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Malta365
sportsEvent

Rolex Middle Sea Race

A 606-nautical-mile offshore race from the Grand Harbour

When2027: race start on Saturday 16 October from the Grand Harbour, per the official race programme. The coastal race is on 13 October and the prize giving on 23 October; boats finish over several days in between.
WhereValletta, Valletta and the Grand Harbour
CostAs of November 2026: free to watch the start from public viewpoints around the Grand Harbour
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Sports
When
October
Duration
About 1 week on the water
Location
Valletta
Cost
As of November 2026: free to watch the start from public viewpoints around the Grand Harbour
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
An international fleet; spectators line Valletta's bastions for the start
Family friendly
Yes
First held
1968
Local name
Rolex Middle Sea Race
Best arrival
An hour before the start on 16 October, to claim a bastion viewpoint
What to wear
Light layers and sun protection for October
Food highlights
Cafes in Valletta near the bastionsWaterfront restaurants in the Three Cities
Warnings
Start times can change with weatherViewpoints fill earlyFinishes are spread over several days
What to bring
BinocularsWaterA camera with zoomSun protection
The overview

Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the classic offshore races of the Mediterranean, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The course is approximately 606 nautical miles, sailed anti-clockwise round Sicily, starting from the Grand Harbour in Valletta and finishing back in Malta. The 48th race starts on Saturday 16 October 2027, according to the official race programme.

The first race was held in 1968; the club has said the 2028 edition will mark the event's 60th anniversary. The fleet ranges from professional maxi yachts to amateur crews, and boats compete for overall honours on handicap as well as for line honours. The 2026 race was won overall by Django 7x.

Watching the start

For spectators the start is the moment to see. The fleet sets off in waves inside the Grand Harbour and sails out past the breakwater, a spectacle best seen from the bastions of Valletta, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the area around Fort St Elmo, or from the waterfront of the Three Cities. The race week also includes a shorter coastal race a few days before the main start. Finishes come in over several days, depending on the weather.

  • Watching the start from public viewpoints is free.
  • The 2027 programme lists the coastal race on 13 October and the prize giving on 23 October; confirm registration arrangements with the club.
  • Arrive early on start day: the best bastion spots fill up.

Mid-October is a good time to visit, with warm sea and fewer crowds. See our sailing and yacht charters page to get out on the water yourself.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2027 Rolex Middle Sea Race start?

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On Saturday 16 October 2027, from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, according to the official race programme.

How long is the course?

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About 606 nautical miles, sailed anti-clockwise round Sicily, starting and finishing in Malta.

Who organises the race?

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The Royal Malta Yacht Club. The first race was held in 1968.

Where can I watch the start?

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From the bastions of Valletta, such as the Upper Barrakka Gardens and around Fort St Elmo, or from the Three Cities waterfront across the harbour. It is free.

How long does the race take?

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It depends on the wind. Some boats can finish in under two days, while others take several days, with the 2027 prize giving on 23 October.
Plan your visit

Rolex Middle Sea Race

When
2027: race start on Saturday 16 October from the Grand Harbour, per the official race programme. The coastal race is on 13 October and the prize giving on 23 October; boats finish over several days in between.
Duration: About 1 week on the water
Location
Grand Harbour start, Royal Malta Yacht Club, Valletta
Valletta and the Grand Harbour
Cost
Free
This event is in Valletta →