Rolex Middle Sea Race
606 Nautical Miles – Circumnavigation of Sicily – Category 2 Offshore Race
48th Rolex Middle Sea Race – 2027
October 12 – 23, 2027 · Valletta, Malta
Malta → Aeolian Islands → Lampedusa → Malta
606 nautical miles non-stop around Sicily on racing yachts – that’s the legendary Rolex Middle Sea Race. Starting in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, through the treacherous currents of the Strait of Messina, past the lava-spewing Stromboli and the wind-swept Aegadian Islands. An epic race against the elements that demands everything from the crew.
Your contact
If you have any questions about our offers, please get in touch with us! We prefer to assist you in person.
The Race
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the most prestigious offshore regattas in the world. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club since 1968, the course covers approximately 606 nautical miles around Sicily – past active volcanoes, through the Strait of Messina, and across the open Mediterranean.
The race starts in Valletta’s Grand Harbour and leads along the east coast of Sicily, through the Strait of Messina to the Aeolian Islands. Past the active volcano Stromboli, it continues west before turning south – to Lampedusa and back to Malta. Further details are available directly on the event website.
Whether you’re gaining your first offshore experience or are a seasoned blue water sailor – the Middle Sea Race demands everything: navigation, tactics, teamwork, and mental strength.
Be there – as an individual or with your entire crew.
Optional: Combination with delivery trips Punat <-> Malta.
» 606 Nautical Miles
Non-stop around Sicily
» Start & Finish
Grand Harbour Valletta
» Since 1968
One of the oldest offshore races
» 90+ Boats
International top-tier fleet
The Regatta Fleet
We sail on ORC-rated racer/cruiser performance yachts [Trinity+ (Solaris 44), Aqua Nomis (XP 44), Release (Salona 41 IBC)] – each with the potential to reach the podium.
- Trinity+ (Solaris 44) | [reserved]
- XP 44 (Aqua Nomads) | [booked]
- Salona 41 IBC (Release) | [few single berths available]
Our yachts are offshore regatta optimized and fully equipped according to the safety requirements for Category 2 offshore races.
A boatman will be on site throughout the event and will take care of the boats technically.
Schedule
Mon, October 11 | Training Day 1 & Yacht Preparation
First training and yacht preparation
Tue, October 12 | Coastal Race
Yachting Malta Coastal Race
Wed, October 13 | Training Day 2 & Coastal Race Awards Ceremony
Second training session and Coastal Race awards ceremony in the evening
Thu, October 14 | Training Day 3 & Crew Party
Third training session – Crew Party in the evening at Xara Lodge
Fri, October 15 | Yacht Preparation & Sightseeing in Malta
Sat, October 16 | Race Start
Start signal for the Rolex Middle Sea Race
Wed, 21 / Fri, 22 October | Finish
Planned finish in Malta
Sat, October 23 | Cruising Day, Awards Ceremony & Party at the Yacht Club
Awards ceremony with buffet in the city palace – Party at the Royal Malta Yacht Club
Arrival & Accommodation
Arrival and departure via Malta International Airport, approx. 20 min. from the Royal Yacht Club Malta. Bolt (from approx. €15) and very good bus connections available.
Accommodation is not included in the ticket price; it is also possible to stay on the boat from the start of the event. Shared accommodation in Malta before and after the race is recommended (from approx. €30 / night / person).
SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
The race is a Category 2 offshore regatta. We recommend experience in offshore sailing or comparable blue water trips. Our professional skippers will coach you before and during the race, allowing even less experienced sailors to get started in offshore sailing.
Category 2 means that the boat and equipment are designed for longer offshore passages with the possibility of strong winds (over 40 knots). Life jackets, PLBs, tethers, safety equipment, and communication devices are mandatory and included with us.
With a single berth, you sail as a crew member on one of our yachts – ideal for sailing with experienced sailors in a team. The entire boat can be booked exclusively for your own crew, with all services including berth and offshore equipment.
Relevant for bookings of an entire boat
As a Category 2 offshore race, the following requirements apply: At least 30% of the crew need safety training (not older than 5 years). At least one person must have first aid experience. Another person must present a valid first aid certificate (also max. 5 years old). We help clarify all safety requirements in advance.
Yes! A combination with our delivery trips is possible. This way, you can experience part or all of the journey from the Adriatic to the start of the race. Contact us for a customized offer.
SERVICES
- Check-in/out in Malta (Valletta)
- 2-3 training days, 4-6 race days
- Coaching by professional skipper
- Technical crew shirt
- Life jacket, PLB, tether
- Performance race sails
- High-quality freeze-dried meals throughout the race
- Regatta entry fees
- Berth & storage on site
- Media coverage of the event
- Certificate of participation
Single Berth
You come alone or as a pair – we’ll place you with the right crew. Sail in the international top-tier fleet.
from €2,950,-
excl. additional costs:
€90,- basic fee (transit log & tourist tax, diesel, security deposit insurance, final cleaning)
Provisioning during the race excluding main meals, travel approx. €200–300,-, accommodation from approx. €30,- / night
Entire Boat
Come with your crew (6–12 people). Full control, your own boat – non-stop as a team, day and night.
from €18,000,-
- Handover and return directly in Malta
- Equipment according to Offshore Category 2
- Life jackets, PLBs, tethers & certificates
- Standard race sails
- Organization of registration, berth & storage in Valletta
Performance race sails can be added.
excl. additional costs: registration approx. €1,250,-, security deposit insurance approx. €500,-, provisioning approx. €50,-/day per person, travel approx. €200–300,-, accommodation from approx. €30,- / night
