Expert Offshore Regatta

An Epic Challenge Awaits: The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026

This is more than a sailing course; it's an ultimate Mediterranean racing trial!

Rolex Middle Sea Race Regatta Expert Sailing Course advertisement. A sailboat races across a finish line with Grand Harbor of Valetta, Malta in the backgorund. Prepare to embark on one of the world's most revered offshore yacht races, a true jewel in the crown of global sailing alongside the Rolex Fastnet Race and Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is renowned for its diverse and often demanding conditions, making it a true test of a crew's mettle and tactical prowess. It's a unique challenge in offshore yachting and a must-do event for serious sailors worldwide!

Two 5-star Google Maps review from last years students. Building on Success: Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025
With a history of success in demanding conditions, Veruda Sailing School proved its expertise again in 2025 by completing the grueling 2,300 NM Pula-Malta-Pula offshore course and the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Our fully booked crew of five transformed from students into a racing team, conquering the 606-mile "most beautiful race in the world" and finishing strong. This wasn't just a regatta; it was a life-changing expedition. See for yourself what our 2025 alumni had to say about their journey:

The school also boasts numerous regatta victories (1st place in group in prestigious Argonaut cup, in 2023. & 2024.), including successes in offshore races (1st place in group in Pesaro-Pula in 2024.), among others, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to excellence in competitive sailing.

Your instructor will provide unparalleled hands-on experience and a wealth of tactical and practical knowledge to guide you through the demanding conditions of the course.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

A thunderous crash of cannons from the Saluting Battery as sailboats set off from Malta's historic Grand Harbour. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606-nautical-mile odyssey that takes you on a challenging anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily. You'll set off from Malta's historic Grand Harbour, a natural amphitheater where competitors depart to the thunderous crash of cannons from the Saluting Battery.

A racing crew on a offshore sailboat. Behid the boat, the large volcanic cone of Stromboli volcano is visible, spewing clouds of steam.The race route passes by active volcanoes like Mount Etna and Stromboli, takes you through the Strait of Messina, and past rugged, legendary islands before returning to Malta's iconic harbor.

This is more than a race; it's a test of skill, a battle against the elements, and an unforgettable adventure through some of the most beautiful and myth-imbued seas in the world.

As the iconic Humphrey Bogart once mused from the very shores of Malta, this is truly "the stuff that dreams are made of."

What to Expect:

  • Crew & Vessel Readiness: Comprehensive preparation of crew and vessel for optimal regatta performance.
  • Strategic Navigation Planning: Regatta navigation preparation, focusing on forecast conditions (wind, sea state, tide).
  • Racing Regulations Mastery: In-depth understanding and application of the Racing Rules of Sailing and regata event rules modifiers.
  • Start & Event Tactics: Effective strategies for race starts and optimizing performance throughout the regatta.
  • Sail & Rig Optimization: Expert techniques for trimming sails and masts to maximize speed and efficiency.
  • Spinnaker & gennaker: characteristics, preparation, hoisting and lowering techniques, maneuvering, maximizing speed.
  • Plus everything covered in our Expert Course and much, much more...

Prerequisites:

  • Advanced Experience: Completion of our Advanced Course or equivalent logged offshore miles.
  • Physical Fitness: High level of fitness required. You must be able to move quickly on a heeling deck and handle sleep deprivation throughout multiple days.
  • Dependability and Responsiveness: Be prepared to perform roles and assignments as they are designated by the skipper, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to teamwork.
  • Team Spirit: A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team are crucial for a successful offshore experience.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race course mapRoute: Valetta → Capo Passero → Messina Strait → Stromboli → Favignana → Pantelleria → Lampedusa → Comino → Valetta

Route details on official race site.

Length: 606 NM

Check-in: Malta, 14.10.2026. (afternoon)
Race Start: 17.10.2026.
Check-out: Malta, 24.10.2026. *

Cost/Person: 1299 € **
Places Total: 5


* The duration depends on regatta organizing committee decisions and weather conditions, and does not influence the course cost.
** No hidden costs! Covers regatta entry fees and all standard expenses described under Terms and Conditions. Does not cover required personal equipment (life vest with harness, PLB, etc.).

Ready for an adventure?

Don't miss out on the opportunity and secure your place in the course today!

Want More Than a Regatta?

Veruda Sailing School doesn't just offer participation in the race. We have prepared a comprehensive program for those who wish to make the most of this adventure

Master the Passage: Pula to Malta Offshore Adventure
For those seeking an expert offshore experience before the race itself, we offer a 6-8 day passage from Pula to Malta (starting October 5th), ideal for training and preparation.


Adriatic Discovery: Malta to Pula Offshore & Cruise
Relax and explore after the regatta! This 8-12 day passage (starting October 25th) takes you back from Malta to Pula, with includes tourist stops along the beautiful Italian and Croatian coasts.

For general information about our expert courses, the boat and the skipper: