Rolex Middle Sea Race
Rolex Middle Sea Race is an offshore yacht race that begins and ends in the Grand Harbour of Valletta.
Malta’s most famous maritime sporting event is being held annually since 1968. The race covers approximately 606 nautical miles (around 1,122 km) as teams sail anti-clockwise around Sicily and back to Malta.
It was born out of friendly rivalry between British and Maltese sailors and is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC).
The start line is located in the heart of the harbour — offering tourists a spectacular view from Upper Barrakka Gardens towards the Three Cities when dozens of racing yachts surge off together.
FAQs – Rolex Middle Sea Race
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The course was intentionally designed to include some of the most dramatic and scenic parts of the Mediterranean. Competitors circle past Stromboli (an active Aeolian island volcano) and Sicily, offering both stunning views and challenging sailing conditions.
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It depends a lot on the type of boat and weather conditions. High-performance yachts can finish in roughly 48 hours while others may take four to six days due to tricky winds, currents and tactical legs.
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The anti-clockwise 606-nautical-mile course has technical sections like the Strait of Messina (strong currents), the volcanic islands and shifts in wind speed and direction. Sailors need top-level navigation skills, stamina and light-air experience to handle the full challenge.
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The start in Grand Harbour is one of the most dramatic in the sailing world. Many locals watch from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, from Senglea’s Safe Haven Gardens and from Birgu’s or Kalkara’s waterfront. Each spot gives a different angle of the boats manoeuvring between the bastions before heading out to sea.
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Yes — but only in short shifts. Most teams use a “watch system” with part of the crew sailing the boat while the others rest for 20–40 minutes at a time. Because the race can last several days, proper sleep management becomes almost as important as navigation and sail handling.