Rolex Middle Sea Race – Complex challenge amid Mediterranean beauty

The Rolex Middle Sea Race bears all the hallmarks of an offshore classic. Starting and finishing in the Grand Harbour of Malta’s capital Valletta, its circumnavigation of Sicily takes in spellbinding scenery, including active volcanoes, and regular encounters with wildlife. In 2025, 110 of 117 starters completed the race, testament to the skill and determination of competitors in confronting the complex geography and weather. Maxi 72 Balthasar bounced back from forced retirement at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup six weeks earlier to take overall victory, a just reward for skipper Louis Balcaen and his crew, whose bold tactics paid off. In the race for line honours, Black Jack 100 – a close second in 2024 – was first back to Malta in an elapsed time of 65 hours, 44 minutes. Rolex has partnered this Mediterranean epic and its organizer, the Royal Malta Yacht Club, since 1968 as part of its extensive support for the sport dating back almost 70 years. Discover more https://on.rolex.com/3K7xPiC #RolexMiddleSeaRace #Yachting