In Photos: 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race Kicking Off

The 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race kicked off yesterday from Valletta’s Grand Harbour, marking the start of an epic 606-nautical-mile journey around Sicily and back to Malta.

A total of 118 yachts with more than 1,000 sailors from 31 countries set out at 11:00am, facing a demanding circular route known for its beauty and unpredictability.

This year’s line-up includes both monohulls and multihulls, from 9.44m cruisers to 30.48m racers. Veteran crews and newcomers alike are competing, with historic entries such as Stormvogel from 1961 and the modern Lift 45 Maxitude.

Meteorologist Mike Broughton predicts a low-pressure system near Tripoli will bring challenging conditions by Sunday morning.

Ages range from 15 to 82, reflecting the race’s inclusive spirit. Notable contenders include Black Jack 100, the fastest monohull, and Allegra, skippered by Paul Larsen.

The overall winner will be decided on IRC corrected time, with Black Pearl defending its title.

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Photo Source: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo