The Rolex Middle Sea Race, run by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, is one of the most exciting long-distance sailing races in the world. Now in its 46th year, the 606-mile race around Sicily will begin on Saturday 18 October. It attracts sailors from all over the world thanks to its stunning views, challenging course, and strong sense of team spirit. Entries are still open and will close on Friday 19 September.
This year, a wide mix of boats and crews from 23 different countries are expected. The largest yacht entered so far is Black Jack 100, a 30.5 metre boat from Monaco. At the other end of the scale is Calypso, a 9.43 metre Maltese yacht. The oldest boat taking part is Stormvogel, launched in 1961 and a past winner of this race. There are also three brand new boats entering, including Palanad 4, Solenn for Pure Ocean, and Maxitude. Teams from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and China are joining in, with China competing for the first time. Last year’s winners, the young German team on Red Bandit, are returning to defend their title with a new boat after their previous one was damaged.
At the front of the fleet is Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun. Last year, they missed first place by just 20 minutes. After leading for much of the race, they were slowed by lighter winds. This year they are back, stronger and more prepared, with major upgrades to the yacht including new navigation systems and a new sail plan. The boat also now has a sleek black finish, ready to take on the challenge again.
On the other end, Calypso is a much smaller boat, but that has not stopped Maltese sailor Seb Ripard and his crew. For Seb, the race is personal and meaningful. His first race was in 2002 with his father and uncles, and they won. Since then, he has returned many times, and now co-skippers Calypso with his cousin Dan. They see the race as more than a competition. It is about tradition, friendship and enjoying the experience, even while pushing themselves. This year they will race with a smaller team and a new water ballast system, focusing on enjoying the journey as much as the result.
Another returning sailor is Ludovic Gerard from France. He races to raise awareness for the Pure Ocean Foundation, which supports marine conservation. He has taken part in the race many times and always leaves with good memories. His new boat, Solenn for Pure Ocean, is fast, fun, and recently performed well in the Rolex Fastnet Race. He plans to race again with his usual sailing partner, Nicolas Brossay, as a double-handed team. For Ludovic, the race is the perfect chance to mix sailing passion with an important environmental cause.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is not only about racing. It is also about people, stories and community. As Commodore Mark Napier says, the race is a tradition and a way to connect Malta with the sea and sailors from around the world. The race starts from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, where the fleet is sent off with a salute from the historic battery – a sight that is now famous in global sailing.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club has been organising this race since 1968 and celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2025. The club is run by volunteers and supports all types of sailing in Malta, from young beginners to expert racers. This year, the club is also taking steps to improve its sustainability efforts, launching a plan to make its events more environmentally friendly.
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The race is made possible through the support of Rolex, the title sponsor since 2002, and partners like Yachting Malta, Transport Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Armed Forces of Malta.
