The 57 crews, whose charges are based mostly in the Grand Harbour Marina on the other side of the walled city of Valletta, have been preparing their boats loading stores, making last minute modifications and generally keeping an eye on the weather. With thundery showers now passing across Malta at midday yesterday, the crews would be excused for feeling unsettled about the prospects for the next few days at sea, as a confusing weather pattern continues to unfold across the region. The short range forecast suggests a moderate northerly at between 10-15 knots for the start. But the longer range forecast shows strong winds for the second half of the course from tomorrow, as a massive system moves into the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Sicily, at the northwestern tip of the island.

Malta’s position in the centre of the Mediterranean has long made it an attractive destination for seafarers – both friendly and aggressive. The island has featured in the rise and fall of several civilisations since the earliest of times. It has been the subject of repeated invasions attempts, some less than successful. And, its harbours have witnessed the arrival and departure of a diversity of fleets. 2007 will be no different with the 28th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

With such a colourful history, it is perhaps little wonder that Malta also boasts the start and finish of one of the toughest offshore yacht races on the international calendar. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a fixture that sets a physical and mental challenge for its participants. In 2001, the fleet was decimated within the first 24-hours by the strong winds that buffeted the yachts as they left Malta en route to the southern tip of Sicily, the first of many critical points in the race.

This year kinder strength winds for the first segment and up to Messina will set a test in concentration and tactical decision-making rather more than stamina. Once through the Strait, a tidal gate of epic proportion with its notorious whirlpools caused by the strong tidal flows between the Tyrrhenian and Middle Sea, bodily endurance may well become critical.

Although the fleet record of 68 yachts on the start will not be broken this year, one record that might fall is the course record set in 2000 by the 76-foot Zephyrus IV. The conditions are likely to be quite different this year with the wind directions around the course being almost the opposite of those experienced by Bob McNeill’s crew. The 90-foot Rambler is clearly favourite to be first home with a shout setting a new benchmark time, especially if the forecast winds hold around the course.

But, as former owner Neville Crichton will attest after three unsuccessful assaults – two of which were on Rambler, formerly Alfa Romeo/Shockwave VI – it is a fickle region. The wind gods have a habit of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. Favourable winds can be preceded and followed by periods of absolute calm.

Falling into one of these holes is fatal. Titan XII, a later generation version of Zephyrus is more than able to pick up the baton if George David and skipper Ken Read on Rambler drop it. As Peter Isler the navigator on Titan XII remarks, “the great thing about the course is that there are places where there can be parking lots or tidal gates and opportunities for closure or restarts. If Mother Nature helps us out we’re close enough (in speed) to Rambler that we could show her a few moves and keep them honest.”

Whatever the result, it promises to be an intriguing contest over the next few days and another enthralling chapter will be written in the history of this exceptional race.

The final prize giving is at noon on 27 October.