Family-Led Sailing Crew from Utah, Only Team Representing the U.S. in Malta’s 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race October 19, 2024

Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, will host the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race beginning October 19, 2024, in Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

This iconic race features some of the world’s premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. The participants range between Croatia to Romania, and Australia to the United States. Currently, there are 84 yacht entries representing 13 different nations from around the world with only one of the spots taken by the U.S. 

A group of amateur and experienced sailors from Utah, led by the father-daughter team, Daniel and Mika Thomas, have come together to complete their mission of competing in sailing races all over the world for the next five years. Together, the crew will be the only sailors representing the U.S. at the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta this October in a newly refitted 70ft Volvo under the name of Dinzer Doo.

Starting from Valletta’s Grand Harbour beneath the historic Fort St. Angelo, participants will embark on the 606 nautical mile classic, traveling to the Eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading North to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana, the Dinzer Doo crew will head South towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.

The Thomas duo and their crew are set to embark on an unforgettable adventure as they participate in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

“My dad and I have been following the Middle Sea Race for a while now with hopes to one day sail out from under the sandstone cliffs of the Grand Harbour into the beautiful seas of the Mediterranean.”

Mika added: “The Middle Sea Race has the most iconic and jaw-dropping starting line of any offshore yacht race on the planet. I’m really excited to do this alongside my dad and some close family and friends.” This race not only marks a personal milestone for Mika but also offers a chance for her, the crew, and the many family and friends coming to support them, to explore Malta for the first time, a place steeped in rich history and stunning landscapes.

Captain Stan James acknowledges the challenges ahead, noting that the unpredictability of the race adds to the excitement and nervousness. “There is also the reality of logistically coordinating an offshore yacht race happening in Malta from a landlocked state on the opposite side of the planet,” he said. “However, we have been working with the great Volvo 70 Skipper Johannes Schwarz to ensure all details are in place for a successful and competitive race in Malta. As we gain more experience and together with our world-class Skipper, we will become more confident as sailors and as a team. I’m looking forward to all the challenges that will make up this incredible experience.” 

About Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a prestigious offshore yacht race held annually in the Mediterranean. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, it features a challenging course that spans approximately 606 nautical miles. The race starts and finishes in Malta, taking competitors on a scenic journey around the islands of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and the Italian coast. Renowned for its spectacular scenery and demanding conditions, the Rolex Middle Sea Race attracts a diverse fleet of yachts and sailors from around the world. The course includes a mix of open sea and coastal sailing, testing the skills of even the most experienced sailors. The race is known for its iconic start from under the cliffs of the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta, providing a dramatic and visually stunning beginning to the event.

Royal Malta Yacht Club/Rolex Middle Sea Race Contact

For further information about the race please contact the Royal Malta Yacht Club via email on [email protected] or telephone, +356 2133 3109.

Follow news and stories on the Rolex Middle Sea Race social media accounts:

Facebook @RolexMiddleSeaRace

Instagram @RolexMiddleSeaRace

Twitter @rolexmiddlesea

The official race hashtags are #rolexmiddlesearace & #rmsr2023

Dinzer Doo Contact

Daniel Thomas: [email protected]

Instagram: @DinzerDoo

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 8,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

For more information on Malta, visit www.VisitMalta.com.

SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Rolex Middle Sea Race – image courtesy of Kurt Arrigo

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority – North America 

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel:      (212) 213-0944

Fax:     (212) 213-0938

E-mail: [email protected]

MTA U.S./Canada Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Amanda Marconi/Jacqueline Capossela

Tel:      (212) 447-0027 E-mail: [email protected]