Experience the Start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October

A Sailing Enthusiast’s Dream at The Snop House, Senglea

At The Snop House in Senglea, we have a deep passion for sailing, particularly for classic boats. This love for the sea has led us to partner with the Trophée Bailli de Suffren, an offshore sailing race from St. Tropez to Valletta, and to create the Marenostrum Racing Club Hotel Collection, a network of hotels in key Mediterranean ports. This initiative caters to the needs of sailors and maritime enthusiasts alike, providing them with quality accommodations during their journeys.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race: A Prestigious Event

Every October, the Grand Harbor of Valletta becomes the stage for a different kind of maritime spectacle as an international fleet of yachts gathers for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. With over 40 editions to its name, this prestigious event is organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC). The race has grown to become one of the most anticipated yachting events in the world.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race was first conceived in 1968 by two rival members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club who wanted to test their sailing skills against each other. Unlike the calmer summer months, they chose the windier autumn season, adding an extra layer of challenge. The course was designed to start and end in Malta, creating a unique and demanding route.

The Race Course: A 606 Nautical Mile Challenge

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606-nautical-mile (1,123 km) offshore race that ranks alongside the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race as one of the essential 600-mile races. The circular route takes in two active volcanoes and a variety of islands, offering participants and spectators alike a spectacle of natural beauty.

The race begins in the heart of Grand Harbor, with the start line stretching from the Saluting Battery beneath Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens to Fort St. Angelo in Birgu. After leaving Malta, the fleet heads north to Capo Passero on Sicily’s eastern coast, then through the challenging Strait of Messina. This stretch is technically demanding, with crews needing to navigate favorable currents and winds to make a smooth passage.

Once through the Strait of Messina, the yachts head towards Stromboli, an active volcano on the Aeolian Islands, which must be passed on the port side. After rounding Strombolicchio, the fleet turns west, sailing along Sicily’s northern coast towards the Egadi Islands. From there, they head south to Lampedusa, leaving Pantelleria on the port side. The final leg takes the yachts north-east through the South Comino Channel, with the race finishing at the entrance to Marsamxett Harbor.

Trophies and Honors

The Rolex Middle Sea Race attracts a diverse fleet ranging from 30-foot to 100- foot yachts, including some of the most powerful monohulls and multihulls on the international racing circuit. The yachts are divided into different rating classes under IRC (International Rating Certificate), ORC (Offshore Racing Congress), and MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association).

The main trophies awarded at the prize-giving ceremony include:

• Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy: Awarded to the overall race winner under IRC Time Correction.
• Boccale de Mediterraneo: Given to the winner of the ORC category.
• RLR Trophy: Awarded to the monohull that finishes first.
• Captain Morgan Trophy: Awarded to the winner of the multihull division on corrected time (MOCRA).

The 45th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

The Perfect Spot to Watch the Race

If you’re staying at The Snop House in Senglea, you’re in the perfect location to witness the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Just a five-minute walk from the hotel, you can enjoy a stunning view of the race from the tip of the Senglea peninsula, at the bastion of the spur with the Gardjola Gardens. This vantage point offers a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbor, providing an unforgettable experience as you watch the yachts set sail on their epic journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply a lover of the sea, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is an event that captures the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the Mediterranean, right at your doorstep in Senglea.