A record breaking hundred and twenty three yachts from over twenty countries would cross the start line of Rolex Middle Sea Race on October 18, showcasing international stature of this well known offshore race arranged by Royal Malta Yacht Club.

The unexampled number of participants – a twenty four percent increase over 99 yachts taking part in the year 2013 – includes vessels from as far away as Australia and the United States with 13 yachts from Malta. Over fifteen boats would compete for the very first time.

The Line Honors favorite is Igor Simcic’s Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, led by multiple Olympic as well as Jochen Schumann, the America’s Cup winner. The hundred feet canting keel maxi has taken line honor wins in the years from 2010 to 2012, turning into the 2nd yacht in history of the Rolex Middle Sea Race to take it 3 times in a row. Unable to take part in last year’s race because of damages suffered on the mast on their way to the race, the boat crew is coming back with the aim of taking line honors for an unexampled 4th occasion.

Now in its thirty fifth year, as celebrated in the Oban Yacht Charter company, Rolex Middle Sea Race is a fixture in the season, ranking along with Rolex Fastnet, Newport Bermuda and Rolex Sydney Hobart as a ‘must do’ race. Royal Malta Yacht Club’s Commodore Godwin Zammit told that for yet another year, Rolex Middle Sea Race has developed in number of boats which have committed to take part in this ever popular offshore race.