Dynamic Sails and Tense Waters as the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race Thrills, Showcasing Elite Yachting Talent

The 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race commenced earlier today from the Maltese capital Valletta. This prestigious offshore racing event welcomes an impressive and diverse fleet—117 entrants from 31 nations this year—to compete in a challenging and scenic 606-nautical mile course around Sicily and two active volcanoes. The prize, the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy, is awarded to the overall winner on corrected time, recognising a diverse range of yachts and crews. The fastest boats aim for line honours, with the current monohull course record standing at a frugal 40 hours, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds set back in 2021.

The 2025 event sees the sleek 100-ft Maxi Black Jack 100 as the largest yacht competing, favourite to take monohull line honours, contrasting against the smallest, the 30.93m Farr 30 Calypso captained by Sebastian Ripard and Daniel Calascione. Founded in 1968 and organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, this epic 600-nautical mile offshore contest has received unwavering support from Rolex since 2002. The competition, far from reaching a halt, finds the crews with daggers drawn as they sail through the vast expanses of the Mediterranean Sea.

A few days into the contest, with only 15 yachts home and hosed, it is clear that the race is still wide open. Many participants are giving their all to clinch the first position and seize the sturdy symbol of maritime glory. As the clock ticks, the mathematic probability of emerging victorious phases out some competitors, but the unfading spirit of sportsmanship keeps the regatta as vibrant as ever until the very end.