An international fleet ready for the Yachting Malta Coastal Race –

The Yachting Malta Coastal Race starts on Wednesday October 20.

The race follows one of four routes around Malta, Gozo, Comino or Fifla, and is a perfect race for boats preparing for the 42nd edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

An international fleet of over 40 boats are expected to compete in the Yachting Malta Costal Race, including last year’s overall winner Christoph, Aaron & Maya Podesta with Elusive II. Teams from at least 16 nations will compete, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland , Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

Launched in 2015, Yachting Malta is a partnership between the Government of Malta and the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The main role of the organization is to identify and attract top level yachting events to the Maltese Islands. Yachting Malta President John Huber has confirmed that Yachting Malta will support the Coastal Race for the next three editions.

“The Yachting Malta Coastal Race is a good training ground for the big race, where the crews get to know each other and the equipment is tested,” said Huber. “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is Malta’s biggest sporting event. As a government entity, Yachting Malta will do everything to promote it.

Peter Dimech, RMYC Senior Race Director, said: “Our intention for the Yachting Malta Coastal Race is to give crews the opportunity to prepare for the main race. This race will have a target time of less than five hours for all boats to finish.

The 606 nautical mile Rolex Middle Sea Race will set off from Grand Harbor Valletta on Saturday, October 23.