The Royal Malta Yacht Club and Cannes Yacht Club have announced the launch of the Cannes Malta Race 2026, a new offshore event linking two major Mediterranean sailing hubs. The race will start from Cannes on 5 October 2026, with prize-giving in Malta on 12 October.
The 600-nautical-mile course runs southeast from the French Riviera. It passes through the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia, then heads via the Egadi Islands and the Strait of Sicily to Malta.
Organisers say the early-autumn timing will test crews in varied and demanding conditions.
Commodore Mark Napier said the race strengthens international ties. “The Cannes Malta Race represents a natural extension of the Royal Malta Yacht Club's commitment to building meaningful international connections through sailing,” he said. He added that the event offers a pathway into the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which begins on 17 October.
Commodore Jeff Cutugno said the partnership reflects shared ambitions. “This race embodies a spirit of cooperation and connects sailing communities across borders,” he said.
The race is categorised under World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 2. Entries are open to IRC, ORC, double-handed, multihull and offshore one-design classes. Boats must be at least nine metres in length.
The Visit Malta Trophy will go to the first monohull to finish on elapsed time. The 20Twenty Cannes-Malta Trophy will be awarded to the overall IRC winner on corrected time.
Berthing is available in Cannes from 28 September to 5 October and in Malta until 13 October. Entries close on 4 September 2026, with late entries accepted until 18 September at the organisers’ discretion.
