Organisers of the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race are facing a ‘pleasant’ problem in their build-up for this year’s Mediterranean classic. The 74 boats registered so far – an all-time record – have left the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) with limited berthing space to accommodate all.
RMYC Commodore Georges Bonello Du Puis yesterday told reporters that the organising team were not expecting such big numbers for the 2006 race, the 27th since 1968, which starts on October 21 from Marsamxett. However, efforts have been intensified to make sure that all syndicates will have the required facilities.
“Seventy-four boats is a big surprise for everyone here at the club,” Bonello Du Puis said.
“During the past few months, we embarked on a profound marketing exercise to try and lure to our shores the best sailing teams in the world. We could not have aspired for a better result even though it has left us with an unexpected problem on accommodation.
“At the moment all berths are fully booked. We have now set up the Manoel Island marina as race headquarters and the place will host 50 yachts. The other entries will be shifted to the Sliema Ferries.”
That was not the only difficulty in the organisers’ plans though.