The Mills 72 Balthasar, skippered by Louis Balcaen, has been declared the overall winner of the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race, after the Royal Malta Yacht Club confirmed that no other yacht still racing could better her IRC corrected time.
Crossing the finish line in Marsamxett Harbour under the golden glow of Tuesday’s morning sun, Balthasar’s crew knew they had delivered a special performance. Their time set a formidable benchmark that even close rivals such as Django Deer—who finished just five minutes behind on corrected time—could not surpass. Ultimately, the smaller boats were hampered by the light winds that lingered around Lampedusa late in the race.
Balcaen, a veteran of two round-the-world campaigns, described the triumph as “a dream realised — our first major victory, the perfect blend of teamwork, precision, and a touch of luck.” He added, “After a challenging season, winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race means the world to everyone on board.”
A Battle of Endurance and Nerve
Reflecting on the race, Balcaen emphasised how demanding the 606-nautical-mile challenge had been:
“This race tested everything — the boat, the crew, and our patience. The conditions looked manageable, but they were incredibly tricky: heavy rain, shifting winds, and long stretches where one wrong tack could undo hours of progress. It was all about staying calm, keeping the boat moving when others stalled, and trusting each other completely.”
A crucial tactical decision came after Favignana, when Balthasar opted for a bold move towards the Tunisian coast in search of stronger winds.
“It felt like a gamble,” Balcaen admitted, “but the team backed the call — and it paid off. Those are the moments that define a race like this.”
Crossing the line brought both relief and joy.
“To win here, in Malta, against such a competitive international fleet, is incredibly special,” Balcaen said. “It’s not just about speed — it’s about endurance, teamwork, and belief. This victory feels like the perfect reward for all the work and miles we’ve shared together.”
Tactical Masterclass
Tactician Bouwe Bekking, one of the world’s most experienced offshore sailors with eight round-the-world races and multiple podium finishes to his name, has been sailing with the Balcaen family for over two decades. This marks his second overall victory in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, following success with Morning Glory in 2006.
“Tactically, it was a fascinating and sometimes brutal race,” Bekking commented. “The weather never settled — it kept changing its mind — so we had to stay alert, make calls early, and stay patient. Offshore racing rewards teams that adapt fastest, and that’s where this crew truly shines.”
Bekking revealed that one of the race’s defining moments came on the approach to Pantelleria, when Balthasar sailed far west to hunt for breeze:
“For a while, it looked risky — even the Tunisian Coast Guard radioed us to ask what we were doing! But that move paid off; we came out flying and positioned perfectly for the final reach home from Lampedusa.”
“To win not just our class but the overall title is a huge credit to everyone onboard,” Bekking concluded. “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is tactically complex and full of traps, but when it all comes together, it’s immensely rewarding. To win this classic event with such a talented crew is truly special.”
Balthasar Crew
Louis Balcaen (Skipper), Arianne Van de Loosdrecht, Bouwe Bekking, Diego Torrado, Dirk de Ridder, Harry Owens, Harry Smith, Henri Demesmaeker, Jaime Ward, Javier De la Plaza, Jens Dolmer, Juan Totto, Louis-Robert Cool, Max Deckers, Pablo Arrarte, Rogier van Overveld, Simbad Quiroga.
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