Courtesy of ph G Martin-Raget/SNST
Framed by the limestone bastions of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the Rolex Middle Sea Race unfolds as one of sailing’s most compelling odysseys. Since its inception in 1968, the event has captured the spirit of Mediterranean seamanship, challenging crews to navigate 606 nautical miles of beauty and volatility.
The course traces a counterclockwise path around Sicily, threading through the Strait of Messina and past the Aeolian and Egadi Islands before rounding Pantelleria and Lampedusa. Along the way, sailors confront shifting wind systems, contrasting microclimates, and the awe of natural landmarks such as the volcanic silhouette of Stromboli glowing against the night sky.
Founded by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the race was conceived as a daring counterpart to the Rolex Fastnet and Sydney Hobart classics. Since Rolex assumed title sponsorship in 2002, the event has evolved into a touchstone of offshore racing—welcoming elite maxi yachts, cutting-edge multihulls, and Corinthian sailors drawn by its mix of precision and spectacle.
Beyond competition, the Rolex Middle Sea Race embodies the maritime heritage of Malta itself. Valletta’s Renaissance fortifications provide not only a striking starting line but a reminder of the island’s centuries-long dialogue with the sea—a narrative of endurance, elegance, and discovery that continues to define this celebrated race.
