The Rolex Middle Sea Race stands as a living testament to Malta’s deep-rooted maritime heritage — a 606-nautical-mile offshore classic that blends adventure, endurance, and camaraderie. Conceived on the island in 1968, the race is more than just a regatta: it is a celebration of Malta’s bond with the sea.
This year marks the 46th edition of the iconic race, with 118 international entries and 13 Maltese teams taking to the start line on Saturday, 18 October at 1100 CEST. For local sailors, this is not only a quest for results — it’s a matter of national pride, each finish adding another chapter to Malta’s storied seafaring legacy.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club: Guardians of Tradition
The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), whose roots trace back to the 1830s, has long been the beating heart of Maltese sailing. Paul Ripard, John Ripard, Jimmy White and Alan Green were the visionaries behind the original idea of a race around Sicily — a spark that grew into one of the world’s premier offshore events.
Every October, the thunderous salute from the Saluting Battery signals not only the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race but Malta’s annual celebration of its maritime soul.
Maltese Icons of the Sea
Among Malta’s elite contenders is Artie III, the HH42 co-skippered by Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard. Satariano’s victories in 2011 and 2014 and Ripard’s 35th participation, equalling Arthur Podestà’s record, stand as milestones of endurance and excellence. A recent third-place finish at the Aegean 600 has the team in strong form.
Also carrying Maltese pride is the Podestà siblings’ Elusive 2, a First 45 and back-to-back Rolex Middle Sea Race champion in 2019 and 2020. Their family-driven campaign honours the legacy of their late father Arthur and remains a model of discipline and seamanship.
Calypso 3.0, a Farr 30, is helmed by cousins Dan Calascione and Seb Ripard — grandsons of founder John Ripard — and will be the smallest boat in the fleet.
Meanwhile, Ton Ton Laferla Insurance enters its 17th race, skippered by Jonathan Gambin, with his son Gerald among the crew. A strong showing in the Yachting Malta Coastal Race (3rd in IRC 4) cements their place as serious contenders.
The Rising Generation
The Jarhead Young Sailors Foundation continues to shape the future of Maltese offshore racing. Its J/109s, Jarhead (skippered by Gary Mercieca/Gregory Nasmyth) and JYS Jan (Claudio Bugeja/Dimitrios Paschalidis), field mixed crews of experienced sailors and young talent.
This development platform has already yielded results: JYS Jan finished second in IRC 6 during the Coastal Race, showcasing the Foundation’s growing strength and the next wave of Maltese sailors.
Experience Meets Ambition
Otra Vez, an ICE 53 RS owned by Aaron Gatt Floridia, returns with a refreshed crew and renewed determination. “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is always the highlight of our racing year,” says Gatt Floridia.
Stefan Debattista’s Geisha, an IMX 40, follows a strong 2024 campaign with minimal changes and a clear focus on teamwork. “Every year tells a different story,” Debattista reflects.
A new entry, Mistral Racing MT, a Sun Fast 3600 co-skippered by Matthew Scicluna and Zach Cassar Torreggiani, brings together experienced sailors with over 40 collective editions under their belts. Their debut in the Coastal Race, finishing 3rd in IRC 6, signals a promising campaign ahead.
Lunz am Meer: Maltese Flag, Global Pedigree
Lunz am Meer, a Swan 651 skippered by Steve Carter, is a familiar sight on the start line, having missed only two editions since 2012. Its CV includes Rolex Swan Cups, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cups, and victories at major Mediterranean classics.
This year, with a largely Maltese crew, the team is once again among the local favourites, coming off a 2nd place finish in IRC 3 at the Coastal Race.
Power of Perseverance
Spirit of the Winds, Simon Xuereb’s Dufour 40, embodies resilience. After storm damage forced their retirement in 2024, the crew returns determined to finish what they started. Their campaign reflects the core values of Maltese seamanship — preparation, courage, and unity.
New Faces, Familiar Passion
The Noah Dimm Racing Team, skippered by Kevin Pisani Zammit, builds on last year’s debut with renewed confidence. Meanwhile, Vivace, a Reflex 38 co-skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Gabriele, enters the race buoyed by a class win in the Coastal Race earlier this week.
“Performance and teamwork are inseparable,” the Vivace team notes. “That’s what makes this race so extraordinary.”
Enduring Legacy
From the decorated campaigns of Artie III and Elusive 2 to the youthful energy of the Jarhead Foundation, each Maltese yacht is a thread in the same tapestry — a nation bound to the sea by tradition, ambition, and heart.
As the cannons fire across Grand Harbour, Malta’s fleet will again sail toward Sicily, some chasing victory, others chasing the experience of a lifetime. But all carry the same message:
“The Maltese spirit endures — undaunted, united, and forever drawn to the sea.”
The 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race starts on Saturday, 18 October at 1100 CEST, with the line between the Saluting Battery and Fort St. Angelo.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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