The traditional Regatta Races are national events held twice yearly on 31st March and on 8th September. Seven clubs from the surrounding harbour cities compete in 10 races under two different categories using typical traditional Maltese boats like the ‘frejgatini’, ‘kajjikki’ and ‘dghajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji’. The clubs can be recognised by their traditional colours which include Birzebbuga (Red-White-Blue), Cospicua (Light Blue), Kalkara (Green), Marsa (Red-Blue), Marsamxett (Valletta) (Yellow), Senglea (Red-Yellow), and Vittoriosa (Red).

The 1,040 mtr race course is set up in the Valletta Grand Harbour with the start line located across the harbour at the New Quay (Ras Hanzir) and the finishing line across the harbour at the Customs House.

The races can be viewed from the water edge of the three cities (Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea) or Valletta. For this occasion, Pinto Wharf 4 and 5 on the Valletta side is open to the general public. Races start at noon and finish at 6pm.

As of March 2010 the organising of these events were passed under the portfolio of the Hon. Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sports and the Malta Sports Council (KMS-Kunsill Malti għall-iSport). KMS as the government entity for sports commits itself to give assistance that is fair and reasonable to different sport organisations including the Regatta Nazzjonali Malta in relation to the organising of the regatta races.