Winners set in Rolex Middle Sea Race

The 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race got underway October 17 as 107 yachts representing 55 countries set sail from Malta’s magnificent Grand Harbour, with the 47th edition returning to the 606 nautical mile route around Sicily and its outer islands.

While short of the 01d 16:17:50 elapsed record, Remon Vos’ Black Jack 100 took Monohull Line Honors, finishing October 19 in an elapsed time of 02d 03:51:00. Ideal conditions characterized much of the opening two days before the final open water legs south of Sicily delivered winds hitting 28 knots and a punchy, steep sea. “Towards the end it was pretty tough, honestly, it was primitive,” admitted Vos. – Full report

Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Wallyrocket 71 Django 7X from Italy, finishing later the same day in 02d 09:02:19 would claim overall handicap honors. “Last year we won our class in IRC 2, and this year we have won overall, racing in IRC 1,” noted Lombardi Stronati. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved.” Designed by Botin Partners, Django 7X was launched in June 2025 and was runner-up in the 2026 Sardinia Cup. – Full report

Race details – Results – Facebook

Elapsed Time Course Records:
Monohull – Comanche: 01d 16:17:50 in 2021
Multihull – Argo: 01d 09:29:28 in 2021

Source: RMSR