47th Rolex Middle Sea Race Officially Kicks Off

The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race has officially started, with 107 yachts and around 940 sailors setting off from Malta’s Grand Harbour for one of the world’s most challenging offshore races.

The fleet began the 606 nautical mile course on Saturday morning, with crews from 55 countries and territories embarking on a demanding route around Sicily, passing landmarks including the Strait of Messina, Stromboli, western Sicily, Pantelleria and Lampedusa before returning towards Malta.

This year’s race is expected to test more than just boat speed, with unsettled weather conditions forecast throughout the week. Competitors will need to make careful tactical decisions as wind strength and conditions are expected to change across different sections of the course.

Defending monohull line honours winner Black Jack 100 returns as one of the leading contenders, while Volvo 70 Pace enters the race after claiming both line honours and overall IRC victory in the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race earlier this year.

Other major contenders include Balthasar, the defending overall IRC winner, TP52 Arkas Blue Moon, which is chasing a Mediterranean offshore hat-trick, and Maltese favourites including Lee Satariano’s Artie III and the Podesta family’s Elusive 2.

The race also features a five-strong Class40 fleet, youth sailors, double-handed crews and a range of international teams competing across different categories.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race will continue over the coming days, with the final prize-giving scheduled for Saturday 24 October.

#MaltaDaily