Competitors gearing up for heavy winds and rain

Trimmers would have been deprived of seeing changes in the wind making it far more difficult to spot windless patches. Also, the second night at sea can be a very tiring one, as crew will have not fully adjusted to life afloat with fatigue setting in, there can be a significant drop in concentration levels.

Later today, a southerly wind bringing rain and potentially in excess of 20 knots will produce harsh beating conditions for the vast majority of the fleet as they make there way past Favignana, the most north westerly corner of the course.

Class One

Esimit Europa 2 had a difficult time just before dusk on the second night. On the northwest corner of Sicily, the easterly breeze was counter-acted by a southerly header causing a windless transition zone and for some time the gazelle like Maxi was hardly moving. There would have been some degree of anxiety on board as Rán began to close the gap. However, as the southerly wind built Esimit Europa 2 were back to full power and by 1100 CEST, the Slovenian yacht powered up to open up a 90-mile lead on Niklas Zennstrom’s JV72, Rán. Behind these two front runners, Andres Soriano’s Mills 68, Alegre and Laurent Pellecuer and Oscar Kouyukhov’s MED SPIRIT are having a titanic duel on the water.

Class Two

Swan 82, Nikata skippered by Matt Hardy took up a northerly route last night and have over taken KER 53, Dralion, skippered by Pit Finis. Nikata lead by 6 miles on the water but Dralion looks to be leading on handicap. Nikata will be hoping for the predicted heavier weather, which will suit them more than their rivals. German sloop, Speedy loss ground on the leaders over night and may suffer in heavier beating conditions.

Class Three

Maltese co-skipper Timmy Camilleri on Xp 44, Vikesha II had an excellent second night at sea and maintained their position at the front of the fleet. However, Maltese yacht Comanche Raider II Gasan Mamo, skippered by Jonas Diamantino, who is a veteran of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, enjoyed a tremendous run along the north coast of Sicily and is contesting the lead.

Class Four

The conditions over night definitely favoured the lighter displacement boats and two Maltese yachts have come to the fore. J/122 Artie skippered by Lee Satariano and double race winner Christian Ripard had an excellent night and is now very much in contention. Aaron and Edward Gatt Floridia’s J/122, Otra Vez have also come into the running. These two local yachts are barely half a mile apart and have very similar handicap ratings. Artie hold the advantage in the class for the moment. However, Aurora and Three Sisters slipped back over night.

One yacht to watch in Class Four is AOC Rockall III, the Corby 36 has an excellent crew including the yacht’s designer John Corby and is a proven winner, especially in heavy airs. The German yacht has a much lower handicap than its close rivals and if the wind speed builds and goes to the south, AOC Rockall III may well come into contention.

By noon on the third day, the Rolex Middle Sea Race was living up to its billing as a highly changeable and tactically demanding race. As the majority of the fleet turns the corner northwest corner at Favignana, they should encounter stronger head winds, rain and a building sea state; the third night at sea looks set to be a testing one.