Eighty boats are expected to contest the 2008 event starting this morning (11am) from Marsamxett Harbour.

All crews were praying for better sailing conditions than those which have prevailed over the past few days locally. They were hoping for more wind to set sail on a positive note.

Eleven of the 80 boats are Maltese and among the starters will be the experienced skipper Arthur Podesta as well as relative newcomer Jonathan Gambin.

The 80 boats hail from 20 nations but there is a lack of maxi-yachts this year. If all cross the start-line in Marsamxett Harbour this morning, a new entry-record will have been set, eclipsing the previous best of 68 in 2006.

“It is truly incredible,” says Commodore Georges Bonello DuPuis, whose Beneteau 47.7 Escape, is one of the 80. “Once again we are delighted to be welcoming an international fleet, high in numbers and talent. We may be lacking the big-name supermaxis of previous years, but this is an excellent, open, field with some great sailors and great boats. Lots are doing the race for a second, third, fourth time and a large number are here for the first time.”

The course record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds is in the hands of George David’s Rambler (USA). They established it last year.

It is the 29th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and it commences this morning from Marsamxett Harbour.