The 47th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race concluded with a prestigious prize-giving ceremony at the historic Sacra Infermeria in Valletta, celebrating the achievements of competitors who completed one of the Mediterranean’s most demanding offshore sailing events.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, October 24, brought together sailors, organisers and distinguished guests following a challenging 600-nautical-mile race that tested the endurance, skill and determination of the participating crews.

The principal honours went to Django 7x, owned by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, which secured the overall victory under IRC, while Black Jack 100, owned by Remon Vos, claimed monohull line honours and the overall ORC title.

The event was attended by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia Abela, Education and Sport Minister Byron Camilleri, Opposition Leader Alex Borg, ambassadors and other dignitaries.

Challenging conditions test competitors

The 2026 race was characterised by contrasting weather conditions that demanded different approaches from competitors throughout the course.

The opening stages featured variable winds and relatively calm seas, while the second half brought significantly more demanding conditions, placing greater emphasis on preparation, seamanship, stamina and resilience.

The contrasting conditions ensured that success depended not only on speed but also on tactical decisions, precision and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Django 7x, a Wallyrocket 71, emerged as the overall IRC winner, securing the prestigious Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy.

Black Jack 100, a Reichel/Pugh 100 skippered by Tristan Le Brun, claimed monohull line honours and also secured the Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy for the overall ORC victory.

In the double-handed category, the Italian yacht Colombre, a JPK 10.80 sailed by Massimo Juris and Pietro Luciani, took the IRC honours.

Calamity, skippered by Timo Tavio, secured both multihull line honours and the overall victory under MOCRA.

Of the 107 yachts entered, 92 successfully completed the course, while 15 retired.

The final yacht to finish was Blue Horizon, which crossed the line shortly after 4am on Friday, October 23, bringing the competitive element of the event to a close.

President praises Malta’s maritime heritage

Addressing those present, President Myriam Spiteri Debono highlighted Malta’s longstanding maritime traditions and its historic role as a crossroads of civilisations and a bridge between continents.

She praised the participating sailors for demonstrating resilience, intuition and respect throughout the demanding competition.

The President also commended the organisers for their preparations and their continued efforts to strengthen the international reputation of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

She described the event as an important source of national pride, showcasing Malta’s natural beauty, maritime heritage, commitment to sporting excellence and ability to welcome competitors from around the world.

Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore Mark Napier also emphasised the significance of the race to Malta’s sporting and maritime identity.

“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is much more than a sporting competition. It brings international sailors to Malta, strengthens friendships across national boundaries and showcases our islands to the world,” Napier said.

“It is a source of pride for our Club and for our country.”

He added that the ceremony celebrated not only the achievements of the competitors but also the adventure, determination, seamanship and sportsmanship that distinguish the event.

Emotional tribute to John Ripard Snr

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was a tribute to John Ripard Snr, who passed away earlier this year.

Ripard was one of the founders of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and a prominent figure in Maltese sailing, having made a lasting contribution to the development of the sport and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

His association with the race and his longstanding service to the club were commemorated during the ceremony, with participants and organisers paying tribute to his legacy.

Napier also acknowledged the contribution of title sponsor Rolex, whose partnership with the event now spans almost 25 years.

He thanked the organisations and authorities involved in supporting the race, including Visit Malta, SportMalta, Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta, Yachting Malta and the Italian Coast Guard.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club, international jury, participating marinas and the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s organisational team were also recognised.

Special appreciation was reserved for the numerous volunteers who contribute to the event, particularly those operating the finish-line communications station known as ‘The Bridge’.

The station operates around the clock until the final yacht returns to Malta, maintaining contact with competitors and providing an important connection between sailors at sea and the race organisers.

Maltese crews among award winners

Maltese sailors featured prominently among the prize winners, with Artie III and Elusive 2 collecting several important honours.

Artie III, associated with Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard, won IRC Class 3 and secured the Transport Malta Trophy as the first yacht with a Maltese skipper and a majority Maltese crew.

Elusive 2, sailed by Aaron, Maya and Christoph Podesta, enjoyed another successful edition, winning both IRC Class 4 and ORC Class 4.

The yacht also secured the Arthur Podesta Trophy for the first Maltese boat under IRC and the Teddie Borg Trophy for the first Maltese boat under ORC.

The achievements highlighted the continued competitiveness of Maltese crews against a strong international fleet.

Major prize winners

Overall IRC winner – Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy

Django 7x – Giovanni Lombardi Stronati (Great Britain)

Monohull line honours – RLR Trophy and Malta Tourism Authority Trophy

Black Jack 100 – Remon Vos, skipper Tristan Le Brun (Monaco)

Overall ORC winner – Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy

Black Jack 100 – Remon Vos (Monaco)

Double-handed IRC winner

Colombre – Massimo Juris and Pietro Luciani (Italy)

Multihull line honours and MOCRA overall winner

Calamity – Bright One Ventures Ltd

IRC class winners

• IRC 1: Django 7x – Giovanni Lombardi Stronati (GBR)
• IRC 2: Daguet 5 – Frédéric Puzin (FRA)
• IRC 3: Artie III – Lee Satariano (MLT)
• IRC 4: Elusive 2 – Aaron, Maya and Christoph Podesta (MLT)
• IRC 5: Courrier Pogo – Géry Trentesaux (FRA)
• IRC 6: Colombre – Massimo Juris (ITA)

ORC class winners

• ORC 2: Black Jack 100 – Remon Vos (MON)
• ORC 3: Daring Sister – Jakob Balada (CZE)
• ORC 4: Elusive 2 – Aaron, Christoph and Maya Podesta (MLT)
• ORC 5: Solenn for Pure Ocean – Ludovic Gerard (FRA)
• ORC 6: Colombre – Massimo Juris (ITA)

Other awards

Transport Malta Trophy – First yacht with Maltese skipper and majority Maltese crew: Artie III – Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard.

Arthur Podesta Trophy – First Maltese yacht under IRC: Elusive 2 – Aaron, Maya and Christoph Podesta.

Teddie Borg Trophy – First Maltese yacht under ORC: Elusive 2 – Aaron, Maya and Christoph Podesta.

Yachting Malta Nations Cup: Great Britain – Django 7x, Artemis Bleu and Pace, for the three best IRC corrected times.

Federazione Italiana Vela Trophy – First Italian yacht under ORC: Colombre – Massimo Juris.

MOCRA Award – Best multihull: Calamity – Bright One Ventures Ltd.

Next edition scheduled for October 2027

With all participating yachts safely accounted for, the Royal Malta Yacht Club brought another successful edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race to a close.

The 48th edition is scheduled to start on Saturday, October 16, 2027.

The following edition, which will also commemorate the event’s 60th anniversary, is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 21, 2028.

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