The 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), is set to welcome a truly exceptional fleet. As of midnight on Friday, 19 September, a total of 118 yachts from 30 countries had signed up to take part in this iconic offshore challenge, which begins on Saturday, 18 October 2025. Late entries will be accepted until Friday, 26 September.
Among the confirmed entries are 113 monohulls and five multihulls. The largest yacht is Black Jack 100, measuring 30.48 metres, while the smallest is Calypso at 9.43 metres. Notable multihulls include Allegra, a performance cruising catamaran, and the foiling Falcon, famously sailed across the Atlantic by Jimmy Spithill and now raced by Matteo Uliassi.
Historic boats also feature, including Stormvogel, a 1961 yacht that claimed line honours in 1968 and 1969, and Mowgli of Portsmouth, launched in 1965. Italy leads the entry list with 23 boats, followed by France and Malta with 17 each.
The race trophy, created by Emanuel ‘Emvin’ Cremona for the inaugural race in 1968, will be awarded to the overall winner under IRC time correction.
RMYC Commodore Mark Napier commented: “We are thrilled to host such a diverse and competitive fleet. October promises a fantastic international gathering taking on one of the world’s most scenic and demanding race courses.”
Returning champions include last year’s winners, Red Bandit, now racing aboard Black Pearl due to damage to their original TP52. Past winners like Géry Trentesaux, the Podesta siblings on Elusive II, and Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard on Artie III will also be back.
Ripard, one of Malta’s most successful offshore sailors, will be marking his 35th Rolex Middle Sea Race this year, equalling the record set by Arthur Podesta.
At the front of the fleet, Black Jack 100 is expected to be a leading contender for line honours. Having raced under various names in past years, including Alfa Romeo 2 and Esimit Europa 2, the yacht is targeting a strong result under new ownership. Skipper Tristan Le Brun is hopeful but realistic: “Breaking the course record set by Comanche will be tough, but we’re up for the challenge.”
In the multihull category, Allegra, owned by Swiss sailor Adrian Keller, will be aiming for a top finish. Despite retiring early from the race in 2018, the experienced team, which includes record-holders Paul Larsen and Helena Darvelid, is eager for a strong showing.
Other professional outfits include Balthasar, a Maxi 72 featuring top offshore sailors such as Bouwe Bekking and led by skipper Rogier van Overveld. The team is looking forward to rounding off their season in Malta.
The local scene is equally exciting, with several Maltese crews taking part. Youth crews from the Jarhead Foundation will be racing on Jarhead and JYS Jan, helping young sailors gain experience in offshore racing. Also returning is the Noah Dimm Racing Team led by Kevin Pisani Zammit, who reflected on their 2024 debut: “Last year’s race tested us in every way. This year, we’re coming back stronger and more united.”
Nikki Henderson, the youngest ever Clipper Round the World Race skipper, returns at the helm of Noisy Oyster, bringing together an international crew. Henderson is passionate about giving newcomers a chance to experience offshore sailing: “It’s a sport where amateurs can race alongside the world’s best. The Rolex Middle Sea Race offers the perfect mix of beauty, challenge, and learning.”
With stories like these, the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race promises thrilling action and unforgettable memories.
The race starts on Saturday, 18 October 2025.
