Passage Stats
1 Open Bunk (Women-only Space) — note that two additional bunks may open up, depending on the boat we get, so please sign up for standby list if you like.
Distance: 1,000 Nautical Miles
Total Days: 17
Start Port: Valletta, Malta
End Port: Valletta, Malta
SYNOPSIS
We’re heading back to Malta for the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2015! As usual, this passage includes a week of performance sail training prior to the race itself! 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.
Click here to watch the Rolex Middle Sea Race wrap-up film.
The Route
Starting from the dramatic scenic backdrop of Grand Harbour beneath the Saluting Battery in Valletta, Malta, the race heads north past the infamous Mount Etna, and up through the challenging tidal currents in the Messina Straits. Leaving Stromboli — the second active volcano of the course — to port, the yachts turn west along the northern coast of Sicily to the Egadi Islands. From here, the route takes you south towards Lampedusa, and finally back east for the home stretch through the South Comino Channel and to the finish line outside of Valletta.
Typical Weather Pattern
Set in Fall, the weather for this race is always unpredictable. The Mediterranean is known for light winds or tons of wind, and typically she delivers both in good measure at this time of year. Previous years have seen gentle light winds at the start, only to be finishing in a gale with thunderstorms and squalls blasting the fleet. This makes for both a tactical race — both in terms of navigation, and crew and energy management.
Skipper & Mate — Team leaders
Nikki Henderson will be skippering and Alex Laline will be first mate for both the Caribbean 600 and the Middle Sea Race in 2025, as they did in 2024. This will add consistency for any returning race crew, or for anyone who wants to sign up for both races.
Feedback from a crew member on the Caribbean 600 2024:
“Don't think that you could find two more optimistic and encouraging skippers who worked well together. Both were excellent teachers whose enthusiasm was infectious. Can not be overstated how these two made the trip through their leadership.”
Nikki has been skippering offshore races with crews of mixed ability for over 12 years now. On top of spending three racing seasons in the Caribbean, this will be Nikki’s fourth Caribbean 600 Race, so this is familiar territory for her!
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE
We have designed this passage to be accessible for anyone even if you come with no prior racing experience. This is why we include such substantial race training beforehand. Saying that, we recommend that anyone signing up does have some prior offshore sailing experience. This could include a trip with 59° North or equivalent offshore passage. Please note, age is not a limiting factor — a reasonable level of agility and fitness is much more important.
THE YACHT
We will be chartering 'race-focused' offshore sailing yachts with full sail wardrobes and all necessary performance equipment to be competitive in offshore races, rather than use the 59° North fleet. While we have secured a Beneteau First 50 for the upcoming 2024 race, the boat for 2025 remains up-in-the-air and will be confirmed once we know for sure.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be offered onboard during the race itself, of course. However, along with almost the whole race fleet, you will need to budget to stay onshore while the boat isn't actually at sea.
This is because the interior of racing boats are sparse, and the crew required to sail them are much higher in number than bunk space (when racing half the crew is always on deck). So the boat becomes more of an extra crew member, or a fast sailing toy to play with, rather than a home!
HOW TO JOIN
To register, click the 'Sign Up' button anywhere on the site. Complete and submit the form indicating ‘2025 Race | Rolex Middle Sea Race as your preferred passage.
We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours to confirm bunk availability, send you the long-form crew application & invoice you the 50% deposit to hold your spot. Balance will be due 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Payments are non-refundable. You'll be asked to agree to our terms & conditions on your application before submitting the deposit. Please read them carefully.
Photo from event website.
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Join the boat at 13:00 on the passage start date. Crew must depart the boat by 12:00 Noon on the passage end date.
Make sure you eat lunch before joining! We’ll get straight into bunk assignments & briefings once all crew have arrived.
Travel logistics & specific itinerary will be sent in the Passage Newsletter #2 emailed to all crew 2-4 months before passage departure.
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All 59º North passages are led by qualified RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Ocean-certified skippers & mates. All miles sailed onboard both boats will count towards your own license mileage requirements. We are happy to provide certificates to this effect for your RYA Day Skipper, Yachtmaster or other countries’ sea-time requirements.
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We now reserve two spots for women on all of our passages! You will not be ‘alone’ when you sail with 59º North. Learn more here.