Django 7X wins the Rolex Middle Sea Race. After finishing in second place in Malta, behind Black Jack 100, the Wallyrocket 71, helmed by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco, secured the overall victory in the IRC class. The success was achieved on corrected time after covering 606 nautical miles around Sicily. Remon Vos, also a member of the YCM, had already distinguished himself with Black Jack 100, the winner of first place in the monohull class. Two boats, two placements in the rankings, and a top result for the members of the Monaco club.

Django 7X wins the Rolex Middle Sea Race

The outcome of the race was not known until the gaps between the remaining boats in the race emerged. The verdict came on Wednesday, October 21. The Royal Malta Yacht Club confirmed that no competitor was able to improve the IRC corrected time of Django 7X. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati and his crew thus claimed the trophy of the 47th ^Rolex Middle Sea Race.

For this Wallyrocket 71, the result is significant. Django 7X crossed the finish line on Monday at 21:02, after 2 days, 9 hours, 2 minutes, and 19 seconds of racing, with only a 39-minute lead over Balthasar, its direct competitor for much of this offshore race. 

 The duel began very early. In the Strait of Messina, the two boats were already sailing side by side. Django 7X then lost four nautical miles in a windless area, which Balthasar managed to surpass. After Stromboli, they were practically side by side again. This time, the story ended in favor of Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s crew, which also included Vasco Vascotto on board: second in real time among the monohulls, Django 7X also secured first place in the overall IRC ranking and in IRC class 1. The crew, composed of international sailors, brilliantly navigated a course known for its complex weather conditions, treacherous transitions, and tactical demands. “Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race means a lot to us. It is a very important race.” “Last year we won in our IRC 2 class and this year we won the overall IRC 1 ranking. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, and I am particularly proud of our crew,” said Giovanni Lombardi Stronati.

Black Jack 100, the first on the water

It was the first to set the pace. On Monday afternoon, Black Jack 100 crossed the finish line at 15:51 after 51 hours and 51 minutes of racing, securing first place in the monohull category. Remon Vos’s maxi yacht, helmed by Tristan Le Brun, improved its previous record by over three hours, set in 2010 when sailing under the name Esimit Europa 2.

The final ranking adds another dimension to its race. Black Jack 100 also ranked 1st ^{in the} overall ORC ranking and in ORC 2. In the IRC, where the overall victory went to Django 7X, the maxi secured 4th ^place overall and 3rd ^place in IRC Class 1.

The two boats made their mark in this 47th ^edition in two different ways. Black Jack 100 was the first to complete the course, while Django 7X won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on corrected time, adding its name to the event’s roll of honor.

Press Release Yacht Club Monaco