PHOTOS: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2018

One hundred thirty yachts started the 2018 Rolex Middle Sea Race on October 20.

This iconic contest, which this year enjoyed its 50th anniversary, was established as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Jimmy White and Alan Green, two Englishmen residing in Malta, together with Paul and John Ripard, two Maltese members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Jimmy, Alan (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), Paul and John would eventually map the 606nm course – essentially a counter clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily starting and finishing in Malta – designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in the immediate Maltese coastal waters.

Photos by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo: