Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 to feature 108 yachts

The 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is scheduled to depart from Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the 606-mile offshore regatta features 108 vessels from 26 different nations, including 104 monohulls and four multihulls.

Italy holds the largest representation in the fleet with 16 boats, followed by the United Kingdom with 12 and Malta with 11. The competition includes various professional sailors and Italian crews participating on international vessels.

The race course involves a counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily, passing through the Strait of Messina, the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa before returning to Malta. Key contenders for the Line Honours include the 30.48-meter maxi yacht Black Jack 100, while Balthasar seeks to defend its overall title.