Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 - Drawn to compete
by Quinag 24 Oct 17:07 BST
Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
The 2026 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the 47th in the race's storied history, delivered a compelling demonstration of teamwork, endurance, tactical acumen and human endeavour. It also highlighted why crews are drawn to return each year.
Rolex has been Title Sponsor of the race, organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, since 2002. For nearly 25 years, this partnership has reflected a shared commitment to excellence and the continued evolution of an event admired for its distinct character and significant heritage.
An international fleet of 107 yachts, crewed by 945 sailors from 55 countries, embarked on the 606-nautical-mile race which commenced from the Maltese capital Valletta on Saturday 17 October. A total of 92 yachts successfully completed the course ahead of today's final prize-giving. Crowned overall winner of the 2026 edition on corrected time was the wallyrocket 71 Django 7x. Monohull line honours, awarded to the first yacht to complete the race, was claimed by Black Jack 100, taking the title for the second year running.
Mark Napier, RMYC Commodore, paid tribute to all of the competing crews and the race's burgeoning appeal:
"To every skipper and crew who took part, regardless of the final result, thank you for accepting the challenge and contributing to the reputation of this remarkable event. Completing a race of this nature is an achievement in itself, and the decisions made along the way often demonstrate the finest qualities of seamanship. The longstanding and near 25-year support of Rolex has been invaluable in enhancing the reputation of the race. As this year's edition testifies, the Rolex Middle Sea Race continues to flourish."
Overall Winner: Achieving the balance
The duel for overall victory provided an illustration of the close nature of offshore racing despite the distance sailed and the time spent at sea. Throughout much of the race, Django 7x faced sustained pressure from Balthasar, winner of the 2025 edition and also crewed by leading professional sailing talent.
The two yachts regularly exchanged positions during the first half of the race before Django 7x established a decisive advantage towards Favignana on the northwest corner of Sicily, a lead she built down its west coast. Stronger breeze played to her strengths, enabling the crew to consolidate their advantage on the water. This was not a given considering the punishing conditions encountered in the final stages of the race, with huge waves and boat speeds approaching 30 knots.
Among the victorious crew as strategist was Guillermo Parada. His relationship with the Rolex Middle Sea Race dates back to 1996 when he won line honours as part of the crew on Alexia B. Returning to the race and winning the overall title brought immense satisfaction:
"It was great to be back and remember why this race is so special. Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race is an incredible result and amazing because it depends on so many factors, the weather, the opponents, the conditions and how the breeze is going to play out. "
For Django 7x owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, victory was built on a strong performance from the crew on their previous boat at the 2025 race:
"Winning the race is amazing. Last year we won class, this year we won the whole thing. I am very proud and we want to come back to do another one. Hopefully, there will be another victory, and another after that. We love Malta, we love this race, and we love offshore racing."
The more boisterous conditions encountered in the final stages of the race ultimately favoured the more powerful, larger yachts, allowing them to maximise their speed and performance. Django 7x was the second monohull to finish, just 39 minutes ahead of Balthasar.
Line honours: Repeat success for Black Jack 100
Black Jack 100 crossed the finish line nearly six hours before Django 7x to record an elapsed time of two days, three hours and 51 minutes. Although outside the race record, the maxi, skippered by Tristan Le Brun, bettered her 2025 finish time by over 13 hours.
For Black Jack 100's owner Remon Vos, a second straight line honours win was one to savour on its own terms, rather than measure against past performances or future ambitions:
"Winning line honours in this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race is fantastic. It's a unique experience with this boat and the team on board."
Beyond titles and trophies, the Rolex Middle Sea Race continues to forge connections with those who take part. The physical and tactical demands, combined with the shared experience, create a lasting impression. It is a sentiment echoed by Vos, who reflected on the unique rewards of being immersed in the offshore environment, where the sole focus is moving forward:
"I always think, why do I do this? I'm not going to ever do this again, but I've said this before, and I keep coming back. You're completely disconnected. You're away from everything. You're with the water, the wind. We had a beautiful moon, the stars, animals and dolphins."
Compelled to return
Comprising an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily, the Rolex Middle Sea Race offers a complete offshore sailing experience. Its spectacular course combines dramatic coastal scenery, two active volcanoes, exposed stretches in open water and frequent changes in geography, wind conditions and sea state.
Competing in the race demands meticulous preparation, physical resilience, composure and the ability to make critical tactical decisions under pressure. For most of the fleet, the challenge encompassed three to five nights at sea, managing both fatigue and resources.
This year's competitors ranged from teenagers making their offshore racing debuts to Maltese sailor Christian Ripard, who set a new record with his 36th Rolex Middle Sea Race participation. Experience and crew cohesion are essential to overcoming the race's demands, particularly when fatigue begins to take its toll, as Ripard, who co-skippered Artie III, identifies:
"This for me is the highlight of the year. I love the race even if there are times when you question why you are doing it. The Rolex Middle Sea Race grinds you down. If you come through it, you are winning. There are no creature comforts on these racing boats, everybody has to be very careful. We have a very experienced crew, both in their own right and as a team. This is especially important when people get tired."
Achievement at the Rolex Middle Sea Race extends far beyond the final result. It lies in pushing personal limits, overcoming adversity and the satisfaction of completing the race. The lessons learned, experiences shared and memories created leave a lasting impression, compelling sailors to return and embrace the contest once more.
The 48th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday 16 October 2027.