The all-Gozitan team on the Gozo Dream [1] have completed the 44th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Gozo Dream completed the 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race in just under five days.
The experienced Gozitan crew was made up of Noel Grech – skipper and owner of the yacht, Joel Xibberras, Dr Simon Mifsud, James Pace, Joe Sultana, Christopher Tabone, Victor Azzoppardi, Alex Mangion and Nils Adam.
Noel Grech has taken part previously, but this was a first for his all-Gozitan crew on First 40.7 Gozo Dream.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club said that Noel Grech started dreaming about entering an all-Gozitan team for the race in the late 90s along with his friends. This year, after a huge effort, that fantasy became a reality.
“We are a bit tired; the whole project took a lot of work, but we are elated to be the first Gozo team to participate in this prestigious race and the feeling has exceeded our expectations. We have really put sailing in Gozo on the map for generations to come,” commented Noel Grech.
Noel went on to say that “it was a tough race as usual, and we are really pleased to have got through it. It was a relief to start the race and, also, when we finished it. We have had messages from people as far away as Australia, the United States as well as Great Britain.”
“I hope that this will be the first of many races to come for a Gozo team, I hope that this year’s race is the tip of the iceberg for sailing in Gozo,” he said.
Many congratulations to the crew of Gozo Dream for their wonderful achievement from all at Gozo News.
At 2100 CEST on Wednesday, the winner of the 44th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race was announced as the Italian Wally 93 Bullitt, skippered by Andrea Recordati.
The announcement was made shortly after the double-handed entry Red Ruby crossed the finish line at 20.51.35, 24 seconds outside the time required to move into first place.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club had confirmed that none of the remaining yachts still racing at that time were able to better Bullitt’s corrected time.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize Giving will take place tomorrow Saturday, the 28th of October in the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
The RMYC said that 76 Maltese nationals took part in this year’s race. “Maltese teams will be filled with pride as they are called up to the main stage to receive their awards and, undoubtedly, will receive a huge ovation from the international audience gathered in the spectacular auditorium.”
File photo