How to follow the 2016 Rolex Middle Sea Race

Firing the cannon at the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Grand Harbour, Valetta from the Saluting Battery
Firing the cannon at the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Grand Harbour, Valetta from the Saluting Battery

We shall miss watching the Rolex Middle Sea Race this year but we remember the excitement felt when we stood on the battlements last year reporting on the action.

This year, the 37th edition of the race dating back to 1968, one hundred twelve boats (one more than last year) from twenty five nations will cross the starting line in six separate starts starts inside the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta.

Organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the 2016 Rolex Middle Sea Race will start at 11:00hrs (CET) on the 22nd October in the spectacular Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta.

The 608-mile yacht race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

Starting and finishing in Malta, the route includes the deep azure waters around Sicily including the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as Pantelleria and Lampedusa. One of the most stunning vistas is Stromboli, the active volcano which is a course mark.

Challenging, enchanting and historic, the annual Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of Europe’s most popular and respected offshore races.

Supported by Rolex since 2002, the event’s fascination is largely drawn from its alluring race course a rigorous yet scenic anti-clockwise loop around Sicily, which introduces numerous ‘corners’ that present changing and complex meteorological shifts.

Various vantage points are available from most areas of the Grand Harbour. The Lower and Upper Barakka Gardens in Valletta, the Valletta waterfronts and the Senglea promontory, give a fine view of the start.

How to follow the Race