Rolex Middle Sea Race is full of wonder and surprise. The most beautiful course in the offshore yacht racing world starts and finishes in a location overwhelmed with history. In keeping with the theatre, the final prize-giving is no ordinary event. Staged within the awe-inspiring 16th-century Sacra Infermeria—originally constructed by the Knights of St John as a hospital and overlooking Malta’s Grand Harbour—the setting is as magnificent as it is historic. Honouring the accomplishments of all 117 participating yachts, the ceremony once again proved to be a stirring and unforgettable celebration.
The 2025 edition of the Mediterranean’s most renowned 600-mile offshore race will be remembered as one of the most tactically challenging in its near 60 year history. Defined by genuine camaraderie and unwavering team spirit, it was a testament to resilience, endurance, and determination. While a professionally-crewed 100ft (30.48m) yacht showcased its power and precision to secure line honours, an equalled impeccably sailed maxi claimed overall victory.
The principal success stories of the 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race:
Balthasar, Mill/Maxi 72, Skipper – Louis Balcaen – Overall Winner under IRC
Black Jack 100, Reichel/Pugh 100, Owner – Remon Vos – Monohull Line Honours
Lunatika, Sun Fast 3600, Guido Baroni & Alessandro Miglietti – Double-Handed Winner IRC
Balthasar, Mill/Maxi 72, Skipper – Louis Balcaen – Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy ORC
Allegra, Irens 84, Owner – Adrien Keller – Overall Multihull Winner under MOCRA
The prize giving was held in presence of Dr Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, and his wife Dr Lydia Abela, as well as the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Valentina Setta, and other Maltese dignitaries. Welcoming everyone to the ceremony, Mark Napier, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), had this to say: “We are gathered to celebrate the culmination of the 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. We have witnessed an exceptional display of skill and tactical expertise throughout the course, with competitors exchanging positions up to the last moments of the race. The competition was fierce, and the spirit of sportsmanship was evident throughout.”
Commodore Napier referenced the gentle conditions that intensified the mental test, and also examined patience and physical resilience in periods of calm. Recognising that many of the crews present had not come to receive a trophy, he pointed to the many other positives of participating in this sport: “In sailing, as in life, it is not just about winning. It’s about the journey. It’s about the challenges overcome, the lessons learned and the friendships forged along the way. I extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to all the participants.”
One of the biggest roars was reserved for the many volunteers who give up their time ahead of the race, but most importantly during the period yachts are on the course. ‘The Bridge’, as it is known, located at the finish line is manned 24 hours a day while the race is ongoing, offering a vital link between the competitors and the shore.
After expressing the RMYC’s profound thanks to title sponsor Rolex, whose partnership with the race extends to nearly 25 years, Commodore Napier also offered thanks to the various marinas that provide support, as well as a number of public bodies: Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta, and Yachting Malta.
He also emphasised that the organisation of the race falls to a dedicated team composed of RMYC committee members and club staff, as well as the catering team and the sailing school, all of whom work to ensure that every detail of the race is covered from start to finish. Without question, the team had once again executed an exceptional job. The partnership with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, which extends back to the race’s inception in 1968, was also noted as were the international jury.
The last prize goes to the overall winner. After accepting the magnificent trophy, Bouwe Bekking, the tactician on Balthasar had this to say: “I think this is one of the great ocean races that you can do. That’s why, at the end, there are so many smiles on people’s faces. At the back, there’s great organization, great hospitality from Malta and we should not forget the sponsor, Rolex, whose support is instrumental to putting on a race like this. We are hugely delighted to win one of the great races and we will be back next year.”
Bekking was keen to note one more essential detail, not just good for the event, but sailing as a whole: “The number of young sailors at this race is incredible. It’s great to see so many of the new, young future taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In a few years they too could be standing on this stage, so thank you to the owners that make it all possible.”
The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
IRC Overall & winner Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy
Balthasar, Louis Balcaen
Monohull Line Honours & winner RLR Trophy, winner Malta Tourism Authority Trophy (First Foreign Boat)
Black Jack 100, Owner – Remon Vos / Skipper – Tristan Le Brun, MON
IRC Class Winners
IRC 1 Balthasar, Skipper – Louis Balcaen
IRC 2 Django Deer, Owner – Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, ITA
IRC 3 Chenapan IV, Owner – Gilles Caminade, FRA
IRC 4 Ton Ton Laferla, Owner – Jonathan Gambin, MLT
IRC 5 Noisy Oyster, Skipper – Nikki Henderson, GBR
IRC 6 Zephyr, Owner – Simon Toms, GBR
ORC Category Overall & winner Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy
Balthasar, Skipper – Louis Balcaen
ORC Class Winners
ORC 2 Balthasar, Skipper – Louis Balcaen
ORC 3 Beymetal Team LR – TOK Racing, Owner – Onur Tok, TUR
ORC 4 Elusive 2, Owners – Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta, MLT
ORC 5 Mon Ile, Owner – Gianrocco Catalano, ITA
ORC 6 Mowgli of Portsmouth, Owner – Patrick & Vincent Harris, GBR
First Boat with Maltese skipper & majority Maltese crew – winner Transport Malta Trophy
Artie III, Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard, MLT
First Maltese Boat under IRC & winner Arthur Podesta Trophy
Vivace, Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Gabriele, MLT
First Maltese Boat under ORC & winner Teddie Borg Trophy
Vivace, Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Gabriele, MLT
Yachting Malta Nations Cup (Country with three best IRC corrected times)
Italy – Django Deer, Cippa Lippa X and Valentina
First Italian boat under ORC & winner Federazione Italian Vela Trophy
Diavolina, Michele Puggioni, ITA
MOCRA award for best Multihull
Allegra, Adrien Keller, SUI
RMYC Sustainability Award
JYS Jan, Claudio Budeja, MLT
The last two boats completed the race just after 0400 CEST this morning. 110 out 117 boats completed the course, seven retired.
The 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 17 October 2026.