Rolex Middle Sea Race 2017 – Highlights

The 606 nm Rolex Middle Sea Race, organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, takes place each year and encompasses one of the most scenic courses in the world. 104 boats from 30 nations started the 38th edition. Owing to seriously strong winds and a considerable sea state on the third day, only 35 yachts completed the course confirming the race’s reputation as one of the most challenging in offshore sailing. Centred in the heart of the Mediterranean, the race starts and finishes in Malta. Leaving from Grand Harbour, Valletta, the fleet passes through the Strait of Messina and rounds the active volcano of Stromboli off the northern coast of Sicily. It then continues west past the Aeolian Islands and on to the Egadi Islands, before turning south to Pantelleria and Lampedusa and finally back to the finish. The Rolex Middle Sea Race has been sponsored by Rolex since 2002.