A fleet of 32 yachts, including 10 Maltese entries, will line up for the 66th edition of the Turkish Airlines Malta–Syracuse Race on Saturday, making it one of the largest turnouts for the prestigious offshore event in recent years.

The 80-nautical-mile race will start from Marsamxett Harbour before taking competitors across the Mediterranean to Syracuse, Sicily. It is jointly organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Lega Navale Italiana – Sezione di Siracusa, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1952.

Recognised as the oldest offshore race in the Mediterranean, the Malta–Syracuse Race was conceived by Captain John Illingworth of the Royal Navy, who also won the inaugural edition. Since then, the race has become a highlight of the regional sailing calendar, with the direction of the course alternating annually between Malta and Syracuse.

This year’s fleet combines both quality and experience, with many crews returning to compete across the ORC, IRC and Gran Crociera classes.

The race record remains the benchmark for the fleet. Set in 2014 by Massimo Savoca’s Dreamer Tech, the winning time of 8 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds has stood unbeaten for more than a decade.

Among the Maltese challengers is Sean Borg’s Jubatus, which returns after missing last year’s race and will be aiming to repeat its 2024 success. Also back are Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso, winner of the 2023 edition, and Lee Satariano’s Artie III, which returns after a two-year absence having claimed overall honours in 2020.

The home fleet is completed by Alecto (Charles Cronin), Dimm (Kevin Pisani Zammit), Inspiration (Godwin Zammit), Kixx Me (Luis Azzopardi), Seven (Mario Debono), Ton Ton Laferla (Jonathan Gambin), and Vivace, jointly skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Gabriele.

For many of the Maltese crews, the race also serves as an important stepping stone in their preparations for October’s Rolex Middle Sea Race.

The Italian contingent is equally competitive, with several familiar names returning to the event. Among them are Ferdinando Arcucci’s Capitani Coraggiosi, a long-time participant, Duc in Altum, which claimed the Gran Crociera class title last year, and Gaetano Virdone’s Luna Bianca.

This year’s race also marks the continued support of Turkish Airlines, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive edition, further strengthening the international profile of one of the Mediterranean’s most historic offshore races.

Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore Mark Napier said the event remains one of the highlights of the local sailing calendar.

“The Malta–Syracuse Race carries decades of shared history between our two clubs. With ten Maltese boats on the start line, several of them past winners, we look forward to another closely fought edition and to renewing our long-standing friendship with the Lega Navale Italiana in Syracuse.”

A skippers’ briefing will be held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club on Friday evening ahead of Saturday’s start.