Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026: Django 7x Claims Overall Victory as Black Jack 100 Triumphs Again

The 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race brought together 945 sailors from 55 countries for an extraordinary test of endurance, precision and teamwork across the Mediterranean

The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026 concluded in Malta on 24 October, following an exhilarating week of offshore sailing that tested the world’s finest crews against unpredictable Mediterranean conditions. From fierce competition to remarkable displays of seamanship, the 47th edition once again demonstrated why this prestigious race remains one of international sailing’s most celebrated events.

Organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), with Rolex as Title Sponsor since 2002, the race welcomed an international fleet of 107 yachts and 945 sailors representing 55 countries. Of those competing, 92 yachts successfully completed the demanding 606-nautical-mile course, which began in Valletta on Saturday, 17 October.

The wallyrocket 71 Django 7x secured overall victory on corrected time, while Black Jack 100 claimed monohull line honours for the second consecutive year.

Django 7x Wins the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2026

The battle for overall victory was fiercely contested, with Django 7x facing sustained competition from Balthasar, the winner of the 2025 edition.

Throughout the first half of the race, the two yachts repeatedly exchanged positions. However, Django 7x gained a decisive advantage approaching Favignana, off Sicily’s northwestern coast, before extending its lead along the island’s western shoreline.

Stronger winds favoured the powerful yacht, allowing its crew to maintain momentum despite challenging conditions in the final stages. Huge waves and speeds approaching 30 knots pushed sailors and equipment to their limits.

Django 7x ultimately finished as the second monohull, just 39 minutes ahead of Balthasar.

Among the winning crew was strategist Guillermo Parada, whose history with the Rolex Middle Sea Race stretches back to 1996, when he claimed line honours aboard Alexia B.

“It was great to be back and remember why this race is so special. Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race is an incredible result and amazing because it depends on so many factors, the weather, the opponents, the conditions and how the breeze is going to play out,” said Parada.

For yacht owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, the victory marked another milestone following the team’s class win in 2025.

“Winning the race is amazing. Last year we won class, this year we won the whole thing. I am very proud and we want to come back to do another one.”

Black Jack 100 Secures Back-to-Back Line Honours

While Django 7x celebrated overall victory, Black Jack 100 delivered another commanding performance, becoming the first monohull to cross the finish line for the second consecutive year.

Skippered by Tristan Le Brun, the maxi yacht completed the course in two days, three hours and 51 minutes. Although the performance did not break the race record, it improved on the yacht’s 2025 finishing time by more than 13 hours.

Black Jack 100 crossed the finish line nearly six hours ahead of Django 7x.

For owner Remon Vos, the achievement was about more than the result.

“Winning line honours in this year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race is fantastic. It’s a unique experience with this boat and the team on board.”

Vos also reflected on the extraordinary sense of freedom that comes with offshore racing, where crews are removed from everyday distractions and immersed in the natural environment.

“You’re completely disconnected. You’re away from everything. You’re with the water, the wind. We had a beautiful moon, the stars, animals and dolphins.”

What Makes the Rolex Middle Sea Race So Challenging?

Regarded as one of the world’s most distinctive offshore sailing competitions, the Rolex Middle Sea Race takes competitors on an anticlockwise circumnavigation of Sicily.

The 606-nautical-mile route combines dramatic Mediterranean coastlines, two active volcanoes and exposed stretches of open water. Constantly changing winds, sea conditions and geography demand exceptional navigation, tactical awareness and physical resilience.

For many competing crews, the journey involves spending three to five nights at sea, with limited rest and the constant responsibility of managing resources and making critical decisions.

The 2026 fleet reflected the race’s international appeal, welcoming everyone from teenage sailors making their offshore debuts to experienced competitors with decades of racing behind them.

Among them was Maltese sailor Christian Ripard, who set a new participation record by competing in his 36th Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Co-skippering Artie III, Ripard highlighted the importance of experience and teamwork.

“This for me is the highlight of the year. I love the race even if there are times when you question why you are doing it. The Rolex Middle Sea Race grinds you down. If you come through it, you are winning.”

His words capture the essence of an event where completing the course is often as meaningful as securing a podium finish.

Rolex Celebrates Nearly 25 Years of Sailing Excellence in Malta

Rolex has served as Title Sponsor of the Rolex Middle Sea Race since 2002, building a partnership with the Royal Malta Yacht Club founded on precision, endurance and sporting excellence.

Over nearly 25 years, this relationship has helped strengthen the race’s international reputation while preserving its distinctive heritage.

RMYC Commodore Mark Napier praised the participating crews and acknowledged Rolex’s contribution to the event’s continued success.

“Completing a race of this nature is an achievement in itself, and the decisions made along the way often demonstrate the finest qualities of seamanship.”

He added that Rolex’s longstanding support had been invaluable in enhancing the reputation of the race.

For the Swiss watchmaker, the partnership forms part of a much broader commitment to international yachting.

Since the late 1950s, Rolex has supported the sport through prestigious yacht clubs, legendary offshore competitions and partnerships with some of sailing’s most accomplished athletes.

Today, its involvement includes the Rolex SailGP Championship, Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Fastnet Race, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Swan Cup.

The brand also maintains relationships with leading sailing institutions, including the New York Yacht Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Royal Yacht Squadron and Royal Ocean Racing Club.

Its family of sailing Testimonees includes Sir Ben Ainslie, Paul Cayard, Robert Scheidt, Hannah Mills, Tom Slingsby and Martine Grael.

Through these partnerships, Rolex continues to celebrate the determination, adaptability and teamwork that define achievement on the water.