The 47th Middle Sea Race brought contrasting fortunes for the Royal Malta Yacht Club's ten competing yachts, with class victories, close handicap battles, damaged sails, and difficult retirements emerging from the 606-nautical-mile race around Sicily.
The race started from Malta's Grand Harbour on Saturday, 17 October, with 107 yachts competing. The local contingent ranged from teenagers making their offshore racing debuts to Christian Ripard, competing for a record 36th time.
The reflections follow a race in which Django 7X secured overall victory, while the 100-foot Black Jack 100 took monohull line honours, with Irish sailor Shane Hughes describing the maxi as "an absolute weapon" as previously reported by Afloat.
Artie III Takes Maltese Class Honours
Lee Satariano, competing in his 17th Middle Sea Race and eighth aboard the HH42 Artie III, secured class honours and was the first Maltese yacht to finish.
Satariano, a two-time overall winner with a previous yacht, credited his crew's strength for the result. "This is what I love about Artie: the crew, the team, the bond," he said. "We pushed hard from beginning to end."
Co-skipper Christian Ripard, whose 36 appearances represent a race record, was equally enthusiastic. "I love this race, and I'd love to do it again," he said.
Six Minutes Decide Maltese Handicap Battle
One of the closest contests involved the Podesta siblings, Aaron, Christoph and Maya, aboard Elusive 2, and Jonathan Gambin's Ton Ton Laferla.
So Near, Yet So Far – Jonathan Gambin's Ton Ton Laferla crossed ahead of Elusive 2 but lost the Maltese IRC handicap contest by six minutes after a demanding race that included a torn headsail. Photo: Andrea Azzopardi
Although Ton Ton Laferla crossed the finish line ahead, Elusive 2 prevailed by just six minutes on corrected time, securing the Arthur Podesta Trophy for the first Maltese yacht under IRC.
The trophy carries particular significance for the Podesta family, being named after their late father.
"This race throws everything at you, and it is one of the toughest mentally," Aaron Podesta said. "The battle with Ton Ton started right from the gun, and we had to slowly claw our way back. There's a saying on board: the race ends at the finish line."
Gambin, competing in his 19th race, suffered a costly setback when Ton Ton Laferla's J2 headsail tore in winds exceeding 30 knots near the finish. "My son had asked whether the J2 could take 28 knots, and I said yes," Gambin recalled. "We saw 31. It gave way at the worst possible moment. That was my fault."
Maya Podesta, co-skipper of Elusive 2, highlighted the importance of organisation and teamwork in demanding offshore conditions. "This type of race is not all about strength," she said. "There are a lot of other jobs on the boat, and it's all about fitting into the right spot."
Six-Minute Thriller – The Podesta siblings aboard Elusive 2 secured the Arthur Podesta Trophy after beating Ton Ton Laferla by just six minutes on corrected time in the 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Photo: Andrea Azzopardi
Family Legacy Aboard Smallest Maltese Entry
For Sebastian Ripard aboard Calypso, the smallest Royal Malta Yacht Club entry, the race also offered a chance to continue a family tradition.
His grandfather, John Ripard Snr, helped found the event, and Sebastian recalled the post-race discussions they once shared.
"We would go to my grandfather's house and talk it through with him. He would tell us where we had made mistakes and go over the crew's tactical choices," Ripard said.
Although those conversations are no longer possible, he said competing remains a way to maintain the family's connection to the race.
"There is hardship, but there is a great sense of achievement in knowing that we can do it."
Young Sailors Make Their Mark
Youth was prominent aboard several Maltese entries, including Luis Azzopardi's Kixx Me, which saw 15-year-old Lily Ellul and 16-year-old Nathaniel Raute start alongside 71-year-old Joe Farrugia. Despite minor wind vane and sail issues, Kixx Me completed the course.
Azzopardi praised the younger sailors for their contribution. "Lily, on her first race, and Nathaniel, on his second, were consistent, quick and brave in all conditions despite their lack of experience," he said.
Seventeen-year-old Pippa Bartolo Parnis completed her third Middle Sea Race aboard Stefan Debattista's Geisha MeDirect.
Debattista emphasised the importance of crew chemistry during prolonged periods of difficult sailing. "Maintaining boat speed, concentration and team morale while living at a 45-degree angle for days on end is no easy task," he said.
Damage and Injury Force Retirements
Not every Maltese entry completed the course.
Vivace, which won the Arthur Podesta Trophy in 2025, retired near Marsala after a crew member was injured. Chiara Scerri Herrera, the only woman aboard, said the decision was straightforward. "Safety comes first," she said.
JYS Jan, skippered by Gary Mercieca for the Jarhead Young Sailors' Foundation, retired near Pantelleria after tearing its mainsail. "This race taught us when to retire the boat, and what a hard decision that can be," Mercieca said.
Kevin Pisani Zammit's newly acquired Amuni also retired after rounding Favignana, when rigging damage was discovered in 25-knot winds and heavy seas.
Rigging Setback – Kevin Pisani Zammit's newly acquired Amuni impressed in both light and strong winds before rigging damage in heavy seas near Favignana forced her retirement from the 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Photo: Andrea Azzopardi
Despite the disappointment, Pisani Zammit was encouraged by the yacht's performance.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Mario Debono returned aboard Seven by Malta Sotheby's International Realty after an extensive refit, including new rigging, keel, instruments, and sails. The campaign is now professionally managed, with ambitions to compete in the Caribbean within two years.
Debono nevertheless stressed the importance of retaining the race's amateur traditions.
"This does not mean leaving the Corinthian spirit behind. The race was born out of it, and I will continue to push for it and support it."
For the Maltese crews, the 2026 race combined competitive success with lessons in seamanship, preparation and crew management. Many are already considering their return for the 2027 edition.
