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3 clusters · 5 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026

Overview

The 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race concluded after a 606-nautical-mile course around Sicily. The event, which departed from Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta, on October 17, 2026, featured 107 yachts and 945 sailors representing 55 nations.

Initial stages of the race were characterized by light winds and seven distinct starts. Early competition was noted in the IRC 6, IRC 5, and Class40 divisions, with vessels such as Red Ruby, Callisto, and Munjek making strong moves in IRC 6, while the Class40 division saw intense competition between Optimus Prime, Stella Nova, and Flamingo Rosso. Larger yachts, including the defending champion Balthasar, Black Jack 100, and Django 7X, faced tactical challenges during the early legs.

As the race concluded, several notable performances were recorded. Lee Satariano secured class honours in IRC 3 aboard Artie III, marking the first Maltese boat to finish the race. Satariano was joined by co-skipper Christian Ripard, who achieved a record 36th race participation.

In the Arthur Podesta Trophy category, the Podesta siblings—Aaron, Christoph, and Maya—won aboard Elusive 2. They secured victory on IRC corrected time by six minutes following a close contest with Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla. Although Ton Ton Laferla crossed the finish line first, sail damage caused by winds exceeding 30 knots impacted their final standing.

Entities

Royal Malta Yacht Club · Sicily · Balthasar · Valletta · Grand Harbour

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Royal Malta Yacht Club crews compete in 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race

    Ten Royal Malta Yacht Club entries participated in the 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race, with Lee Satariano and the Podesta family securing key victories in the 606-nautical-mile offshore challenge.

  2. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Rolex Middle Sea Race begins with 107 yachts from Malta

    The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race began in Malta, with 107 yachts and 945 sailors embarking on a 606-nautical-mile race around Sicily.

  3. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 to feature 108 yachts

    The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race begins October 17, 2026, in Malta, featuring 108 yachts from 26 nations racing a 606-mile course around Sicily.

Sources

ameve.eu · europesays.com · pressmare.it · saily.it · themalteseherald.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history