The 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race came to a fitting close with a spectacular prize-giving ceremony at the 16th-century Sacra Infermeria in Valletta—an awe-inspiring venue befitting one of the world’s most prestigious offshore yacht races. This year’s event, featuring 117 participating yachts, once again celebrated endurance, tactical skill, and the spirit of adventure that defines the 600-mile Mediterranean classic.
A Race of Strategy and Resilience
The 2025 edition will be remembered as one of the most tactically demanding in the race’s near six-decade history. Light and shifting winds tested both patience and strategy, rewarding those who combined composure with precise decision-making.
Ultimately, Balthasar, the Mill/Maxi 72 skippered by Louis Balcaen, claimed overall victory under IRC and the Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy under ORC, while Black Jack 100 (Reichel/Pugh 100, owner Remon Vos) secured Monohull Line Honours.
In other key categories, Lunatika (Sun Fast 3600, co-skippered by Guido Baroni & Alessandro Miglietti) triumphed in the Double-Handed IRC division, and Allegra (Irens 84, Adrien Keller) was named Overall Multihull Winner under MOCRA.
A Celebration of Skill and Sportsmanship
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela, Dr Lydia Abela, and H.E. Valentina Setta, Italian Ambassador to Malta, honoured the achievements of all competitors.
Mark Napier, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), praised the sailors’ skill and camaraderie:
“We witnessed an exceptional display of tactical expertise, with positions changing until the very end. This race reminds us that in sailing, as in life, it’s not only about winning—it’s about the journey, the challenges overcome, and the friendships made.”
He also extended thanks to Rolex, marking nearly 25 years of partnership, as well as to Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta, and Yachting Malta. Special recognition went to the volunteers who keep “The Bridge” manned around the clock throughout the event.
Winners Reflect
Accepting the overall trophy, Bouwe Bekking, tactician aboard Balthasar, hailed the race as one of the sport’s great challenges:
“There’s an incredible atmosphere here—outstanding organization, warm Maltese hospitality, and the enduring support of Rolex. It’s also inspiring to see so many young sailors taking part—the future of offshore racing looks bright.”
Key Results
Overall Winners
IRC Overall & Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy: Balthasar – Louis Balcaen
Monohull Line Honours & RLR Trophy: Black Jack 100 – Remon Vos / Tristan Le Brun
Double-Handed IRC: Lunatika – Guido Baroni & Alessandro Miglietti
Multihull (MOCRA): Allegra – Adrien Keller
IRC Class Winners
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IRC 1: Balthasar – Louis Balcaen
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IRC 2: Django Deer – Giovanni Lombardi Stronati (ITA)
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IRC 3: Chenapan IV – Gilles Caminade (FRA)
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IRC 4: Ton Ton Laferla – Jonathan Gambin (MLT)
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IRC 5: Noisy Oyster – Nikki Henderson (GBR)
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IRC 6: Zephyr – Simon Toms (GBR)
ORC Category & Class Winners
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Overall / Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy: Balthasar – Louis Balcaen
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ORC 2: Balthasar – Louis Balcaen
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ORC 3: Beymetal Team LR – TOK Racing – Onur Tok (TUR)
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ORC 4: Elusive 2 – Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta (MLT)
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ORC 5: Mon Ile – Gianrocco Catalano (ITA)
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ORC 6: Mowgli of Portsmouth – Patrick & Vincent Harris (GBR)
Special Awards
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Transport Malta Trophy: Artie III – Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard
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Arthur Podesta Trophy (First Maltese IRC): Vivace – Andrew Agius Delicata & Matthew Gabriele
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Teddie Borg Trophy (First Maltese ORC): Vivace – Andrew Agius Delicata & Matthew Gabriele
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Yachting Malta Nations Cup: Italy – Django Deer, Cippa Lippa X, Valentina
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Federazione Italiana Vela Trophy (First Italian ORC): Diavolina – Michele Puggioni
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RMYC Sustainability Award: JYS Jan – Claudio Budeja (MLT)
End of a Memorable Edition
Of the 117 yachts that started the race, 110 successfully completed the course, with the final two crossing the finish line just after 0400 CEST on the last morning.
The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race will set sail on Saturday, 17 October 2026, once again promising to deliver a mix of challenge, beauty, and maritime excellence.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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