 10 minute intervals. The fastest yachts will go last.

The unprecedented number of entrants – a 24% increase over the 99 yachts competing in 2013 – includes boats from as far away as the United States and Australia, along with 13 yachts from Malta. More than 15 boats will compete for the first time.

Now in its 35th year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) is a fixture in the season, ranking alongside the Rolex Fastnet, Rolex Sydney-Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a “must do” race.

At 1530 CET on Day One, after time correction under IRC, the leaders were as follows:

IRC 1 – Shockwave (USA)
IRC 2 – B2 (ITA)
IRC 3 - Teasing Machine (FRA)
IRC 4 - Otra Vez (MLT)
IRC 5 - Amapola (ITA)
Double Handed – Muca Maca Tamar Racing (SLO)
Class 40 – Fulcrum II (CZE)
Michael Drettmann's German X 119