A record-breaking 123 yachts from more than 20 countries will cross the starting line of the Rolex Middle Sea Race next Saturday, reflecting the international stature of this popular offshore race organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

The unprecedented number of entrants - a 24 per cent increase over the 99 yachts competing in 2013 - includes boats from as far away as the United States and Australia along with 14 yachts from Malta.

More than 15 boats will be competing for the first time.

Addressing a news conference yesterday at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, Commodore Godwin Zammit said 132 boats had shown interest, but till yesterday 123 had confirmed their participation - most of them are already here. "The number may increase if some boats manage to arrive in time," he added.

The Line Honours favourite is Igor Simcic's Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, skippered by multiple Olympic and America's Cup winner Jochen Schumann. The 100ft canting keel maxi has taken line honour victories in the years from 2010 - 2012, becoming only the second yacht in the history of the RMSR to take it three times in a row.

Unable to compete in last year's edition due to damage suffered on the mast on their way to the race, the crew is returning with the goal of taking line honours for an unprecedented fourth occasion.

Now in its 35th year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) is a fixture in the season, ranking alongside the Rolex Fastnet, Rolex Sydney-Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a "must do" race.

"For yet another year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown in the number of boats that have committed to compete in this ever popular offshore race," said Zammit. He added: "There are a number of factors which contribute to the increase in participation. Naturally, the scenic yet challenging course, plays a very important role. However one must mention the renowned hospitality that our club offers its guests, which is spoken of highly by participants, often leading competitors to sign up simply through word of mouth recommendations. Last, but not least, is our strong connection with other clubs and our affiliation with the Royal Ocean Racing Club."

The club Commodore went on to thank Rolex for their continued support. "Being a Rolex event means that the Middle Sea Race is one of the top races in the whole world. They have supported the event since 2002 and we are very grateful to them," he said.

The event is a 608-nautical-mile racecourse - a rigorous anti-clockwise loop around Sicily - which introduces numerous "corners" that present changing and complex meteorological shifts. The route includes the deep azure waters around Sicily including the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as Pantelleria and Lampedusa. One of the most stunning vistas is Stromboli,

the active volcano which is a course mark.

Challenging, enchanting and historic, the Rolex Middle Sea Race starts in Malta's spectacular Grand Harbour at 11am on the 18 October.

Peter Dimech, the Race Director, told the press yesterday that there will be five different starts. He added: "The first will involved the lower rated boats. Then every 10 minutes there will be the other starts in the different classes, finishing with the Maxis of which there will be 10.

"There will be 26 boats in the first start, 35 (the largest) in the second, 23 in the third, 27 in the fourth and 10 in the last start."

The Race Director said according to the weather forecast it should be a light but fast race. "That means it is possible for a new record to be established," he added.

Dimech thanked the government, especially, the Sports Secretariat, the Ministry of Tourism, Transport Malta and the Port authorities for their support and appealed to all boat owners who intend following the start in Grand Harbour to obey the instructions given to them.

The first event will be the coastal race to be held tomorrow. There will be a crews party on Thursday to be followed on Friday by a briefing. Then the start on Saturday with the presentation ceremony to be held the following Saturday.

John Ripard, vice commodore of the club, one of the pioneers of the race in 1967, explained that it started as a sporting challenge with two British sailors. "We reached agreement over a race and that heralded the first edition in 1968. I had the good fortune of winning it. The rest is history," added Ripard.

The RMYC vice-commodore also mentioned an interesting fact that in the winners list, Italy leads the way with 15 triumphs. Tiny Malta is second with six, followed in third place by the United States with four.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said the Rolex Middle Sea Race was a race with a legacy. "In fact, many early participants are now seeing their children and grandchildren taking part.

"Apart from the difficulties encountered in some editions, especially because of the weather, this event remains a top sporting calendar for Malta and we all enjoy it because of the competitive nature of the sport," he said.