The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) and the Yacht Club de Cannes announced the first official entry for the 2025 edition of the Cannes-Malta Race — Black Jack, a striking 100-foot (30.48m) monohull designed by the acclaimed Reichel-Pugh naval architects.

Skippered by Frenchman Tristan Le Brun and crewed largely by an experienced team of Dutch and French sailors, Black Jack is no stranger to Mediterranean offshore racing. Fresh from securing Monohull Line Honours in the centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, the yacht has previously competed in the Rolex Middle Sea Race and has already confirmed its return for the 2025 edition, starting from Grand Harbour, Malta, on 18th October.

The inaugural Cannes-Malta Race was established through a reciprocal agreement between the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Yacht Club de Cannes, with the aim of linking two historic sailing venues and offering a premier offshore challenge ahead of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

The Cannes to Malta course presents a demanding blend of conditions, from the tactical complexities of the Ligurian Sea to the open-water stretches of the Tyrrhenian and into the heart of the central Mediterranean. The race is open to Class40 and IMOCA yachts that comply fully with their respective class rules, with other classes being considered. All entries must carry a minimum crew of two and meet the required hull length: at least 15.24 metres for IRC category yachts and 9 metres for ORC category yachts.

Black Jack © Alex Turnbull

The Cannes-Malta Race, scheduled to start on 8th October 2025 from the French Riviera, serves as an ideal feeder race to the iconic 606-nautical-mile Rolex Middle Sea Race. Participating yachts are expected to arrive in Malta in time to make final preparations before lining up for the start on 18th October.

RMYC Commodore Mark Napier welcomed the news of the first registration: “We are delighted to see Black Jack leading the way in what promises to be an exciting inaugural edition of the Cannes-Malta Race. The event not only strengthens the sporting bond between the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Yacht Club de Cannes, but also offers crews the opportunity to enjoy a competitive passage race ahead of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.”

Yacht Club de Cannes President Jean Francois Cutugno added: “This race creates a fantastic offshore link between our two clubs and two stunning Mediterranean destinations. With Black Jack already committed, we anticipate more top-class yachts joining the line-up in the coming weeks.”

The Cannes to Malta Race is supported by 20Twenty and Visit Malta.

Race Registration, which will be open until the 20th September, can be done here.

by Royal Malta Yacht Club