Grand Harbour to host Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 in October

Malta is preparing to host the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025, one of the world’s premier offshore yacht races. Over 120 yachts will depart from the Grand Harbour in Malta, navigating an anticlockwise route around Sicily.

Key Dates:

• Coastal Yacht Race: Wednesday, 15th October 2025, 09:00 at Marsamxett Harbour
• Rolex Middle Sea Race Start: Saturday, 18th October 2025, 11:00 at the Grand Harbour

The race start will feature seven yachting classes launching at 10-minute intervals, accompanied by cannon fire from the Saluting Battery. The start line stretches between Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta and Fort St Angelo in Birgu, offering one of the world’s most photogenic race openings.

Best viewing spots:

• Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
• Great Siege Bell and Mediterranean Conference Centre road
• Fort Lascaris to Quarry Wharf, Valletta
• Fort St Angelo, Birgu
• Senglea Point Gardens
• Birgu Waterfront

Beyond the race itself, the event will spill onto the streets and waterfronts, turning Valletta and Birgu into a hub of live performances, historic reenactments, and festive maritime pageantry.

Valletta and Birgu celebrations – 18th October:

• Valletta: In Guardia Reenactment Troupe march
• Birgu: Jackson Pipe Band, Bormla Scouts parade and In Guardia Reenactors atop Fort St Angelo

Heritage Malta is also offering exclusive opportunities to view the race from two of the city’s most historic forts:

• Fort St Elmo, Valletta: Half-price entry, views of the race, War Museum access
• Fort St Angelo, Birgu: VIP area for 100 guests from 10:00–12:00, with food, drinks, and fort admission

Tickets are priced at €35 for adults and €30 for Heritage Malta members

The Rolex Middle Sea Race 2025 is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, with support from VisitMalta. For the full programme and live tracking of the yachts, click here.