Rolex Middle Sea Race 2019 marks the 40th Edition

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 and 2019 will be the 40th Edition and the 51st anniversary from 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 a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as “the most beautiful race course in the world”.

Rolex Middle Sea Race Course

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 fleets 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 the finish 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.

Package Volvo 60 Challenger

The skipper of Challenger gives you the opportunity to sail on a 60ft, 25kt+ capable, pro race boat in some of the world’s most prestigious regattas or on one of a number of ‘bucket list’ ocean crossing voyages.
You become an active member of our crew- not a passenger. You will assist with helming, sail trimming and all the normal duties of a crew member whilst having the opportunity to learn about weather routing, navigation, race tactics & short-handed sailing techniques from a highly experienced skipper and mate.
We provide the boat, a highly skilled professional crew, full safety training and total support throughout the voyage. So you have a great time whilst making either a HR objective or personal dream a reality.
Your skipper and mate are going to be there for your entire experience with us and will help you through every aspect of the adventure. From learning about all the safety equipment present onboard right through to what to wear and what to pack- we can help you navigate the whole process. Find out more

Program

Wednesday 16th October: 1st training day
Thursday 17th October: 2nd training day and Crew Party (20:00)
Friday 18th October: Preparation and provisioning day, briefing, and reception (18:00)
Saturday 19th October: Start Rolex Middle Sea Race (11:00)
Saturday 26th October: Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize giving ceremony (10:00)

3,500 USD

Rolex Middle Sea Race Volvo 60 Challenger — Volvo 60 Challenger

Package TP52 Anafesto

TP52 Anafesto a unique Grand Prix Racer built by the best for the best! The full carbon racer with a strong package of racing sails is prepared for uncompromising competition. Regularly sailing with speeds of more than 25 knots is the best possible option for those who expect something more from racing in a regatta. Find out more

Program (weather permitting)

Monday 14th October: 1st training day
Tuesday 15th October: 2nd training day and coastal race briefing (18.00-19.00)
Wednesday 16th October: Rolex Middle Sea Race Coastal Race (10.00). The Rolex Middle Sea Race Coastal Race gives competitors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with local waters. The race follows one of four courses around Malta, Gozo, Comino or Fifla.
Thursday 17th October: 2nd training day, Crew Party (20:00)
Friday 18th October: Preparation day, Briefing, and reception (18:00)
Saturday 19th October: Start Rolex Middle Sea Race (11:00)
Saturday 26th October: Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize giving ceremony (10:00)

3.750 EUR

Rolex Middle Sea Race Highlights 2018

The 50th Anniversary of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, an epic race that tests the determination, perseverance and spirit of all crews taking part.

Rolex Middle Sea Race history

The Rolex Middle Sea Race was established as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Jimmy White and Alan Green, two Englishmen residing in Malta, together with Paul and John Ripard, two Maltese members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Jimmy, Alan (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), Paul and John would eventually map a course designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in the immediate Maltese coastal waters. The course, essentially a clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily starting and finishing in Malta, would be slightly longer than the RORC’s longest race, the Rolex Fastnet. The resulting course is the same as used today, although sailed in the reverse direction.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race course record has been broken on five occasions since the inaugural edition in 1968.

About the Royal Malta Yacht Club

Founded in 1835, it is the only yacht club in Malta and instigated the formation of the Malta Sailing Federation. The RMYC has a deep commitment to yachting and organises a full programme of racing and social activities throughout the year. Located right on the water in Ta’ Xbiex the club facilities include a lounge bar, dining area with outdoor terraces, a rooftop terrace, conference rooms, a fitness room with changing rooms, waterfront facilities for small boats and a seasonal marina for larger boats. The club is run by a committee elected by the full members of the club. Members vary in age and profession, sharing a common passion for yachting and the social life generated around the club.

Valletta

Valletta was European Capital of Culture in 2018 and the Rolex Middle Sea Race was featured strongly in the calendar of events supporting this initiative. For more details on Valletta2018, please visit https://valletta2018.org.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is supported by the Ministry for Tourism, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta, Yachting Malta, Marina di Valletta, Grand Hotel Excelsior Marina and the Grand Harbour Marina.