What I Learned About Women’s Sailing From Racing the Mediterranean This Summer

While participating in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, it became clear to one Vogue writer that a more gender-equitable future for offshore sailing is just on the horizon.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of the most prestigious and respected offshore ocean races, on offer to the world’s bravest and most celebrated sailors all the way back to the 1960s. And in October, more than 24 nations were represented in this Mediterranean challenge once more. The course, a grueling 1,200km in distance, begins by cannon fire in Malta’s Grand Harbour, followed by a clockwise circumnavigation of Sicily—including the Aeolian Islands, Egadi, Lampedusa, and Pantelleria—before the yachts finally cross the finish line back at the Port of Valletta, with the current record for completing the route sitting well under 48 hours.