2025-2 | RACING | Middle Sea Race
(Note that we offer a % discount if you pay by cash/bank transfer.)
Join us in Malta for the Rolex Middle Sea Race! This Mediterranean offshore classic is one of the world's iconic 600-mile offshore races, alongside the Fastnet and the Sydney-Hobart. Steeped in history, the race originally came about due to a rivalry between members of the British Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Royal Malta Yacht Club in 1968. Starting and ending in Malta, the counter-clockwise racecourse circumnavigates the island of Sicily and is known for its changeable weather conditions, and unrivaled natural beauty.
The Passage
Rough itinerary
All 59º North passages are very much subject to weather. We pick our routes based on the "correct" time of year to be sailing in the different regions we visit, and we always build-in enough time to give us some margin for weather windows. The skipper has final say on departure dates and weather windows, but generally speaking, the intinerary for this passage will look like this:
October 10, 2025
Crew arrive to RACING at in Valetta, Malta. RACING orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard RACING.
Prep Days
Between the joining and departure dates, all pre-passage preparation, provisioning, and safety briefings will be completed. The specific pre-departure schedule will be outlined and posted onboard RACING by the skipper.
October 12, 2025
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
October 26, 2025
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart RACING from Valetta, Malta.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Valetta
Weather conditions
Expect a warm, pleasant Mediterranean autumn sail with mostly settled conditions and gentle breezes—the kind of trip where you'll likely be reaching along comfortably, with the sea staying friendly and the sun keeping things easy underfoot.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
ambitious sailing schedule
The best boats
WOMEN BUNKS GUARANTEED
Professional, well-paid staff
knowledge & community
Why it costs what it costs...
"Cruelling and unforgettable! I knew I would be inspired by Nikki and Alex—true professionals—but it was the inspiration I took from my crewmates that will stay with me for a lifetime. As a blue water cruiser, this experience definitely made me a better ocean sailor!"
"Sailing on ISBJØRN with Captain Naxo during the Sail Training Camp was an incredible experience. His ability to adapt his teaching to each person's skill level built confidence throughout the crew and turned us into a cohesive team. I wholeheartedly recommend 59º North and Captain Naxo."
"This passage was literally my first time sailing. My goal was to get as far as possible from my daily life and desk-bound comfort zone, and Andy assured me I would be looked after. I could not have asked for a better skipper (thank you, Jon), better crew mates, or a more enjoyable passage. The expression 'life-changing experience' is thrown around too loosely, but this one was for me. I'll be forever grateful to 59º North for this opportunity and I hope to sail with them again soon."
"A fairytale on top of the world, traveling from charming island to island on our trusty steed and home, SPICA. Andy will need to get a wizard's hat for the next voyage."
"I’ve sailed with 59º North four times—each has been a unique and gratifying experience. Sailing with like-minded folks, captained by the best in the biz, in well-maintained vessels has been the highlight of my 40-year sailing career. I’ve learned so much about sailing and myself on my 59º North adventures."
"It was an honor to be onboard FALKEN for her crewed maiden voyage. We sailed in challenging conditions on our 5-day romp in the English Channel, with the crew rising to the occasion inspired by our skipper, Nikki, and first mate, Alex. If you want to experience real-world offshore life under expert supervision with like-minded folks, look no further than 59º North."
"I can’t say enough good things about the camp, August, and ISBJØRN. The format is perfect for someone like me—I’ve done some sailing, but not enough to feel comfortable on a passage. August is an amazing teacher and so patient! I learned an incredible amount and feel ready to take on a passage with 59º North."
