Balthasar wins the 46th Rolex Middle Sea Race - photo © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex
At 1200 CEST, the overall winner of the 46th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race was announced as the Mills 72 Balthasar, led by Louis Balcaen. The Royal Malta Yacht Club has confirmed that none of the remaining yachts still racing is able to better Balthasar’s IRC corrected time.
The crew knew they had sailed an exceptional race as soon as they crossed the finish line in Marsamxett Harbour, set against the stunning backdrop of Valletta aglow in Tuesday’s morning sun. Balthasar’s corrected time set a high bar for those left on the course, a bar that proved too much despite the best efforts of even Django Deer, whose corrected time was just five minutes adrift. The smaller boats would be undone eventually by the sustained period of light winds around Lampedusa yesterday. Balcaen, who has sailed in two round the world races, described the possibility of victory as “a dream realised, our first big win — the perfect combination of teamwork, precision, and a little bit of luck.” After a challenging season, he said winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race “would mean the world to every sailor on board.”
Balthasar Crew: Louis Balcaen, Arianne Van de Loosdrecht, Bouwe Bekking, Diego Torrado, Dirk de Ridder, Harry Owens, Harry Smith, Henri Demesmaeker, Jaime Ward, Javier De la Plaza, Jens Dolmer, Juan Totto, Louis-Robert Cool, Max Deckers, Pablo Arrarte, Rogier van Overveld, Simbad Quiroga.
“This race really tested everything — the boat, the crew, and our patience,” commented Louis Balcaen. “From the start, we knew it would be a mental game more than a physical one. The conditions looked manageable but, in reality, they were incredibly tricky: heavy rain, endless wind shifts, and long stretches where one wrong tack could undo hours of work. It was all about staying calm and consistent, keeping the boat moving when others stalled, and trusting each other completely.”
“A major call came after Favignana, when we took the risk of heading all the way down to the Tunisian coast in search of breeze. It felt like a gamble, but the team backed the decision, and it paid off. Those are the moments that define a race like this — when you have to trust your instincts and your teammates.”
“Crossing the finish line was both pure relief and joy. We’ve been chasing a big win for a long time, and to do it here, in Malta, against such a strong international fleet, is incredibly special. It’s not just about speed; it’s about endurance, teamwork, and belief. For me and for everyone on board Balthasar, this victory feels like the perfect reward for all the work, all the lessons, and all the miles we’ve sailed together.”
The Balthasar tactician, Bouwe Bekking, has been racing with the Balcaen family for over 20 years. A veteran of eight round the world races, including four as skipper and podiuming six times, this is the second time the Dutchman has been on the winning team at the Rolex Middle Sea Race, succeeding with Morning Glory in 2006.
“Tactically, this was a fascinating and at times brutal race,” commented Bouwe, shortly after finishing. “The weather kept changing its mind, so it was all about staying alert and making decisions early — sometimes before the data fully agreed. We had to be patient and disciplined, always thinking two steps ahead, especially in those long transitions where the wind died completely. Offshore racing rewards the teams that adapt quickest, and that’s where this crew really shines.”
“We’ve been sailing together a long time, and that makes an enormous difference. Everyone knows their role; the communication is sharp, and when it’s time to change gears — a sail change, a course shift — it happens instantly. That consistency is what keeps the performance steady through 600 miles of unpredictable weather.”
Confirming one of the key moments in the race was on the approach to Pantelleria, Bekking explained how Balthasar sailed far to the west, hunting for pressure and found it. “For a while it looked risky,” he admitted. “The Tunisian Coast Guard even called us up to ask what we were doing there! But that move paid off; we came out with good speed and set up perfectly for the reach home from Lampedusa.”
“To come away not just winning our class but taking the overall is a huge credit to the whole team. This race has a character of its own — tactically complex, full of traps, but immensely rewarding when it comes together. After all these years racing around the world, it’s fantastic to win a classic like the Rolex Middle Sea Race with such a committed, talented crew,” concluded Bekking.
Balthasar will be presented with the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy at the Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize Giving on Saturday 25 October.
Find out more at www.rolexmiddlesearace.com.
by Rolex Middle Sea Race
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