Rolex Middle Sea Race...

Rolex Middle Sea Race
Relentless determination of crews produces thrilling finish

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the world’s premier classic yacht races. First held in 1968, it is renowned for the camaraderie among its entrants, with both professional and amateur crews sharing a start line set against the historic backdrop of Malta’s capital Valetta, one of the most spectacular points of embarkation in offshore sailing. 

This year’s race will be remembered for the spirit of the competitors, who maximized every opportunity, overcame the complexity and unpredictability of the weather, and sailed with great determination right to the finish line. The seconds separating the leading boats reflected this ceaseless endeavour. 

Emerging victorious as overall race winner was Andrea Recordati’s Italian yacht Wally 93 Bullitt, with Leopard 3 sealing back-to-back monohull line honours. United States yacht Red Ruby, sailed by owners Christina and Justin Wolf, came close to making race history as the first double-handed winner. 

Supported by Rolex since 2002 as part of the brand’s long-standing relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and ranks as the Mediterranean’s most renowned offshore race.

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2023 – Preview

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2023 – Preview

Renowned for its beautiful course, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of several 600-mile races supported by Rolex as part of its near 70-year partnership with the sport of yachting. As with historic counterparts the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a compelling and relentless challenge. The 44th edition of the race, first held in 1968, starts from Valletta, the capital of Malta on Saturday 21 October. Encompassing a 606-nautical mile (1,122 kilometres) anticlockwise loop of Sicily the race is stringent examination for all crews, whether professional or Corinthian. Another impressive international fleet of over 100 yachts representing 25 countries are expected to grace the annual event.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

Rolex Middle Sea Race An epic Mediterranean adventure

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is unique in offshore yacht racing in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the Grand Harbour in Malta’s capital Valletta. Its spectacular course, an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily, takes in the active volcanoes of Etna and Stromboli and a myriad of islands. In 2021, the 114-strong international fleet enjoyed exceptional weather that offered fast downwind sailing virtually the entire way. 

The maxi Comanche was overall winner, completing the 606-nautical mile (975 km) racecourse in 40 hours, 17 minutes and 50 seconds – a monohull record, seven and a half hours inside the previous best. It became only the third yacht in race history to claim the triple crown of line honours, monohull record and overall victory. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club since 1968, this epic Mediterranean adventure has been partnered by Rolex since 2002 as part of its wide-ranging support for yachting dating back more than 60 years.

2020 Rolex Middle SEA Race Preview

2020 Rolex Middle SEA Race Preview