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2023 | Rolex Middle Sea Race

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The 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race Starts on 21st October 2023

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606nm offshore classic. It is often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race as one of the ‘must do’ 600 milers. Featuring a circular route, tow active volcanoes and a host of other islands, the course has a uniqu splendour not to be missed.  The Royal Malta Yacht Club hopes to see you in October for the next edition of the Mediterranean’s most Challenging and most Scenic Race

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• 2023 Day 3 – Elusive 2

Afternoon update from Christoph Podesta on Elusive 2

• 2023 | Day 3 – Unica
• 2023 | Day 3 – JYS Jan
• 2023 | Day 2 – Freya

Flat to the mat on the good ship Freya here boss. Trailer park hurled it round the outside early last night and slipped by the park up after portopalo. In very good company with Artie and Co much to the delight of our Maltese bowman Fabio Galea, having traded tacks up the Italian mainland beach’s.  Gradual left shift from here to the fire breathing island now.

Crew in strong spirits and working hard at every opportunity.

• 2023 | Day 2 – JYS Jan

“Our first 24hours of the 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race, were as expected strong winds leading all the way to capo passero with  waves getting bigger as night fell. Once past Capo Passero  we had some fluky moments wind shifting from side to side, a  lot of sail changes and a strategic decision had to be taken as to whether stay on the inside  – took that decision and seems to be paying off as we joined other competitors as we are reaching the Messina straight. Wind is reaching around 15 knots. team is well rested and well fed as we continue on this journey. Thanks for your support -Claudio Bugeja, skipper – JYS Jan

2023 | Day 2 – Jackknife

” Good afternoon! We are in good spirit, had a great downwind up to the transition and then spent the night working to limit our losses in conditions that don’t suit our boat. Few technical issues but we have managed just fine. Messina is as good as it can get, breeze all the way through and in daylight! Locking into the beat now up to Stromboli. Bit more work then would like to make the ground back but it’s not too far, especially if we can crack off for the rest of the race. I think we have plenty of opportunity to do damage we just need to be patient. Life on board is as you would imagine being 3.2 meters wide and 8 of us. It’s cramped” –  Sam Hall

2023 | Day 2 – Unica

Jamie Sammut, skipper of Unica and the crew give us a thumbs up, following in what were Jamie’s own words a tough night.

“Had a tough night but all ok.  We had a great crossing to Sicily with around 20 knots from the beam ,then a beat and most of the crew got soaked as we were heading to the straits.. At the moment we are just outside Reggio beating to land”

2022 | Day 4 – Elusive 2

Co-Skipper Aaron Podesta gives us the end of Day 4 Update

2022 | Day 4 – Wild Joe

2022 | day 4 – morpheus.

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The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2023 – THE ESSENTIAL DETAILS

THE ESSENTIAL DETAILS

With the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race starting on Saturday 21 October, it is little surprise that the Royal Malta Yacht Club is currently a hive of activity. Final registration is in full swing, as the local volunteer team welcomes entrants from home and abroad. Whether watching on in Malta or from further afield, here are some essential details to make sure the spectating experience is as close to the action as possible.

One of the ‘must do’  600 mile offshore classics, the annual Rolex Middle Sea Race is both challenging and spectacular. Its renown stems from an enthralling and technical course, in simple terms an anticlockwise loop around Sicily. Featuring numerous ‘corners’, competitors face a diverse range of conditions and a series of complex tactical decisions.

Stats and Facts First held: 1968 Organising Authority: Royal Malta Yacht Club 2023 Start: Saturday, 21 October, Grand Harbour, Valletta (11:00 CEST)

Entry (at 16 October) 112 yachts representing 25 countries Smallest boat: 9.76m Muttley BDM Audit – Migliacci Group, Figaro 3, Luca Bettiati, Italy Largest boat: 32.55m Spirit of Malouen, Wally 107, Stephane Neve, Franc

National representation: Italy – 22 entries France – 12 Malta – 11 United Kingdom – 11 Germany – 8 United States – 7 Austria – 6

Furthest travelled crews: El Oro, Whitbread 73, Kent King, Australia Lucky, Juan K 27m, Bryon Ehrhardt, USA Kiboku Tatu, Arcona 380, Olaf Granander, USA TestaCuore Race, Cookson 50, Bob Pethick, USA Red Ruby, Sun Fast 3300, Christine & Justine Wolfe, USA Pyewacket 70, VO70 Mod, Roy Disney, USA Warrior Won, TP52, Chris Sheehan, USA Finn, Banuls 53, Jacopo Bracco, USA

Other countries:  Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Kazakstan, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Total LOA of all boats end to end: 1,650m – six and a half times higher than the highest point in Malta  – Ta’Dmejrek 253m above sea level – or just under half the height of Etna (3,357m)

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean and considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Starts and finishes in Malta, passes two active volcanoes and takes in the deep azure waters surrounding Sicily, and the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as lonelier outposts of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both closer to the African continent than Europe.

Length: 606 nautical miles (1,122km)

Outright Race Record: 33h 29m 28s, Argo, United States, Jason Carroll

Monohull Race Record: 40h 17m 50s, Comanche, Cayman Is, Mitch Booth

Main Trophies Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy – overall race winner under IRC Time Correction Boccale de Mediterraneo – winner of ORC category RLR Trophy – winner of monohull line honours Captain Morgan Trophy – winner of multihull division on corrected time (MOCRA)

How to follow www.rolexmiddlesearace.com The main information hub Grand Harbour, Valletta: seven separate starts, at 10 minute intervals, from 11:00 CEST Saturday, 21 October 2022

Start Line:  between the Saluting Battery, Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) and Fort St Angelo (Birgu) Various vantage points all around the Grand Harbour, high up on the bastions or at water level. Harbour access for spectator boats is restricted during the period of the start

Live Start:  streaming on Facebook & YouTube starting at 10:30 CEST, and on TVM, Malta’s main broadcast channel, also from 10:30 CEST

Live Updates:  streamed on Facebook each morning at 09:00 CEST, from Sunday, 22 October to Thursday, 26 October

Tracking :  https://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com All yachts are fitted satellite trackers (from YB Tracking) which continually update the position and ranking throughout the race

Social Media Channels YouTube    www.youtube.com/rolexmiddlesearace Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RolexMiddleSeaRace/ Instagram @rolexmiddlesearace TikTok      @rolexmiddlesearace Twitter     @rolexmiddlesea

Official Race Hashtags : #rolexmiddlesearace & #rmsr2023

Race Partners

In addition to the incomparable partnership with title sponsor Rolex that exceeds 20 years, the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC)  is proud to be supported by Yachting Malta and the Malta Tourism Authority, whose contribution to the international promotion of the race and hospitality for attending crews is invaluable.

The RMYC is pleased to support the work of the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF), which conducts research into biodiversity and the impacts of fishing/aquaculture in the Mediterranean around Malta. The BICREF Award is presented the crew recording the best dolphin or whole sighting during the race, to help raise awareness of the various cetacean monitoring and protection projects ongoing in the Central and Southern Mediterranean. In addition, for the first time, the RMYC has entered into a partnership with the Maltese eNGO, Zibel, which aims to reduce the waste on the Maltese islands and restore natural environments to their most natural state.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships  with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

Edwards Lowell, as an Official Rolex Retailer, are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024

2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 100 Day to Race Day

• 17 Sep, 2024 11:11:00 AM

The countdown is officially on! In just 100 days, the starting cannon will signal the beginning of the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. On December 26th, the world’s top sailors will once again converge in Sydney Harbour, ready to embark on one of the most iconic and challenging ocean races.

With a reputation for challenging weather and the notorious conditions of the Bass Strait, the race is a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. Yachts of all sizes and crews from around the globe will push their limits over the 628-nautical-mile course, heading south to Tasmania’s historic capital.

This year’s race is expected to draw fierce competition, with some of the world’s fastest and most advanced yachts entering the lineup. Whether racing for Line Honours or the prestigious Tattersall Cup, crews will have to be prepared for anything as they navigate the elements in the “Great Race South.”

As we hit the 100-day mark, excitement is building, and the anticipation for this legendary event is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the start of the 79th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

Congratulations to all the divisional winners of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

PHOTOS | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

PHOTOS | Day 5 Morning - Tasman Island and Storm Bay

PHOTOS | Day 5 and Day 6 finishers

PHOTOS | Official Presentation of Tattersall Cup and Rolex Timepiece to the Overall Winner

2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - A Race for the Ages

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Rolex Daily Video Summary

VIDEO | Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

VIDEO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Official Prizegiving

VIDEO | Race Update - 31 December Morning

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 10

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 9

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 8

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 7

AUDIO | 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Sked 6

Official rolex sydney hobart merchandise.

Shop the official clothing range of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in person at the Club in New South Head Road, Darling Point or online below.  

From casual to technical clothing, there is something for all occasions. Be quick as stock is limited!

Hundreds of Sailors Ready to Race in the 60th Edition of Rolex Big Boat Series

One of the best sailboat racing venues in the world, iconic San Francisco Bay, is ready to turn it on for the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club, September 11-15, 2024. The most prestigious regatta on the West Coast drew 71 boats and nearly 700 sailors to the docks of St. Francis Yacht Club, to hear what classes will race for Rolexes and perpetual trophies on Wednesday night, and to start preparing for the first race on Thursday, September 12. With a strong turnout in one design classes and ORC divisions, organizers are thrilled to welcome members and guests to be a part of the action on the water and shoreside.  

“Having been involved in this epic West Coast regatta for some four decades, it is my honor and privilege as Commodore to welcome our members and guests to the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series,” said Chris Perkins, 2024 Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club and a past winner of the event. “I wish the best of luck to our competitors who are here to compete in one of the world’s most spectacular racing venues. Sail fast and enjoy our outstanding hospitality.” 

Rolex Big Boat Series’ extensive history of champions is a tribute to the depth of talent that graces the event and this year, a solid fleet stacked with talented and tough competition is expected.  

“We have 30 J/105s starting again this year, which is great to see, and the ORC fleet is diverse and deep in talent with past winners returning to defend their titles,” says Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club. “We always have our competitors’ best interests in mind and after taking in sailors’ feedback from last year, we continue to improve this important event which is a cornerstone of West Coast sailboat racing.” 

Perennial Rolex Big Boat winner in the J/105 class, Ryan Simmons and his well-seasoned team on Blackhawk are eager to see how the competition will play out in the competitive San Francisco-based J/105 fleet. Blackhawk took first in class in 2019, 2021 and 2023, and second in 2022. Simmons does not take for granted that his luck will bear out for another win, although he and his crew are talented enough—and hopeful.  

“We’re lucky, we have low turnover on our team—we’ve been sailing together a long time and it’s the big difference,” says Simmons. “Our competitive edge this year will be consistency. In the first two days of the regatta, you can’t lock in the win, but you can definitely take yourself out of contention, so sailing smart the first couple of days is key, but Saturday and Sunday are really where the championship will be won.” 

Hot to prevail against Blackhawk is NeNe , owned and skippered by Tim Russell who has played bridesmaid many times, often finishing in the top three. He’s currently leading the local J/105 fleet in the class championship series, making him a serious podium contender.  

“A first place on NeNe is alluding me!” says Russell. “You have to take chances and I usually approach every regatta being super conservative. On my starts I’m trying to win one end or the other and let our boat speed take care of itself and minimize mistakes, but in Big Boat you have to gamble.” 

Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.”  

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie, owned and skippered by John Arens. Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.” 

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie , owned and skippered by John Arens.

TROPHIES & ROLEXES 

At the Competitors’ Briefing on Wednesday, September 11, at 1600, St. Francis Yacht Club announced which classes will be racing for the six perpetual trophies and two Rolex timepieces. 

J/105 

As the largest one-design fleet this year, the J/105s will compete for StFYC’s Commodore’s Cup. The top J/105 skipper will also receive a Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-A 

The St. Francis Perpetual Trophy, which was anonymously donated to StFYC in 1966 to encourage competition between large offshore racing yachts, will be presented to the winner of the ORC-A fleet. 

ORC-B 

The ORC-B division will be racing for the City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy, which has been contested since 1968 and features one of the original spades from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The winner of this division will also take home a coveted Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-C 

The Atlantic Perpetual Trophy, featuring a ship’s bell from the 1905 Transatlantic-record-breaking schooner Atlantic, will go to the winner of the ORC-C fleet. 

EXPRESS 37 

The Express 37s will race for the Keefe-Kilborn Perpetual Trophy, established in 1976 to honor the memory of late StFYC members Harold Keefe and Ray Kilborn, 

The Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy, named for longtime StFYC member and skipper of Morning Star—the yacht that proudly broke the Transpac course record in 1949 and 1953—will go to the winner of the J/88 class. The PCYA Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy will go to the winner of the top J/88 finisher. 

CLASSICS  

The Classics will compete for the Classic Cup Perpetual Trophy. 

ADDITIONAL AWARDS 

All three ORC divisions will also be contesting the West Coast Championship. 

The Storm Trysail Team Trophy to the three-boat team who have entered and achieved the best score. The team must be comprised of one boat racing in an ORC class, one from a one-design class, and one from any other class. 

“I’m excited to lead the Rolex Big Boat Series in its 60th anniversary year,” says Susan Ruhne, who chairs the regatta and is the 2024 Rear Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club. “The event is such an important part of the StFYC’s history and a favorite for so many sailors and spectators to experience. There is nothing like watching 70-plus boats on three race courses duke it out on San Francisco Bay, including the classic downwind run from the Golden Gate Bridge back to the club. I am also very proud that we continue to maintain Rolex Big Boat Series’ status as a Clean Regatta, a foundation of the event.” 

The 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series is targeting Platinum Level Clean Regatta status, the highest distinction from Sailors for the Sea. A pre-regatta volunteer event with the Parks Conservancy was held at Crissy Field on Wednesday morning. Organizers have taken efforts to remove all single-use plastic from the event, and competitors spectators are invited to meet local non-profits who serve as Sustainability Partners for the event. Sail to Shelter will be collecting old sails on site to recycle into shelter for humanitarian aid.  

Quantum Sails will be hosting Daily Weather Briefings every race day at 0730. All sailors are invited to tune in for the forecast from experts at Sailflow Weather and to hear local knowledge about San Francisco Bay conditions and currents. 

Racing is set to begin tomorrow, September 12, at 1100 local time for most classes and 1300 for the Classics. 

Follow the action online on Instagram and Facebook . 

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ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE: A BEAUTIFUL COURSE, A RELENTLESS CHALLENGE

Geneva, 10 October 2023 - The Rolex Middle Sea Race, which marks its 44th edition in 2023, is one of the world’s premier classic yacht races. Starting on Saturday, 21 October, the 606-nautical mile (1,122 kilometres) race is a stringent test of sailing prowess. Partnered by Rolex since 2002, the reputation and international profile of the contest has risen considerably over the course of its 55-year history, reaching heights quite unexpected when it was first held in 1968. For this year’s race, a fleet of more than 100 yachts is anticipated, representing 25 countries and crewed by some of the best and most passionate offshore sailors.

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, crews are drawn to its compelling challenge and unique characteristics.

For Rolex Testimonee Tom Slingsby, a two-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year and a helmsman on the overall winning yacht in 2021, his first Rolex Middle Sea Race appearance proved memorable:

“The racetrack is beautiful. Going around islands in changing conditions with a lot of geographical factors at play and then finishing where we started. I will definitely be back.”

Renowned US yachtsman Paul Cayard, another past competitor and Rolex Testimonee, rates the spectacular course as one of the key attractions:

“With all its history and rugged beauty, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the most impressive in the world. You are at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The race has everything – an amazing energy at the start in Valletta, regular contact with wildlife and an unfolding passage around breathtaking islands . ”

Five-time Olympic medallist Robert Scheidt, also a former participant and Rolex Testimonee, emphasizes the significant examination faced by the crews:

“A long race like this is a challenge and your accomplishment is as part of a team. There is so much work behind these races: getting the boat to the start, preparing the sails, the rigging and the crew, managing the shifts between day and night, keeping people rested and in good form to do their job well. It is a big project, and if you achieve your potential, it is a great feeling .”

It is a sense of achievement that competitors have felt since the race was founded by a group of Corinthian sailors eager to test their skills and resilience by racing offshore. This core spirit has remained central to the success of the race over the years.

Another aspect that has not changed is the race starting and finishing in the same place. The start from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, the capital of Malta, is one of the most eye-catching in sailing. Spectators line every vantage point as cannons positioned high above the water signal the departure of the yachts. Thereafter, the primarily anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily breaks into several distinct sections, each with its own reputation and appeal. Two active volcanoes – Etna and Stromboli – feature high on the list. UNESCO protected, the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli is the undeniable symbol of the race and rounding it in daylight or darkness is a highlight for all crews. Other notable legs include the perennially fickle Messina Strait, the rugged and beautiful Egadi islands on the north-west corner of the course, and the isolated Italian islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, closer to Africa than Sicily, that precede the open-water leg back to Malta.

The location of the race and its timing can pose significant weather challenges. Competitors frequently meet punishing winds and brutal seas, mixed with periods of benign calm. For the fastest boats, finishing within 48 hours is considered an impressive run, characterized by two intense days at sea with minimal chance for rest. For the majority of the fleet, the race can take between four and six days. Preparation, teamwork, knowledge and experience sailing out of sight of land for long periods are crucial. Human and physical resources need to be managed carefully, with the demands on both constant and draining.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club, which has organized the race since its inception, takes the task of curating the event with serious intent, as Commodore David Cremona explains:

“In recent years, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has firmly established a reputation as one of the must-do offshore classics. Its most passionate advocates are past competitors, many of whom return time and time again to participate. In partnership with Rolex, the club is resolute in putting both the competitors and the future of the sport first as we evolve and develop. Proof of our successful approach is the great diversity within the fleet in terms of nationalities, boat types and experience .”

For many, completing the Rolex Middle Sea Race is achievement enough, but for those who do well, the final prize-giving is an opportunity to be acknowledged by their peers. The most significant awards are the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy and Rolex timepiece presented to the overall winner on handicap. Reflecting the democratic nature of offshore sailing, during the period of the Rolex partnership, yachts from 35 to 100 feet (10.68–30.48 metres) have claimed this honour and a deserved place in the history of this exceptional contest.

ROLEX AND YACHTING Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships  with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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in the beginning

In an inspired moment, Paul insisted that, if the Royal Malta Yacht Club was to be involved, the race should be centred on the Malta, both starting and finishing there. As a result, the racecourse became a circumnavigation of Sicily including Lampedusa, Pantelleria and the Egadi and Aeolian islands. The chosen course, at around 610nm, would be a similar distance to the RORC’s own famous offshore event, the (then, 608nm) Fastnet Race, sponsored by Rolex since 2001. The initial decision was to sail the route clockwise, heading from Malta to Lampedusa.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race was created as the result of sporting rivalry between two British yachtsmen residing in Malta, Alan Green and Jimmy White, and two Maltese sailors, Paul and John Ripard, both members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Alan (who would go on to become Secretary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club) and Jimmy had proposed a racecourse that was longer than typical in the region, and one designed to offer an exciting competition in windier autumn conditions. The original suggestion was for a course that would start in Malta and finish in Syracuse, Sicily, in one year and then start in Syracuse and finish in Malta, the next.

The Ripards presented the idea to the main committee of the RMYC, who enthusiastically backed the concept despite only six months notice to the inaugural race. Alan agreed to run the event on two conditions: he was given complete authority over the arrangements and that he could compete.

Malta's commitment to the new race spread from the top to the bottom. The then Governor-General, H.E. Sir Maurice Dorman, just happened to be the RMYC Commodore and his early support helped to open doors.

For Alan the race’s success was unquestionable from the outset:

“ The qualities, challenge and attraction of sailing the seas of classical history with spectacular scenery including two active volcanoes, the only tidal strait in the Mediterranean, and the friendly island base of Malta with its British heritage - and not least the warmth of the water in autumn - contrasted sharply with [the] experience of offshore racing in northern waters. In matching the length of the Fastnet, Bermuda, and Sydney Hobart races, I was sure we had a winning formula. ”

Contributions came from all quarters. Vice-Commodore Colonel G. Z. (“Tabby”) Tabona secured a battery of howitzers from the Royal Malta Artillery to mark the start, Sir Hannibal Scicluna, Head of the Malta Museums Department, agreed to the use of Fort Manoel in Marsamxett Harbour to host both the start and Race Control. The British navy installed necessary telephone lines and close to the event laid a trot of temporary moorings in Sliema Creek. Meanwhile, the Malta Electricity Board hooked up a power supply and lighting. The Malta Tourism Board used its network to help distribute the Notice of Race and other promotional material, and also arranged free moorings for some international competitors. During the race, the British airforce flew a reconnaissance aircraft each day to take photographs, while both British and Italian navies engaged warships stationed in the course area to help with position reporting.

Emvin Cremona, one of the country’s leading artists whose postage stamps were eye-catching and original, was commissioned via the Malta Tourist Board to produce the main trophy for the race. Cast in bronze, the trophy design powerfully and uniquely confirms the ties between sailing and Malta.

The first race attracted eight entries. Alan Green and Jimmy White competed on Sandettie, John Ripard secured a Swan 36, named Josian with a young Arthur Podesta among the crew, and Paul Ripard raced aboard the legendary Dutch maxi yacht, Stormvogel, skippered by Cornelis Bruynzeel. The Italian navy entered its training yacht, Stella Polare, and other entries included the Nicholson 32 Barada, Pedlar, Yanda and Dream of Holland, which unfortunately retired at Pantelleria. While Stormvogel was first to finish, the eventual overall winner was the smallest entry, Josian, giving John Ripard and the Maltese nation a landmark opening victory. The final prize giving was a black-tie affair, and the guest of honour was Sir Francis Chichester, fresh from his ground-breaking solo circumnavigation of the world.

Most importantly of all, the race was on the map. Over the following decade or so, it attracted some of the biggest names in international yacht racing enhancing the reputation and appeal, and confirming Alan Green's estimation of the race's value to the sailing world.

The Modern Era

The 28th edition of the race in 2007, looked ready to continue the run of record breaking fleets, with 69 yachts registered and in Malta. However, the weather charts indicated a deep trough of low pressure heading south from northern Europe and reaching the middle of the Mediterranean within the 12 hours of the start and striking the fleet as it made its way around the course. So extreme was the threat, some 16 yachts decided to withdraw on the day before.

Conditions for the start could not have been more perfect, with a solidly north-westerly enabling crews to exit Marsamxett Harbour in good order. The big boats including George David's 90 foot Reichel/Pugh maxi, Rambler (ex. Alfa Romeo), the 75ft Titan 12 and the 60ft Loki powered off towards Sicily in the freshening breeze.  During the next 24 hours some 22 yachts retired including Titan 12 as the wind built to gale force. While Rambler scorched around the course, the destruction in her wake was emphasised by the eventual loss of Loki on the northern shore of Sicily after catastrophic gear failure that left the Australian yacht without steering and unable to jury-rig an alternative in the turbulent conditions. Thanks to the bravery of the Italian airforce and coastguard, the crew of Loki was rescued without injury.

Despite their own equipment problems, the crew of Rambler found a way to harness the frontal system and keep on trucking. Once the north-western corner of the course was turned, the downwind afterburners were switched on in 40-45 knots. Only 17 yachts would go on to complete the course, including remarkably one double-handed entry, Slingshot. Rambler would go on to set a new course record of 47 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds, bettering the previous one by some 16 hours. Despite bigger, faster, technically more advanced yachts challenging the benchmark time over the intervening period, it would take 14 years for it to be beaten.

In 2001, a revitalised Race Committee brought some fresh thinking to the Middle Sea Race. A more targeted and aggressive marketing strategy was introduced. Most importantly, the search for a new title sponsor was initiated. In 2002, Rolex SA came on board, following two years of involvement with the Malta Rolex Cup. In the years since, the race has witnessed a remarkable increase in entries, growth in the quality of crews and their boats, as well as near global appeal.  For many years, the record fleet had been 34 set back in 1974. In 2002 that number was finally broken, with 42 yachts crossing the start line. The number would steadily increase, virtually each year, doubling by 2012 and breaching the seemingly impossible barrier of 100 in 2014, when 122 yachts took part. Apart from 2020, when for Covid reasons only 50 yachts entered, the fleet has exceeded 100 entries, which a current record of 130 set by the 50th anniversary in 2018.

The 2009 race marked great change for the race and the RMYC. It almost witnessed a new record. For the first time the race started from  Grand Harbour - a significant alteration to past routine that required verve and nerve to pull off. More exceptional, though, was the change of clubhouse from Manoel Island to Ta'Xbiex, undertaken in a handful of months and including a complete renovation of the new premises. The 30th edition offered a hard and fast deadline that was met with enthusiasm, passion and success.

The 69-boat fleet set off to the sound of gunfire from the Saluting Battery, high above the water. Crowds filled every vantage point witnessing at first hand the dawn of a new era in the classic race. Mike Slade's 100 foot ICAP Leopard led the charge on the water from a posse of fast maxis including Beau Geste, Bella Mente and Rán. The weather was not as straight-forward as 2007, but the big boats could sense a record passage could be on, particularly with strong winds from the north-west predicted to arrive as the front runners were exiting the Strait of Messina.

Early conditions saw a mix of squalls and calms, that took a toll on the fleet. By the Sunday evening though, Leopard had rounded the north-west corner of the track and was only two hours off record pace with the fastest segment still to come. By Monday morning at Lampedusa, the gap had narrowed to just over an hour and on the leg to Comino  excitement built as it continued to narrow.  In the end, Leopard fell just short, losing out by just 34 minutes. Andres Soriano and Alegre claimed the overall win under IRC, following their line honours win in 2008. 

The 35th edition of Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2014 is most memorable for marking the first fleet to exceed 100 entries.  122 yachts started the Mediterranean classic, under blue skies and brilliant sunshine. The international fleet from 24 different countries set off in light winds, but a variety of conditions were forecast and experienced. The 100 ft Slovenian canting keel maxi Esimit Europa 2, owned by Igor Simcic, led the way around the course and secured line honours for a fourth time, although someway off the record. Meanwhile, a forecast frontal system struck the north-west corner of the course leading to the retirement of over 20 yachts as storm force winds exceeding 50 knots and big seas created havoc. The Maltese J/122 Artie, co-skippered by Lee Satariano and Cristian Ripard, endured one toughest 24 hours in the history of the race to prove its credentials for a second occasion (the first was in 2011) and win the race overall under IRC Time Correction.

2015 was notable for a number of reasons. Sadly, it marked the passing of Arthur Podesta who had competed in every race from 1968 to 2014, and still holds the record for the longest, unbroken participation streak and most number of races. Arthur's three children have continued the family tradition and have even won the race twice with their yacht, Elusive 2. The year also saw the first appearance of a racing multihull. Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD 70 Phaedo 3, co-skippered by Brian Thompson. Weighing a mere 7,000kg and sporting a rotating, canting mast, the trimaran enjoyed a spirited run to complete the course in 59 hours 29 minutes 41 seconds. Five hours later George David crossed the finish with his new maxi, the 88 ft Juan K designed, Rambler. This would be the first of five successive line honours wins for the boat. Frustratingly for George David and his all-star crew conditions were never good enough for a record attempt until their sixth go in 2021 when they were up against bigger, more powerful opposition. The overall win under IRC went to Michele Galli's TP52 B2 for a second time. B2 finished just before midnight on Tuesday 20 October just ahead of Vincenzo Onorato's Cookson 50 Mascalzone Latino, which lost out by 9 seconds on corrected time.

2016 proved to be Vincenzo Onorato's redemption year, as the Cookson 50 Mascalzone Latino secured the overall win by four hours from sistership, Cippa Lippa 8. George David's Rambler 88 took monohull Line Honours for the second year in a row. In the Multihull Class all eyes were on the contest between  Phaedo3 and Giovanni Soldini's Multi 70, Maserati. Maserati arrived in Malta with structural damage and could not use its full foiling package. Phaedo3 held an early advantage and appeared unassailable until a catastrophic error in navigation shortly after Pantelleria resulted in Phaedo3 finishing behind Maserati and failing to beat the race record, which has looked a possibility. As it was Maserati, lowered the Multihull time to 49 hours 25 minutes and 01 seconds.

The 50th anniversary race in 2018, amassed a new record fleet of 130 yachts representing 29 countries. The 115 ft Baltic, Nikata, became the largest entry to compete following the lifting of the 100 foot entry limit by the RMYC, something several other offshore races had done in recent years.  Entries included a good mix of maxi monohulls and multihulls, as well as a swelling pack of smaller yachts including a sizeable double-handed entry. The first 24 hours proved once again that race is as much a test of concentration and perseverance in light airs as it is seamanship in heavy conditions. By the time the big winds arrived the slower yachts had been at sea for over two days and were only half way round the course. The leaders by contrast had their sights firmly on the finish. Maserati secured a second multihull line honours,  Rambler racked up a fourth straight monohull line honours, while Géry Trentesaux's Courrier Recommandé from France eventually finished after three and a half days to etch its name on the Rolex Middle Sea Race trophy.

Maltese yacht Elusive 2, skippered by the Podesta siblings Aaron, Christoph and Maya, and George David's Rambler, took the main plaudits in 2019. Respectively winning overall and monohull line honours in a race that required persistence and patience in conditions that veered from the benign to the malign. 2020 was the year of the pandemic. Covid 19 brought much of the world to a halt let alone sporting contests. The 41st Rolex Middle Sea Race was one of handful of sailing events to be held, with the RMYC showing leadership, resilience, commitment and endeavour in pulling it off. Unsurprisingly, much reduced fleet of 50 yachts took part. It was still an impressive achievement in the circumstances. Conditions presented a contrasting examination to those of 12 months earlier. Light winds dominated making every mile mentally challenging. The Podesta siblings and Elusive 2 achieved the rare feat of back to back overall victories, last witnessed in 1980 by Nita IV. I Love Poland was an extremely popular line honours winner.

The 42nd edition of the Rolex Middle Middle Sea Race was one of the most spectacular and challenging races for many years, especially for the smaller boats. At times, during the 606 nautical mile expedition, gale force winds and tumultuous seas battered the fleet. Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo was first to finish, taking multihull line honours, posting a time that also secured a class win under MOCRA Time correction and lowered the outright race record by an impressive 14.5 hours, finishing in 33 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.

Another course record was set by the 30.48m/100ft maxi Comanche (CAY). Comanche achieved the trifecta of overall winner, monohull line honours and a monohull race record. Comanche’s race record of 40 hours, 17 minutes and 50 seconds was based upon the full course distance of 606nm which it completed, while victory under IRC was over a shorter course distance following the RMYC's decision to finish yachts using the Alternative Finish Line at the South Comino Channel due to the threat of a severe north-easterly making the Marsamxett Harbour finish line untenable. Following considerable disquiet about the impact of the Alternative Finish line on the IRC results, a full review was undertaken and steps were taken to ensure the rules and regulations surrounding the race were fit for purpose. In the course of he review, the club sought feedback from competitors and guidance from the RMYC’s longstanding race partners, including RORC. The result of the painstaking process was a strengthening of the Race Committee through the integration of external, professional support.

2022, the 43rd in the long and illustrious history of the Mediterranean’s most demanding and renowned 600 mile offshore race, will be remembered for light winds, dogged determination and the remarkable imagery from the racecourse. Its character, so diametrically opposed to the previous year, it is hard to imagine the two races took place over the same track at the same time of year.   

The 43rd edition’s fleet ranged in size from 30 feet (9 plus metres) to 100 ft (30.5m) and included some of most powerful monohulls and multihulls competing on the international racing circuit. 

Riccardo Pavoncelli’s Italian MOD70 Mana was first to finish less than a minute ahead of French sister ship Zoulou and ten minutes before the Italian Multi70 Maserati. Joost Schultz’s Dutch entry, the 30.48m / 100ft maxi Leopard 3 secured monohull line honours, while Eric de Turckheim was a very popular overall winner under IRC with Teasing Machine, the French NMYD 54.

The 43rd edition, some of the class wars were intense affairs to the finish, while others have appeared walkovers as the competition missed catching the wind train or suffered other injustices in the fickle winds.

The 2023 edition of the Mediterranean’s most demanding and renowned 600 mile offshore race will be remembered for the mix of conditions and emotions experienced by the international fleet. Unusually, the weather favoured both mammoth and minnow, turtle and hare.

The 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race fleet was sent on its way on Saturday 21st October. 110 yachts representing 26 nations crossed the start line, their 1000 plus crew from close to 50 countries 

A powerful maxi will be remembered for an unexpected offshore success, while one of the smallest boats will be recalled for a breath-taking performance that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Overall winner the 93 foot Bullitt, and second placed 33ft double-hander Red Ruby, separated by only 24 seconds in corrected time, but forever joined in legend.

The 45th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

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