A Utah-based father-daughter team will represent the U.S. in Malta’s 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race, embarking on a 606-nautical-mile adventure.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – 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 shared. “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.”
George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.
