The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race began today from the picturesque Grand Harbour in Valletta. Renowned as one of the Mediterranean’s premier offshore races, this year’s event promises to deliver a thrilling and challenging experience for all participants.
With a diverse array of yacht designs and crews, the race will cover a 606 nautical mile circular course, notorious for testing competitors with varying wind angles and sea states. A total of 112 yachts, representing 30 countries, will participate, showcasing nearly 1,000 crew members from 42 nations. The entrants range from the smallest, Seb Ripard and Daniel Calascione’s Calypso at 9.43 meters (31 feet), to the largest, Seng Huang Lee’s Scallywag 100 and Remon Vos’s Black Jack 100, both measuring 30.48 meters (100 feet).
A Field of Talent and Experience
The race attracts a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers alike, with participants’ ages spanning from 14 to 80 years old. Among the notable entries is the oldest yacht, Timothy Wilson’s El Oro, launched in 1974, alongside the newest contender, Wolf Scheder-Bieschin’s Vineta, launched this year.
Last year’s overall winner, Andrea Recordati’s Bullitt, returns with a bolstered crew, including experienced ocean racer Marcel van Triest and Luna Rossa’s Francesco ‘Checco’ Bruni. Black Jack, recently acquired and fresh off victories at the Giraglia and Palermo-Monte Carlo races, is also a strong contender, with skipper Tristan Le Brun looking forward to the competition.
Weather Challenges Ahead
The weather is expected to play a crucial role in the race, with strong winds from the south predicted at the start. However, conditions appear unstable, making it unlikely for the monohull race record of 40 hours, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds—set in 2021—to be challenged this year. Race weather forecaster Mike Broughton has indicated a mix of conditions, including potential rain and thunderstorms, which could complicate strategies for the teams.
Unique Aspects of the Race
Participants often cite the unique challenges of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, particularly its diverse meteorological conditions and the stunning backdrop of Malta. Franco Niggeler, a seasoned racer, noted the race’s distinctive features: “There are two things unique to this race: Malta, which is beautiful, and the variety of weather situations you have to navigate.”
The Podesta siblings, back-to-back winners in 2019 and 2020, will compete with their latest entry, Elusive 2, while other seasoned sailors like Géry Trentesaux and the iMaxi72 Balthasar crew—led by Bouwe Bekking—bring their experience to the fleet.
A Rite of Passage
Among the younger competitors is 15-year-old Pippa Bartolo Parnis, racing on the 35ft J/109 Jarhead, representing the Jarhead Young Sailors Foundation. Her excitement reflects the sense of community and opportunity that the race offers to aspiring sailors. “I love the sense of freedom being at sea offers,” she shared, emphasizing the team dynamic onboard.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race not only showcases the thrill of competitive sailing but also fosters the growth of young talent in the sport, with many participants embodying a rite of passage that is cherished in Maltese sailing culture.
