24 October 2026 – Valletta, Malta: The Rolex Middle Sea Race is an extraordinary adventure. Whether professional or Corinthian sailor, one cannot fail to be in awe of the scenery from start to finish, the myriad connections to ancient history and mythology or, indeed, the prevailing conditions. Befitting an event of such intensity and character, the final prize-giving is stage within the 16th-century Sacra Infermeria, constructed by the Knights of St John as a hospital and overlooking Malta’s Grand Harbour. This concluding setting is unmatched in the world of offshore racing. The atmosphere reflects a profound sense of accomplishment, and honours all participating yachts. Once again, the celebration provoked emotion and refection.
The 2026 edition of the Mediterranean’s most renowned 600-mile offshore race was, unsurprisingly, defined by the weather. It was a race of two halves, with the first characterised by variable winds and undisturbed seas. By contrast, the second half punished weakness and rewarded preparation, stamina, skill and resilience. The major prizes were captured by yachts that displayed not only outstanding performance, but also precision and impeccable technique
The principal success stories of the 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race:
Django 7x, wallyrocket 71, Owner – Giovanni Lombardi Stronati – Overall Winner under IRC
Black Jack 100, Reichel/Pugh 100, Owner – Remon Vos – Monohull Line Honours
Colombre JPK 10.80, Massimo Juris & Pietro Luciani – Double-Handed Winner IRC
Black Jack 100, Reichel/Pugh 100, Owner – Remon Vos – Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy ORC
Calamity, ORC 50, Skipper – Timo Tavio – Multihull Line Honours and Overall Winner under MOCRA
The prize giving ceremony was held in presence of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta; Hon Dr Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, and his wife Dr Lydia Abela; Hon Dr Byron Camilleri, Minister for Education and Sport; Hon Dr Alex Borg, Leader of the Opposition, and a number of ambassadors and other dignitaries.
In her address, President Myriam Spiteri Debono highlighted Malta’s unique reputation as a maritime nation, steeped in its history as a crossroads of civilisations and a bridge between continents. Her Excellency praised the participants for their values of resilience, intuition and respect, and the organisers for their preparation, and in raising the profile of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and making it an event which serves as a source of pride for Malta, which showcases our natural beauty, maritime heritage, commitment to sporting excellence and our ability to welcome the world to our shores.
Welcoming everyone, Mark Napier, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), acknowledged the distinguished guests whose attendance and interest “reflected the importance of sailing to our country and the special place that our maritime heritage occupies in Malta’s identity.”
Commodore Napier encapsulated the spirit of the race:
“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is much more than a sporting competition. It brings international sailors to Malta, strengthens friendships across national boundaries and showcases our islands to the world. It is a source of pride for our Club and for our country. Today, not only do we celebrate the achievements of our participants, but also the spirit of adventure, determination, seamanship and sportsmanship that makes this race so special.”
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the tribute to John Ripard Snr, who passed away earlier this year. A lion of the sport of sailing, steadfast servant of the RMYC and one of the founders of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Ripard’s name is indelibly etched into the history of the race. His memory is deservedly celebrated and honoured by all those who take part in this magnificent contest each year.
After expressing the RMYC’s sincere thanks to title sponsor Rolex, whose partnership with the race spans nearly 25 years, Commodore Napier also thanked the various marinas that provide support, as well as a number of public bodies: Visit Malta, Sport Malta, Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta, Yachting Malta and the Italian Coast Guard. The partnership with the Royal Ocean Racing Club was also acknowledged as were the international jury.
Napier also took time to thank the dedicated RMYC team responsible for the race organisation, as well as the Club’s catering staff and sailing school, who work seamlessly to ensure all sailors are welcomed into the family. The greatest volume, as always, was the vocal appreciation for the many volunteers who give up their time before the race, and while it is ongoing. ‘The Bridge’ located at the finish line operates 24 hours a day until the last yacht returns to Malta, providing an invaluable human connection for competitors at sea. With all yachts home and all crews safe, it has been a job well done.
The 48th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 16 October 2027.
IRC Overall – winner Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy
Django 7x, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, GBR
Monohull Line Honours – winner RLR Trophy & winner Malta Tourism Authority Trophy (First Foreign Boat)
Black Jack 100, Remon Vos / Skipper – Tristan Le Brun, MON
IRC Class Winners
IRC 1 Django 7x, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, GBR
IRC 2 Daguet 5, Frédéric Puzin, FRA
IRC 3 Artie III, Lee Satariano, MLT
IRC 4 Elusive 2, Aaron, Maya & Christoph Podesta, MLT
IRC 5 Courrier Pogo, Géry Trentesaux, FRA
IRC 6 Colombre, Massimo Juris, ITA
ORC Category Overall & winner Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy
Black Jack 100, Remon Vos
ORC Class Winners
ORC 2 Black Jack 100, Remon Vos, MON
ORC 3 Daring Sister, Jakob Balada, CZE
ORC 4 Elusive 2, Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta, MLT
ORC 5 Solenn for Pure Ocean, Ludovic Gerard, FRA
ORC 6 Colombre, Massimo Juris, ITA
First Boat with Maltese skipper & majority Maltese crew – winner Transport Malta Trophy
Artie III, Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard, MLT
First Maltese Boat under IRC – winner Arthur Podesta Trophy
Elusive 2, Aaron, Maya & Christoph Podesta, MLT
First Maltese Boat under ORC – winner Teddie Borg Trophy
Elusive 2, Aaron, Maya & Christoph Podesta, MLT
Yachting Malta Nations Cup (Country with three best IRC corrected times)
GBR – Django, Artemis Bleu and Pace
First Italian boat under ORC – winner Federazione Italian Vela Trophy
Colombre, Massimo Juris, ITA
MOCRA award for best Multihull
Calamity, Bright One Ventures Ltd
The last boat, Blue Horizon, completed the race just after 0400 CEST on Friday, 23 October. 92 out 107 boats completed the course, 15 retired.
The 48th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 16 October 2027.
The 49th edition, which will also mark the event’s 60th anniversary will start on Saturday, 21 October 2028