19th October 2024 to 26th October 2024
VO65: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2024
From £5139 per person
Deposit 25%. Final balance due 12 weeks before departure.
Join the crew onboard a current Ocean Race VO65 and battle it out for line honors in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Race dates: 19 - 26 Oct 2024
Training dates: To be confirmed
Price:£5,139.00/€5,800.00 per person*
*Trips are priced in the operator's local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race holds a special place in the world of offshore yacht racing – and now you can take part in it as part of the crew. The race is held annually, starting and ending in Malta, and is considered one of the most challenging offshore races in the world.
The race was first run in 1968 and took its competitors along a course of around 606 nautical miles. The route goes from the start in Malta's Grand Harbour, northeast along the Sicilian coast, around the volcanic island of Stromboli, to the Egadi Islands in the west, past Pantelleria and Lampedusa islands, and back to the finish line in Malta.
The race is known for its challenging conditions, complex navigation, and stunning scenery. It draws a diverse fleet of yachts and competitors from around the world and is particularly famous for its dramatic start, which takes place within the confines of the Grand Harbour of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Training dates: To be confirmed – Crew Arrival tour and briefing at the marina in Malta. You will experience a mixture of onshore and on-the-water training in preparation for the thrilling race.
During this racing campaign, you’ll have the opportunity to try multiple roles on board including helming, grinding, pit, and bow.
To be confirmed – boat preparation and race briefing (no sailing)
19 October 2024 – The start of the amazing Rolex Middle Sea Race and into the 608 nautical miles-long race.
To be confirmed – official prize-giving ceremony
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is 608 nm long and sailed anti-clockwise, beginning in Marsamxett Harbour, north of the Grand Harbour, Valletta. The fleet will head North along the Eastern coasts of Sicily up towards the Straits of Messina, where Mt. Etna is visible on the fleet’s port side. Once through the Straits, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli where the yachts turn West to the Egadi Islands. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa leaving Pantelleria to port. Finish the race in spectacular surroundings back on Malta as you pass beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery in Valletta.
- Travel to or from the boats
- Food ashore
- Onshore meals
- Shore-based accommodation
- Some sailing experience is required.
- A good level of fitness required.
Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport
Training dates: To be confirmed – Crew Arrival tour and briefing at the marina in Malta. You will experience a mixture of onshore and on-the-water training in preparation for the thrilling race.
During this racing campaign, you’ll have the opportunity to try multiple roles on board including helming, grinding, pit, and bow.
To be confirmed – boat preparation and race briefing (no sailing)
19 October 2024 – The start of the amazing Rolex Middle Sea Race and into the 608 nautical miles-long race.
To be confirmed – official prize-giving ceremony
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is 608 nm long and sailed anti-clockwise, beginning in Marsamxett Harbour, north of the Grand Harbour, Valletta. The fleet will head North along the Eastern coasts of Sicily up towards the Straits of Messina, where Mt. Etna is visible on the fleet’s port side. Once through the Straits, the course leads north to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli where the yachts turn West to the Egadi Islands. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head south towards the island of Lampedusa leaving Pantelleria to port. Finish the race in spectacular surroundings back on Malta as you pass beneath Fort St Angelo and the Saluting Battery in Valletta.
Waterproof or soft kit bag (no hard cases with wheels)
Foul weather gear
2 complete sets of dry clothes
Passport
Sleeping bag
Hat and gloves
Sun cream
Any medication you require
Seasickness pills if needed
Water bottle
Warm layers as required
Safety knife
Headtorch
Sailing boots
