The 41st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race awarded organizers and participants in their efforts to overcome the adversities and successfully complete the race in a world slowed down by the pandemic. The First 45 Elusive 2 was able to defend its 2019 title, an unpublished feat since 1980, and the VO70 I Love Poland signed the victory in real time in the most adjusted end in the history of the race. Both teams claimed the importance of their triumphs to inspire the new generations of regatists in their countries: Malta and Poland

The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2020 is already an exception in an international calendar that is undermined by the devastating effects of the pandemic. The 41st edition of the Queen of Malta regatta brought together half a hundred ships of 14 nationalities, figures away from the usual numbers of the event but this year constitute a whole test of the magnetism of this classic Mediterranean ocean.

The organizers of the Royal Malta Yacht Club adapted the event to the demanding safety standards required by the world situation, and the international fleet demonstrated its confidence and fidelity in response to the appointment at the foot of the bastions of La Valeta for the departure of the test on Saturday, October 17. The Saluting Battery cannons cleared the incognite about the event, and the participants jumped at the mythical 606 nautical mile circuit that leaves Malta towards the Strait of Messina and takes as a beacon the active volcano of Estromboli in its circumnavigation of Sicily in a way against time passing through Favignana, Pantelleria and Lampedusa towards the finish line, back to Malta.

After years of persistence and constant evolution, the crew of the First 45 Maltese Elusive 2 achieved in 2019 a dream, that of victory... in real time in the last five editions of the Rolex Middle Sea Race was dominated by the American Rambler in a tireless search to improve his absolute record set in 2007.

This year, the absence of George David's maxi cleared the way of the fastest ships, which started the unbeatable race. After an unsurprised start, two of them presented their credentials to the title dishanging at the head of the fleet: the two registered Polish VO70, who maintained a frigid pulse throughout the course. The I Love Poland patrolled by Grzegorz Baranowski remained in the head of much of the race, but the E1 was able to take advantage of the opportunity that was opened at the entrance to the South Comino Channel, in the north-west end of Malta, to reach and overcome its rival. But the I Love Poland reacted in time to recover the lead, successfully defend it and cross the goal just three minutes before its compatriot.