The Rolex Middle Sea Race is unique in offshore yacht racing in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the Grand Harbour in Malta’s capital Valletta. Its spectacular course, an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily, takes in the active volcanoes of Etna and Stromboli and a myriad of islands.
In 2021, the 114-strong international fleet enjoyed exceptional weather that offered fast downwind sailing virtually the entire way. The maxi Comanche was overall winner, completing the 606-nautical mile (975 km) racecourse in 40 hours, 17 minutes and 50 seconds – a monohull record, seven and a half hours inside the previous best.
It became only the third yacht in race history to claim the triple crown of line honours, monohull record and overall victory. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club since 1968, this Rolex Middle Sea Race has been partnered by Rolex since 2002 as part of its wide-ranging support for yachting dating back more than 60 years.
About the Middle Sea Race
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of offshore yacht racing’s top 3 events alongside the Rolex Fastnet and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart races. … This race starts and finishes in the dramatic Grand Harbour of Malta, a sun baked Mediterranean Island with strong British links and loads of history.
