The Palermo–Montecarlo offshore race set sail today for its 20th edition, covering a 500-nautical-mile course from Sicily to Monaco. First held in 2005, the regatta has grown into one of the Mediterranean’s premier sailing events.
Organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia with the Yacht Club de Monaco and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this year’s race brings together 45 boats from seven nations. Among the frontrunners is the Maxi Black Jack 100, defending its 2024 course record of just over 44 hours.
Monaco fields five entries, including Shooting Star, Gorilla Gang XL, K’Mena and Joy, the latter crewed in part by young sailors gaining offshore experience. Rivals such as the Mini Maxi Intuition, VO65 Sisi and TP52 Blue Moon Arkas add to a competitive international line-up.
Italian teams are also well represented, with entries like the foiling catamaran Falcon and several Palermitan club boats. Conditions point to a fast edition, with shifting winds expected across the route.
Alongside the offshore race, 2,700 players are competing in a virtual version via the Virtual Regatta platform, expanding the event’s reach onshore.
Now part of major international circuits, the Palermo–Montecarlo has become a fixture of the Mediterranean racing season, blending fierce competition with two decades of tradition.
