Valletta, Malta – The Rolex Middle Sea Race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), stands as one of the world’s most captivating offshore challenges. Now in its 46th edition, which starts on Saturday, 18 October, the 606-nautical mile circumnavigation of Sicily continues to attract sailors from across the globe. Blending breathtaking scenery, complex tactical racing, and the spirit of camaraderie the Rolex Middle Sea Race is the very definition of great offshore sailing. Entries continue to roll in with the official close set for Friday, 19 September. The notice of race and official notice board may be found here .
Once again, an exceptional fleet is gathering, preparing to embark from Malta’s historic Grand Harbour on the renowned course. Among the competitors are a broad range of nationalities, with yachts representing 23 nations. The diversity among sailors is equally striking, with the passionate crews expressing different aspirations and ambitions. Among this year’s competitors are a number of seasoned campaigns whose stories underline the unique allure of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Current headlines: largest entrant is the 30.5 metre/100 foot Black Jack 100 from Monaco, while the smallest is the 9.43m/31 ft Calypso from Malta. The oldest yacht entered is Stormvogel, launched in 1961 and a line honours winner at the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 1968 and 1969. There are three 2025 launches: Palanad 4, ultra-light, scow-bowed Sam Manuard 15.2m/50ft design; Solenn for Pure Ocean a JPK1050 and Maxitude, a Lombard-designed Lift 45. The furthest travelled are a trio of Australian entries, plus one from New Zealand. China will be entering a crew for the very first time. And, finally, the young German crew of Red Bandit, last year’s overall winners, have confirmed their intention to defend their title despite their TP52 losing its rig during this summer’s Admiral’s Cup regatta. The team are chartering the Botin 56 Black Pearl.
Pushing the Limits – Black Jack 100
At the front of the fleet, the spotlight falls on Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun. Last year, the team narrowly missed out on line honours. “After extending significantly on the first night, we got caught in lighter wind than the boats behind. We then had a strong battle with Scallywag for two days, where again every time we would extend, we would move out of the pressure and slow down. On the final tight reach back to Malta, Scallywag had the mechanical advantage of more righting moment. We knew they would be faster, but we did all we could to push crew and boat beyond the limit. We lost by 20 minutes, something less than 0.5% of the race distance,” explains Le Brun.
That heartbreak has only fuelled the determination. “We come back because we love this race,” says Le Brun. “It does not matter the size or speed of your boat, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a real offshore, where you can have all conditions. Last year we saw everything from zero to 50 knots of wind from many directions. It challenges both humans and machines in every way.”
Black Jack has undergone a comprehensive refit ahead this season, including structural changes to the bow, a redesigned sail plan, and upgrades to navigation technology and systems control. The yacht also sports a new, striking jet-black livery, underscoring its reputation as one of the most refined racing machines afloat.
“Our ambitions remain the same: sail fast, full speed, and keep improving,” says Le Brun. “Records are there to be broken, though conditions must be perfect for your boat. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is long, so less likely to have perfect weather all the way around, but never say never.”
“We make sure the boat and crew are prepared, and work hard to seize every opportunity. Above all, we want to enjoy the race, the adventure and the team spirit.”
The Corinthian Spirit – Calypso
The modified Farr 30 Calypso is one third the length of Black Jack 100. It takes a near completely different mindset to take on the Rolex Middle Sea Race in such a small yacht. For Maltese sailor Seb Ripard, that seemingly monumental challenge is part of the attraction. For him and his crew mates, the race is more than just a competition. It merges tradition with a personal journey. His first race in 2002, aboard Market Wizard with his father John Ripard Jr and uncles Jonathan and Andrew Calascione, ended in overall victory. “Jonathan has not done the race again to maintain his perfect record,” Ripard smiles. By contrast, Ripard has been a regular on the start line, including last year aboard Calypso, which he co-skippers with cousin, Dan Calascione.
For Ripard, the course is a source of endless fascination. “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a circle, so it feels like four to six races in one. The scenery is exceptional, and I never tire of it. If things don’t go well from a performance perspective, I make sure to enjoy the experience—good food onboard, sailing with friends, and soaking in the views. It needs to be a rounded experience to justify the time and effort.”
As one of the smallest boats taking part, the Calypso crew are constantly weighing up the desire to enjoy the race in the right spirit with a natural, strong competitive instinct. This year Calypso will sail with a smaller crew and a new water ballast system. “We are doing the race at a Corinthian level, balancing preparation with everything else in life. There is always more to tick off than time available, but that is part of the beauty of it.”
Over the years, Ripard’s view of the race has changed. “As I’ve got older, I have learned to appreciate the opportunity to do the Rolex Middle Sea Race more and more,” he says. “It is a commitment, but a great chance to do something different with people I want to be with, experiencing the camaraderie and the adventure.”
“When Dan and I first discussed the idea in 2024, there was a little reticence, thinking we were too old for such an effort,” he offers candidly. “However, we both found it much easier than expected, we enjoyed the hardship more than we thought, and as soon as we finished, we signed up to go again. Once the adrenaline wore off and we had time to reflect, we still felt the same.”
Racing with Purpose –Solenn for Pure Ocean
French sailor Ludovic Gerard brings another perspective to the Rolex Middle Sea Race, blending competitive spirit with a cause close to his heart: ocean preservation. A long-time ambassador for the Pure Ocean Foundation, Gerard campaigns under the name Solenn for Pure Ocean to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation and scientific research.
Racing overnight and out of sight of land is something special for Gerard: “Offshore sailing is really addictive, it difficult to say why precisely, but being on your own on board for a number of days, fighting for the race, enjoying joys and pains is really something. Within a few days after each offshore race, my mind is already focusing on next one.”
Gerard has already achieved impressive results at four previous editions, including podium finishes in both crewed and double-handed divisions. “I only have fantastic memories of the Rolex Middle Sea Race,” he reflects. “The landscapes are breathtaking, the competition fierce, and the warmth of Malta in October makes it special. After every race, only the good times remain in your memory.”
His current Solenn is a brand-new JPK 1050, delivered earlier this year after he sold his well-loved JPK 1080, with which he won IRC 6 in 2019, and the double handed class in 2022, after some impressive on the water battles: “In 2018 we finished 24 seconds behind another JPK1080, Rossko. The year after, it was revenge time. Another match racing regatta with Rossko, but we eventually beat them by 4 sec !”
Turning to his new boat, “The new 1050 is versatile, fast, and fun—a great design by Jacques Valer. We were close to an outstanding result at this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race, so I am optimistic about the Rolex Middle Sea Race.”
Gerard plans to race double-handed again, hopefully with his long-time co-skipper Nicolas Brossay, bringing not only his sailing skills but also his unwavering commitment to the environment. “Oceans are our life, and we must preserve them,” he says. “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is the perfect stage to combine my passion for offshore sailing with raising awareness for ocean protection.”
As for why other sailors should consider the race, he is equally passionate, “The Rolex Middle Sea Race ends the Mediterranean season nicely. The weather and temperature are generally still good in Malta in mid-October, the atmosphere and greeting by RMYC team is very friendly.”
Since its inception in 1968, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has been organized and hosted by the RMYC. The Club is the beating heart of sailing in Malta, welcoming hundreds of sailors each October with professionalism and hospitality. Its clubhouse overlooking Marsamxett Harbour provides the perfect backdrop for pre-race preparations and post-race celebrations.
“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is not just about competition,” says Commodore Mark Napier. “It is about community, tradition, and the enduring connection between Malta and the sea. Every year we are proud to welcome sailors from around the world and to showcase the beauty and challenges of this unique course.”
From Corinthian sailors keeping traditions alive, to double-handed adventurers championing ocean causes, to high-performance maxis pushing the boundaries of speed and endurance, the Rolex Middle Sea Race remains a stage where passion meets perseverance.
The 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start from Grand Harbour, Valletta, on Saturday, 18 October, with the fleet as always sent on its way by the guns of the Saluting Battery—a spectacle that has become one of the great moments in international sailing.