The Rolex Middle Sea Race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Unique for a race of this length in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the 607-mile route includes the deep azure waters of Sicily and the Straits of Messina, along with the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. It even features Stromboli's active volcano as a course mark. Starting from Grand Harbour beneath the bastions of the UNESCO Heritage City of Valletta, the 2010 race will mark the 31st edition.