Us, Oct. 15 -- Malta, an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean with deep-rooted nautical traditions, is in the perfect position to offer a diverse and challenging course. Sailors will weave around Sicily's dramatic coastline, through the Strait of Messina, past the fiery glow of Stromboli, and around the remote islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. It's a race where shifting winds, complex currents, and stunning natural beauty collide.

This year's American entries include Varuna, a Cookson 50 skippered by seasoned offshore racer Chris Hemanss, and Final Final, skippered by Russell Whitworth, a sleek PAC 52 owned by Jon Desmond. They join an ever-growing roster of international competitors drawn by Malta's exceptional race manage...