***Your booking is protected by our COVID Policy The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606 nautical mile long, anti-clockwise course originally started by a healthy dose of rivalry between members of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Royal Malta Yacht Club in 1968. Though 2018 was the 50th anniversary of the race, 2020 will only be the 41st edition as the race was not run between 1983- 1996. This hasn't stopped it from becoming more popular over the years, with 130 attending boats in 2018. Representing an international fleet from 29 countries, this was a record breaking year for the race. Set during the autumn months, the unpredictable weather demands that each sailor brings some serious commitment and tenacity with them to the start line. Previous years have seen gentle light winds setting out, only to be ending in thunderstorms, or having massive squalls wiping out half the competition. You just never know what you're going to get. However, what we can promise are views of the beautiful Maltese Islands and an amazing diversity of landscape and sea conditions, all of which combine to create the attraction and challenge of the race.
Photo Credit: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo The RMYC has added a COVID-19 page to the RMSR website where it gives detail about access to the clubhouse, the registration process, facilities and restrictions. "We have already taken steps to limit the number of people using the Club in the lead up to the race and members are being very understanding, " explains Vella. "Once we get to the week before the start, access will be strictly by appointment-only whether it is registration for the race or lunch at the restaurant. We have made provision to control the entrance to the building and the waterfront area with security personnel checking individuals have a valid reason for entry and taking their temperature. The wearing of face masks will be mandatory and there are numerous hand-sanitiser stations. The effort to reduce risk is thorough and with the safety of competing crews foremost in our mind. " Principal Race Officer Peter Dimech is another member of the Task Force with particular responsibility for the racing.
The regatta starts in the harbor of Malta, guests can watch the start of the race from the Valletta Fortress. The noise of guns will inform about the departure of 150 yachts! 29 October, 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race - the end of the race. At 10:30, the Rolex Middle Sea Race Award Ceremony will take place. The ancient halls of the 16th century building, where the event will be held from 15:00 to 20:00, emphasize the solemnity of the end of the 600-miles long competition! Location The race begins in the medieval Malta and goes past Italy's largest island ─ Sicily. Through the Strait of Messina you will reach the islands of Stromboli, Pantelleria and Lampedusa, after which the regatta will finish in Malta. *Regatta dates are approximate. The exact dates will be published later. FAQ Can I participate in a regatta if I don't have yachting experience? Yes, of course. There will be an experienced skipper and team members on the yacht. They will give you a role and teach you everything you need to know to be a useful team member and feel comfortable.
Join the crew that suits you in spirit! Even if you are a beginner, we will help you find a team in which you will feel comfortable and learn the basics of yachting. ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2020 Events schedule 17 October, 2020 Registration of participants in the Rolex Middle Sea Race regatta. Over 150 yachts compete in a race of 600 miles! 18 October, 2020 8:00 a. m. - 7:00 p. Coastal Race Briefing Excelsior Grand Hotel will be open for the Coastal Race briefing team from 8:00 - 19:00. The hotel has scenic views of Marsamxett Harbor and Manoel Island! The place is located near Valletta - the capital of Malta, which is a UNESCO heritage. 19 October, 2020 10:00 Rolex Middle Sea Coastal Race Participants will get to know the waters during a coastal race that will take place around Malta, Gozo, Comino or Fifla. The sea around these small islands of the Maltese archipelago is of an incredibly rich turquoise color! At 19:30, the Rolex Middle Sea Coastal Race Award Ceremony will be held, where you will warm up your emotions before the main event!
For the participants too, there are the normal worries ahead of the start, as well as the problems posed by COVID-19. Last year's winners, the Podesta siblings from Malta have entered again with their First 45 Elusive 2. "It is just one of those things, " says Maya. "The race is on all our calendars, so even before we won last year we knew we'd be on the start line again this year. It is just part of our lives. " Maya is glad to have the support of her brothers Aaron and Christoph in preparing Elusive 2. In her day job as a doctor, Maya is a Consultant at the Office of the Superintendence of Public Health in Malta, and fully occupied with government's response to the pandemic. Naturally, she is also a key member of the RMYC COVID Task Force with particular responsibility for interpreting the latest regulations and guidance and advising on the requirements for foreign crews. Overall Winner 2019 ELUSIVE 2, Sail no: MLT 450, Owner: Christoph, Aaron & Maya Podesta, Skipper: Christoph & Aaron Podesta, Model: First 45, Country: MLT, Class 4 Photo Credit: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo Christoph Podesta confirms that the preparatory work is underway to ensure Elusive 2 is in the best possible shape for the race.
Just as Rabaste has his fingers tightly crossed, so do many others that the 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race will go ahead without a hitch. The 41st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is scheduled to start on Saturday, 17 October. The Notice of Race and other documents are available here: Follow news and stories on the Rolex Middle Sea Race social media accounts: Facebook @RolexMiddleSeaRace Instagram @RolexMiddleSeaRace Twitter @rolexmiddlesea The official race hashtags are #rolexmiddlesearace & #rmsr2020 Check out the latest news from our brands. CLICK HERE
Oct 21, 2020 The line honours titles, awarded to the fastest multihull and monohull yachts, have been decided at the 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Ice Mar 12, 2019 The inaugural edition of World Sailing's Offshore World Championship will be held in October 2020 in Valletta, Malta alongside the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Oct 23, 2018 Carkeek-designed yachts finished as top four in the Fast40+ fleet as Black Pearl won the Middle Sea Coastal Race. Oct 19, 2018 With four boats at the top of the overall leaderboard in the Fast40+ and Black Pearl starting the 50th Middle Sea Race, Carkeek Design Partners are very much off to the races from Friday.
Best time to go to Malta One of the most spectacular events on the yachting calendar is fought out against a stunning backdrop of dramatic, ever-changing Mediterranean landscapes! Last updated: March 30, 2021 See all 0 See accommodations nearby The Rolex Middle Sea Race is held every year in October. This classic race starts from Malta's spectacular Grand Harbour at the capital city of Valletta. It attracts around 100 participating yachts. The start of the race is breathtaking and can be watched from any of Valletta's bastions. The Rolex Middle Sea Race attracts some of the world's most high profile crews and boats to the island. After leaving the Grand Harbour in Malta, boats head to Sicily (Messina), then the Aeolian Islands (together with Stromboli), then passing through the Aegadian Islands, Islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, and returning to Malta. This circular route is around 606 nautical miles in length, and the shortest time to cross it is almost two full days. Find hotels and airbnbs near Rolex Middle Sea Race (Map)