MALTA CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

Valletta, declared the 2018 European Capital of Culture, will be the starting point for the race. Participants will embark on their 606-nautical-mile journey from Valletta’s Grand Harbour beneath Fort St. Angelo. The race will have participants traveling to the eastern coast of Sicily and up toward the Strait of Messina, before going north to the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli, an active volcano. Crews will then pass between Marettimo and Favignana and head south to the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.

During the race, crews will often encounter rough seas and unpredictable weather, making The Rolex Middle Sea Race a true test to its participants. October conditions are known to change dramatically — almost instantly the winds change from gentle breezes to strong gusts. The race is frequently described it as a tough, yet special race.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race originally stems from a rivalry between friends and Royal Malta Yacht Club members Paul and John Ripard, and British sailor residing in Malta, Jimmy White. Since its inception in 1968, The Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown tremendously and the 50th edition will be a very special year for this highly-rated offshore sailing race.

Entries Close October 5th, 2018

The 2018 Sea Race Notice of Race is now available online https://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/race/documents.

Entries for the race will be accepted until October 5, 2018. Crews are encouraged to submit their registrations as early as possible. At the discretion of the organizing authority, an entry may be accepted after October 5, but the crew shall be required to pay the specified late entry fee. Entries will no longer be accepted after October 12, 2018.

Entries can be submitted by visiting: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com.

For further information about the race please contact the Royal Malta Yacht Club via email on info@rolexmiddlesearace.com or telephone, +356 2133 3109.

About Malta:

In the middle of the Mediterranean lies the sunny islands of Malta. This archipelago is home to a remarkable concentration of intact heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any nation-state in the world. Built by the proud Knights of St. John, Valletta is one of the UNESCO sights and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s ancestry ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defense systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With beautiful sunny weather, alluring beaches, a booming nightlife and 7,000 years of captivating history, there is a great deal to see and do. www.visitmalta.com