Yacht Club de Monaco claims dual victory at Rolex Middle Sea Race
Two distinguished members of the venerable Monégasque club secured commanding performances across the Mediterranean's most prestigious offshore race, affirming their mastery of ocean racing and the calibre of their vessels.
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The waters surrounding Sicily bore witness to an exceptional demonstration of seamanship and competitive prowess when two yachts bearing the colours of Yacht Club de Monaco emerged victorious at the 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race. Across six hundred and six nautical miles of demanding ocean, the club’s members navigated with the precision and grace that distinguishes truly accomplished racing programmes from their peers.
Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Wallyrocket 71, Django 7X, claimed the IRC Overall classification whilst simultaneously securing victory in IRC Class 1. After nearly two days and nine hours at sea, the vessel crossed the finish line in Malta having contested an absorbing duel against formidable opposition from the Strait of Messina through to Stromboli. The performance underscored both the refinement of modern yacht design and the exceptional skill required to extract maximum performance from such sophisticated vessels.
Parallel to this achievement, Black Jack 100 commanded the waters with equal distinction. Skippered by Tristan Le Brun and belonging to member Remon Vos, the yacht secured monohull Line Honours in an elapsed time of fifty one hours and fifty one minutes. Notably, this performance surpassed the vessel’s previous record by more than three hours, whilst simultaneously claiming the ORC Overall category. To be first across such a demanding racecourse speaks to meticulous preparation, immaculate crew coordination and the mechanical integrity of an exceptionally well maintained vessel.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race remains among the most challenging offshore competitions in the international racing calendar. Contested by the world’s most accomplished sailors, the event demands not merely speed but strategic acumen, weather understanding and the capacity to maintain peak performance across an extended passage. That two members of the club achieved prominent placings simultaneously reflects the depth of maritime culture and competitive excellence that characterises Yacht Club de Monaco.
These triumphs add further lustre to an institution long synonymous with Mediterranean yachting. The club has consistently nurtured members of international standing, providing the infrastructure and community within which serious competitive sailing can flourish. Such results represent not merely personal achievement but testament to the enduring values and standards that define the club’s character.
Imagery courtesy of Yacht Club de Monaco (@yachtclubmonaco).
