Second Cannes-Malta Yacht Race Has Begun
The 606-mile maritime competition launched to strengthen ties between the historic yacht clubs in France and Malta.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Skiing
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The second edition of the Cannes-Malta Race has officially commenced, featuring a challenging 606-mile course for IRC and Class40 sailing teams. The event highlights the collaborative partnership between the Cannes Yacht Club and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Why it matters
This competition serves to fortify maritime links and cultural exchange between Cannes and Malta while testing sailors across a complex Mediterranean route. The grueling journey demands tactical precision as crews navigate transitions and squalls near key islands.
The race spans a 606-mile course that requires tactical navigation through the Strait of Bonifacio and west of Sicily. The event accommodates both IRC and Class40 boat categories.
The players
Ivica Kostelic
He is a decorated athlete who won four Olympic medals and five Crystal Globes during his distinguished career in alpine skiing.
Georges Kohrel
He serves as the race director responsible for overseeing the logistics and execution of the Cannes-Malta Race.
Cannes Yacht Club
This prestigious sailing organization is twinned with the Royal Malta Yacht Club to foster international maritime cooperation.
Royal Malta Yacht Club
This historic institution maintains a partnership with its French counterpart to facilitate cultural and sporting exchange.
The details
Sailors face significant nautical challenges, including unpredictable squalls and complex transition zones located south of Corsica. The route requires careful maneuvers as competitors pass east of Sardinia and through the Strait of Bonifacio on their way between the two yacht clubs.
Timeline
The second edition of the race began in October 2026.
Ivica Kostelic intends to participate in the 2028 Vendée Globe.
Season Trajectory
The event serves as a high-level proving ground for sailors, notably influencing the training cycle for major offshore races like the 2028 Vendée Globe. It positions competitors within a broader international circuit that tests both endurance and tactical sailing capability.
Ivica Kostelic enters the race carrying the pedigree of 26 World Cup victories and 60 podium finishes from his skiing career. His performance in this 606-mile event serves as a crucial barometer for his transition into high-level offshore sailing competition.
The takeaway
The race highlights the growing trend of elite athletes crossing over into endurance sailing as a post-professional career path. Readers can observe how tactical navigation skills developed in alpine skiing translate into successful offshore maritime maneuvering.
What happens next
Ivica Kostelic will continue his preparations for the 2028 Vendée Globe following his participation in this year's race.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Skiing as athletes transition into professional offshore sailing.
More information
For official updates and race standings, visit the Yacht Club de Cannes race information page.
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