An Epic Challenge Awaits: The Rolex Middle Sea Race
This is more than a sailing course; it's an ultimate Mediterranean racing trial!
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!
Veruda Sailing School has a proven track record in demanding offshore conditions. The instructor has a deep passion for offshore racing and a history of remarkable success, achieving a first-place finish in their class at the Pesaro-Pula offshore regatta last year. This year, they successfully taught the challenging Pula-Palagruža-Pula course, covering 400 offshore nautical miles, and La Cinquecento double-handed regatta course, which was an 800-nautical-mile journey. The school also boasts numerous nearshore regatta victories (1st place in group in prestigious Argonaut cup, in 2023. & 2024., as well as a fastest double-handed crew overall in 2024.) further 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
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.
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: Advanced 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 Advanced Course and much, much more...
Prerequisites:
- Basic Sailing Skills: You should be comfortable with basic sailing maneuvers, terminology, and have some experience handling a sailboat.
- Navigation Knowledge: A basic understanding of navigation principles, chart reading, and compass use is beneficial.
- Safety Awareness: Familiarity with basic safety procedures and equipment on board is essential.
- Physical Fitness: Offshore sailing can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- 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.
Route:
Valetta → Capo Passero → Messina Strait → Stromboli → Favignana → Pantelleria
→ Lampedusa → Comino → ValettaRoute details on official race site.
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 advanced offshore experience before the
race itself, we offer a 5-7 day passage from
Pula to Malta (starting October 9th), ideal for training and preparation.
Adriatic Discovery: Malta to
Pula Offshore & Cruise
After the regatta, relax and explore! This 8-12 day passage (starting October 26th) takes you back from
Malta to Pula, with included tourist stops along the beautiful Italian coast.
For general information about our advanced courses, the boat and the skipper: