Rolex Middle Sea Race Preview

(Gzira, Malta)- For most racers, the Rolex Middle Sea Race needs little introduction. Hosted by Royal Malta Yacht Club the race starts and ends in Malta, with an offshore race that makes a circumnavigation around the spectacular volcanic island of Sicily, Italy. The 606.0nm journey starts from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta, beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery, then the fleet heads northeast along the coast of Sicily, towards the Straits of Messina. You can usually spot Mount Etna and hear the Volcano rumble, or so they say. The course heads north from the Straits in the direction of Stromboli, another active volcano, where the yachts then turn west to the Egadi Islands. After reaching Favignana the fleet heads south towards the island of Lampedusa with the island of Pantelleria on their port side. Once they have passed Lampedusa the fleet is on the home straight towards Malta and the finish at Marsamxett Harbour. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a challenge for both skippers and crews. Everyone has to be on their A-Game to cope with the demanding and often changeable conditions on the 606.0nm course. Amongst this year’s 94 entries are a half-dozen J/Teams spread over three divisions. ORC/ IRC 4 Division- 14 boats ORC/ IRC 5 Division- 20 boats ORC/ IRC 6 Division- 18 boats |