The famous Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta (RMSR) starting from Valletta has risen continuously since it was first held in 1968.
After leaving the Grand Harbour , Malta, boats head to the Gulf of Messina (Sicily), then the Aeolian Islands (together with the active volcano Stromboli), then passing through the Aegadian Islands, Islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, and returning to Malta. This circular route is around 606 nautical miles in length, and the shortest time to cross it is almost two full days.
The race is held yearly in October and after/before the race a vessel assigned to Yacht Transportation is always inside Grand Harbour.
On Tuesday 19th October, 2021 the 2017 built multi purpose (MPP) ship SYMPHONY SPIRIT entered Grand Harbour, Malta berthing at Laboratory Wharf for loading/discharging sailing yachts while she was already loaded with interesting deck cargo.
She loaded Jason Carroll’s MOD 70 American maxi trimaran ARGO taking multihull line honours and setting a new outright race record of 33 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.
And she discharged the sailing yacht MATADOR.
Interesting deck cargo was a 1971 wooden built yacht named SAN PEDRO with Ancona (ITA flag) port registry – AN 1928 D.
Also the British sailing yacht SUNRISE was discharged.
SYMPHONY SPIRIT was built in Germany by Ferus Smit Leer Shipyard at Leer in 2017 as yard number 421 launched on 25th August, 2017 and this call was her maiden one at Valletta.
Husbandry agent was Mariner Shipping – https://www.marinershipping.eu/ which they are our SPONSORS too.