Rolex Middle Sea Race kicks off for the 45th time

A fleet of 112 yachts representing 30 countries departed from the Grand Harbour in Valletta on Saturday, marking the start of the 45th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Divided into seven classes, the boats are competing on a 606-nautical mile course around Sicily, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa before returning to Malta. Participants include defending champion Bullitt and past winners Teasing Machine, Elusive II, and Artie III.

Despite fierce competition, forecasts of lighter winds may pose a challenge for teams hoping to break the existing monohull record set in 2021.