Artie III sailing team is back and ready to rumble

The new Artie III boat was launched at the Marina di Valletta ahead of the 2019 Rolex Middle Sea Race. The team has set high expectations for itself, by entering the race on much more demanding yacht and aiming to place in a top position in their Class.

The Artie team name rings many bells in the local and international sailing community. Determination, positive attitude, quick strategic thinking and fantastic spirit lead the team to achieve great goals, such as winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2011 and 2014.

Owner, Lee Satariano, and co-skipper, Christian Ripard, have sailed together for many years, setting an example of teamwork and ambition.

Now they are back with a faster, more demanding, top class race yacht and are gearing up to take on the big boys in the upcoming Rolex Middle Sea Race. They have assembled a fantastic team made up of the following talented sailors: Sean Arrigo, Annemieke Bes, Mathieu Almekinders, Erik Jan van de Zande, Karl Miggiani, Justin Busuttil and Jake Satariano.

The new Artie III is a HH42 model, one of only five models designed by the world’s best race boat designer Judel Vrolijk. Fully carbon made, with its trademark powerful hull lines and beam, it is a true speed machine.

Extremely proud to be supported by the legendary Jeep brand, the team has worked tirelessly over the past few months to get the boat fully optimized and ready to tackle new challenges and adventures on international waters, alongside some of the best names on the sailing scene.

The partnership with Jeep is part of a wider programme by Motors Inc. – the official brand distributor in Malta – to support local sporting talent.

Jonathan Cremona, head of Strategic Development at Motors Inc., said that the Jeep brand and the Artie III sailing team share common qualities: “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a unique adventure that will test the team’s grit, determination, and team spirit. These same values drive the iconic brand, too, and Jeep will be a constant motivator to the Artie team on their course.”

The Rolex Middle Sea Race starts on Saturday 19 October in the Grand Harbour with 114 yachts from 17 countries competing for glory.