The 47th edition of the 606-nautical-mile classic will send the fleet from Valletta around Sicily and back

Photos Andrea Azzopardi

VALLETTA, MALTA — The countdown to the 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race is underway, with the fleet preparing for the start of one of the Mediterranean’s best-known offshore races on 17 October 2026.

The race will begin at 11:00 from Malta’s Grand Harbour, sending the fleet onto a 606-nautical-mile course around Sicily before the return to Malta.

From Valletta, the route takes the boats towards the Strait of Messina, before continuing around Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands and then around the Aegadian Islands on the return leg.

The course may be familiar to the sailors, but the conditions are never guaranteed to be the same. Wind, current, navigation and tactical decisions can all reshape the race during the long passage around Sicily.

RACE WEEK UNDERWAY

The programme begins before the start itself.

On-site registration runs from 12–15 October, followed by the Yachting Malta Coastal Race on 14 October and the Crew Party on 15 October.

The final day before the offshore race will include the Skippers’ Race and Weather Briefing on 16 October.

Then, at 11:00 on Saturday, 17 October, the fleet will leave Valletta and begin the 606-mile course.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is approaching its 47th edition — and the Mediterranean is about to become the race course once again.