14 March 2025
Malta is proud to host The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a prestigious annual offshore yacht race organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC). Established in 1968, this 606-nautical-mile (1,122 km) race starts and finishes in Malta, taking participants on a challenging counterclockwise course around Sicily, including the Aeolian and Aegadian Islands, as well as Pantelleria and Lampedusa.
The race is renowned for attracting top-tier sailing yachts from around the world, comparable to other major offshore races like the Sydney-Hobart Regatta. Participants compete not only for line honors—being the first to finish—but also on corrected time, which accounts for each yacht's handicap, ensuring a level playing field among diverse competitors.
In the 2024 edition, the yacht Scallywag 100, owned by Hong Kong tycoon Lee Seng Huang and skippered by Australian David Witt, was the first monohull to cross the finish line. They completed the course in two days, 21 hours, 33 minutes, and 29 seconds, earning them the Monohull Line Honors.
The overall victory, determined on corrected time, was claimed by the German yacht Red Bandit, skippered by Carl-Peter Forster. This marked the third time a German yacht has won the race. Red Bandit's crew, primarily composed of sailors under 30 from the Forstar Offshore Foundation, faced extreme conditions, including 60-knot winds and calm phases, showcasing exceptional teamwork and adaptability.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race continues to be a highlight in the international sailing calendar, offering challenging conditions and scenic views, making it a coveted event for sailors worldwide.