45th Edition of Rolex Middle Sea Race Closes with a Roar

Just as the crews and their families think they have seen all Malta and the Rolex Middle Sea Race has to offer, one final surprise awaits. The prize giving is no ordinary affair. Held in the 16th century Sacra Infermeria, originally built as a hospital by the Knights of St John and overlooking Grand Harbour Malta, the setting is magnificent, stirring and worthy. Hosting the achievements of all 112 participating yachts, the ceremony was, as always, a rousing and special affair.

The 2024 edition of the Mediterranean’s most famous 600 mile offshore race was one of the most memorable on record. Underwritten by true evidence of camaraderie and team spirit, the story is one of overcoming adversity and pushing through, a story of human endurance, courage and determination. A professionally-crewed 100ft/30.48m Maxi proved its potency. A young German crew earned its spurs.

The principal success stories of the 2024 Rolex Middle Sea Race:

Red Bandit, TP52, skippered by Carl-Peter Forster – Overall Winner under IRC
Scallywag 100, Dovell Custom, skippered by David Witt - Monohull Line Honours
Marina 21, First 36, Milan Kolacek & Milan Tomek – Double-Handed Class Winner IRC
Kuka 3, Cookson 50, Franco Niggeler – Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy ORC

Ahead of the awards presentations, David Cremona Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, had this to say: “The 45th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race continues to build on the event’s rich history, firmly cementing its place as one of the most iconic offshore races in the world, while evolving with each passing year.” He felt this success was down to many factors, most significantly the diversity and competitiveness of the fleet, along with the commitment of owners and crew. Also, of course, the cast of 100s that work tirelessly to make the race possible.

“I must take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous hard work that takes place behind the scenes of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Planning begins almost immediately after each race, bringing together countless individuals who help make this event a reality each October. Special thanks, however, go to the team led by Rear Commodore Georges Bonello DuPuis, who, along with the Race Committee, and Race Officers from the RMYC, and supported by the RORC, have once again delivered a truly remarkable event.”

Cremona also referenced the conditions that had tested the crews and those ashore: “Every Rolex Middle Sea Race edition brings its own challenges and stories. This year was no different, particularly with severe weather conditions on the first day. Several teams were forced to retire. Throughout, the race management team remained vigilant, closely monitoring the evolving situation and maintaining effective communication with the boats at sea. Their quick and decisive actions were crucial in ensuring the safety and smooth handling of these challenging circumstances.”

In addition to participating crews, the occasion was attended by several distinguished guests, in particular the Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Romano and the President of Malta Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, who had this to say: “This year it was heartening to see that the event was patronised by 112 boats hailing from 30 different countries. Few sights warm the hearts of the Maltese more than the spectacle of the participating yachts exiting Grand Harbour at the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club deserves our gratitude for the priceless contribution to the promotion of our islands so effectively and tangibly year after year.”

The 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 18 October 2025.

IRC Overall & winner Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy
Red Bandit, Carl-Peter Forster, GER

IRC Class Winners
IRC 1 Balthasar, Rogier Overveld, MLT
IRC 2 Red Bandit, Carl-Peter Forster, GER
IRC 3 Long Courrier, Géry Trentesaux, FRA
IRC 4 Elusive 2, Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta, MLT
IRC 5 Calypso, Sebastian Ripard & Daniel Calascione, MLT
IRC 6 Zephyr, Simon Toms, GBR

Monohull Line Honours & winner RLR Trophy, winner Malta Tourism Authority Trophy (First Foreign Boat)
Scallywag 100, David Witt, HKG

ORC Category Overall & winner Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy
Kuka 3, Franco Niggeler, SUI

ORC Class Winners
ORC 2 Kuka 3, Franco Niggeler, SUI
ORC 3 Afazik Impulse, Yves Grosjean, FRA
ORC 4 Elusive 2, Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta, MLT
ORC 5 Marina 21, Milan Kolacek & Milan Tomek, CRO
ORC 6 Calypso, Sebastian Ripard and Daniel Calascione, MLT

First Boat with Maltese skipper & majority Maltese crew - winner Transport Malta Trophy
Artie III, Lee Satariano & Christian Ripard, MLT

First Maltese Boat under IRC & winner Arthur Podesta Trophy
Elusive 2, Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta, MLT

First Maltese Boat under ORC & winner Teddie Borg Trophy
Calypso, Sebastian Ripard and Daniel Calascione, MLT

Yachting Malta Nations Cup (Country with three best IRC corrected times)
France – Teasing Machine, Spirit of Lorina, Long Courrier,

Italian Ambassador’s Trophy for Sportsmanship
Jarhead, Gary Merceica, MLT & JYS Jan, Claudio Bugeja, MLT

First Italian boat under ORC & winner Federazione Italian Vela Trophy
BeWild, Renzo Grottesi, ITA

MOCRA award for best Multihull
Picomole, Aldo Fumagalli, ITA

RMYC Sustainability Award
Sagola Spartivento, Beppe Fornich, ITA

77 out 112 boats completed the course, 35 retired.