Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025: The Final Countdown

The anticipation is at its peak for the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race. Saturday 18 October at 1100 CEST, the cannons of the Saluting Battery overlooking Grand Harbour, Valletta will signal the start of one of the world’s most celebrated offshore races.

A record fleet of 118 yachts and over 1,000 crew from 31 countries is set to tackle the 606-nautical-mile course around Sicily — a course renowned for its shifting weather, stunning backdrops, and relentless challenges.

A Fleet Rich in Diversity

The lineup includes both monohulls and multihulls, ranging from 30 to 100 feet, from seasoned offshore champions to first-time adventurers. The youngest competitors are just 15 years old, while the oldest sailor is 82, demonstrating the race’s unique appeal across generations.

The largest monohull in the fleet is Black Jack 100 (Remon Vos), while the smallest, the Farr 30 Calypso, is skippered by Maltese sailors Seb Ripard and Dan Calascione. Among the multihulls, Paul Larsen’s Allegra will go head-to-head with the foiling cat Falcon led by Shannon Falcone, promising a spectacular contest.

Weather: A Decisive Factor

At the pre-race briefing, navigator Mike Broughton highlighted an evolving weather system that could shape the entire race:

“A low pressure system near Tripoli is expected to move northeast early Sunday. At the start, we expect 8–11 knots of easterly breeze, with a close fetch to Capo Passero. What happens next depends on how the low develops.”

The system may deepen, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain — especially affecting the slower boats — or it may fizzle out, adding a layer of uncertainty that will test every tactician’s skill.

Legendary Boats and Teams

The fleet blends icons of yachting history and cutting-edge design. The 1961-built Stormvogel, a past line honours winner, and Mowgli (1965) share the stage with the new Lift 45 Maxitude, the most recent launch.

Among the favorites, Black Jack 100 is expected to lead the maxis, chased by Balthasar (Maxi 72) with Bouwe Bekking on board, and China’s VO65 Kranendonk helmed by Olympic champion Lijia Xu. Defending champions Red Bandit return with a new Botin 56 Black Pearl, aiming to repeat last year’s triumph.

Maltese Spirit on Home Waters

Malta’s offshore racing tradition runs deep, and several local boats are ready to carry the national hopes.

• Artie III (HH42) – Co-skippered by Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard, the team brings experience and calm leadership. Ripard’s 35th participation matches the record set by Arthur Podestà.

• Elusive 2 – Sailed by the Podestà siblings, two-time overall winners (2019 & 2020), continuing their family legacy.

• Calypso – A Farr 30 led by Seb Ripard and Dan Calascione, representing the next generation of Maltese offshore sailors.

Stories Within the Race

This year’s fleet is packed with compelling narratives:

• Whisper from Australia makes its race debut, with navigator Clare Costanza highlighting the tactical complexity of the Messina Strait.

• Veteran skipper Gery Trentesaux returns on Long Courrier, bringing with him Rolex Fastnet-winning experience.

• A growing double-handed class of eight entries includes Croatian Olympic medalist Ivica Kostelic (Amelicor) and seasoned campaigner Marco Paolucci (Libertine).

More Than a Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race isn’t only about trophies. Completing this classic 600-miler is an achievement in itself. Crews will face the elements, navigate through iconic landmarks like Stromboli, Messina, and Lampedusa, and test their endurance over days at sea.

The winner of the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy, determined by IRC corrected time, will need a mix of racing skill, strategic brilliance, and a touch of luck.

The final prize-giving is set for Saturday, 25 October, but the race stories will unfold from the very first cannon blast.

As the sun rises over Grand Harbour tomorrow, 118 yachts will set sail, united by a shared purpose: to conquer one of the Mediterranean’s greatest challenges. Whatever the weather brings, one thing is certain — the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 will once again deliver a week of unforgettable offshore drama.