The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney – Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a “must-do” race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968. 2023 will be the 44th Edition and the 54th anniversary of the start of this race.
The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to several islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as “the most beautiful race course in the world”.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is 608 nautical miles long and is sailed anti-clockwise. Starting from the Grand Harbour, Valletta, beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, the fleet head north along the eastern coasts of Sicily up towards the Straits of Messina. Mt Etna is usually visible on the fleet’s port side, billowing ashes and lava throughout the night. Once through the Straits, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli, where the yachts turn west to the Egadi Islands.
Passing between Marettimo and Favignana, the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa, leaving Pantelleria to port.
Once past Lampedusa, the fleet turns northeast on the final leg towards the South Comino Channel and finishes at Marsamxett Harbour. En route, the crews take in an amazing diversity of landscape and sea conditions, all of which combine to create the attraction and challenge of the race.
Depending on the weather, the race will begin in Marsamxett Harbour, head towards the Island of Gozo and return past Comino. The course of the above coastal race may be altered depending on weather conditions. Final instructions for the coastal race will be given during the Coastal Race Briefing. The starts on Wednesday before the start of the Middle Sea Race on Saturday.
Historic Prestige and Heritage: Established in 1968, it has become a renowned race that attracts world-class sailors and teams from around the globe.
Varied and Scenic Route: The race traces a demanding course around the central Mediterranean, passing through key locations such as Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and the Maltese archipelago.
Challenging Navigation and Conditions: The race features diverse weather conditions, including light winds, strong sirocco, and shifting currents, testing sailors' skills and strategy.
Diverse Fleet: It sees participation from a wide range of classes, including classic yachts, modern racing yachts, and multihulls, making for an eclectic and vibrant racing scene.
Strategic and Tactical Race: Success depends on a combination of weather routing, tactical navigation, and seamanship—particularly around tricky points like the Lampedusa Crossing and the Strait of Messina.
Spectacular Scenery: The route offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean islands and coastlines, making it not just a race but also a scenic cruise.
Community and Atmosphere: The event fosters a festive maritime atmosphere with camaraderie among competitors, events, and celebrations in Malta.
Record Times and Notable Achievements: Over the years, record-breaking performances and epic battles have marked its history, adding to its legendary status.
Volvo 65 Sisi is the boat of the Austrian Ocean Race Project, a young and ambitious team of international sailors, with an Austrian core, united by their passion for big boat sailing. Their primary goal was to participate in the Ocean Race, for which they purchased the former Vestas 11th Hour Racing, a Volvo 65 that had already competed in the Volvo Ocean Race twice. They started the project in 2019. From then on, Sisi and the team participated in several regattas and races and the Ocean Race Europe in 2021. From 2023, Austrian Ocean Racing is powered by Team Genova. They have participated in the world-famous Ocean Race VO65 Sprint 2023. This is the first time a team from Austria, with a boat under an Austrian-Italian flag, has participated in this famous event.
Since then, for all those who want to take part in this adventure, there is the possibility to join races, deliveries and open trial days. Apart from a few exceptions, Sisi is only available for races to entire crews (Whole Boat Charter). Deliveries are open to everyone.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
We strongly recommend to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent.
The 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 18 October 2025.
13-16 Oct 2025
Rolex Middle Sea Race Registration
Onsite Registrations (by appointment) will be available from Monday, October 13th, to Thursday, October 16th, from 0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700.
14 Oct 2025
Yachting Malta Coastal Race Briefing (optional)
A Race Briefing for skippers and navigators of boats taking part in the Coastal Race will take place on Tuesday 15th October at 1800hrs.
15 Oct 2025
Yachting Malta Coastal Race (optional) and Prize Giving
The Coastal Race starts Wednesday at 10.00 hrs and allows competitors to familiarise themselves with local waters. The race follows one of four courses around Malta, Gozo, Comino or Fifla. Yachting Malta Ltd supports the Coastal Race. The Prize giving takes place at 20.00 hrs.
16 Oct 2025
Training & Rolex Middle Sea Race Crew Party
Briefing & Training from 10.00 am
The famed Crew Party on Friday at 20.00 hrs makes a welcome and highly anticipated return, where crews will let their hair down just before the race!
17 Oct 2025
Rolex Middle Sea Race Briefing
Lay day & preparation
The Skippers’ Race and Weather Briefing will take place on Friday afternoon at 1800hrs, prior to the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
18 Oct 2025
Rolex Middle Sea Race Start
The race starts on Saturday in Malta’s spectacular Grand Harbour at 11.00 hrs. A series of starts that may be watched from any of Valletta’s fortifications creates a sight worth waiting for.
21/22 Oct 2025
Estimated finish
25 Oct 2025
Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize Giving
The Prize Giving ceremony
What's Included :
Safety equipment (Life jackets with AIS transmitters & Tether)
Food & Drink whilst On-Board
Marina Berth and Racing Fees
Fuel
Pre-Departure safety briefing and training
What's Not Included :
Travel Insurance
Visas, ESTA, residence permits, medical certificates, etc.
Accommodations ashore
Meals ashore at restaurants
Flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports
Toiletries
Clothing and wet weather gear.
It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
There is an absolute ban on alcohol on board.
Please note: Changes and postponements may occur. Therefore, we ask you to wait to book accommodations or flights, etc., until you receive the final confirmation from us to avoid cancellations and postponements.
Please use a sea bag or a foldable bag. Suitcases are too bulky on board and difficult to stow away.
Documents
Identity card or passport
(European) Health insurance card
Travel health insurance (if needed)
Plane ticket
Clothes
Boat shoes (closed and anti-slip – please make sure that the sole does not rub off)
Sailing boots
Sailing pants
Oilskin (waterproof jacket and trousers)
Fleece jacket or pullover (at sea, it also gets cold at night in summer)
Thermal underwear
Hat and cap
Sunglasses
Sailing gloves
Underwear
Clothes for on land
Hygiene/Health and Miscellaneous
Sunscreen (no suntan oil!)
Toiletries
Shower gel and shampoo (if possible biodegradable)
Personal medication
Household remedies against seasickness (drops, chewing gum, …)
Sleeping bag
Earplugs/sleeping mask (optional – it is quite loud under deck)
Towel
Small pillow
Laundry bag
Books for deliveries
Safety equipment
Sailing knife/ Leatherman (if you have one)
Headlamp (waterproof and red light function, spare batteries)
Book and pay
Click the Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from your bank account, debit card or credit card options are available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
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When you cancel
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, terms and conditions apply. For a full refund of a sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.