With six months to go before its spectacular start in Grand Harbour, the 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race has already attracted a positive burst of entries. A solid mix of seasoned sailors and beginners is gearing up for the race on Saturday, 17 October. Early highlights include the German TP52 Red Bandit, the overall winner in 2024, alongside Volvo 65s Team Jajo and Sisi, and Ponce, a double-handed entry from Finland. The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), which organises the event, is optimistic that this early interest reflects a talented and diverse fleet.
Over the past 25 years, the iconic 606 nautical mile offshore race has consistently drawn remarkable participants, showcasing a variety of yachts and diverse crew skills. The race course around Malta presents numerous challenges, demanding thorough preparation and tactical expertise.
Mark Napier, Commodore of RMYC, stated, “Beyond the trophies for the most skilled crews, the stunning scenery along the course is unrivalled. Live volcanoes, narrow straits, and various islands create breathtaking views seldom seen in other offshore races. Malta stands as a crossroads in the Mediterranean, offering rich history, culture, and hospitality to all competitors. Our Club is at the heart of this experience, making the Rolex Middle Sea Race the highlight of our year-round calendar of events.”
German crew Red Bandit, popular winners under IRC Time Correction in 2024, are back after facing adversity with a broken mast in 2025. Despite the setback, they chartered another yacht to finish their season. Moriz Forster from Red Bandit expressed the team’s enthusiasm for competing again, saying, “The Rolex Middle Sea Race is an incredible event. It offers a unique opportunity to race offshore in Europe during autumn. Winning was great, but we’re eager for the challenge again; the course is just spectacular, and the competition is fierce. There is no better location than Malta to start and end this journey.”
Sisi, a Volvo 65, is making a return under the command of Ineke van der Weijden, who has extensive offshore experience, including participation in the Clipper Race. “After our world tour, this race is a logical next step for our crew. We chose the Rolex Middle Sea Race because of its outstanding reputation in the offshore racing circuit.”
For the Finnish duo Kim Jääskeläinen and Turo Nummi, this will be their first Rolex Middle Sea Race with their new Beneteau First 36SE. They see it as a bucket list experience and are excited about the prospect of sailing in the scenic Mediterranean.
The competiton continues to build, and those interested in joining can still sign up. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is part of the RORC Season’s Points Championship and features in various other offshore race rankings. The RMYC looks forward to welcoming the fleet to Malta in October 2026, as they continue a long tradition of this remarkable race.
For more information, visit the official Rolex Middle Sea Race website: https://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/
Stay updated with #rolexmiddlesearace #rmsr2026 on social media.
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