Django 7x versus Balthasar | How the 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race was won

Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s wallyrocket 71 Django 7x was declared overall winner of the 47th Rolex Middle Sea Race, claiming one of offshore sailing’s most coveted trophies after an outstanding performance around the 606-nautical-mile course. At 11:30 CEST on Wednesday 21 October, the Royal Malta Yacht Club confirmed that none of the yachts still racing could better Django 7x’s IRC-corrected time. The Italian team’s victory followed an extraordinary contest with defending champion Balthasar, the two boats racing in close company for much of the course before Django 7x finished 39 minutes ahead of her rival. Dive into the story behind this captivating battle between two of offshore sailings heavyweight giants.