The 34th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, starting and finishing in Malta, is once again attracting yachts from all over the world to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Less than two months before the start, yachts from 16 nations have already entered and will be arriving in Malta over the coming weeks. The yachts come from all over the world to enjoy Malta and its islands and the historic race. Including yachts from the Cayman Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States of America. This year, many well sailed All-Maltese yachts will be competing against some of the best sailing teams in the world. “Since the online entry system opened in January, 62 yachts have entered, which is more than the same time last year. 2012 was a record entry of 82 yachts and the club is hoping to achieve at least that number.” confirmed Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. “However, the satisfaction of our competitors is more important than their number. The Royal Malta Yacht Club is working tirelessly, making sure that our guests have a memorable visit to Malta.” Igor Simcic's powerful Canting Keel 100ft Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, will be back to defend last year's Line Honours win and will be hoping to be the first yacht to cross the line at the Royal Malta Yacht Club for an unprecedented fourth time in succession. “The final challenge for the Esimit Sailing Team in 2013 sailing season is the Rolex Middle Sea Race.” confirmed the European team's web site. “The race is recognized as one of the most picturesque races in the Mediterranean; the Strait of Messina, rounding the active volcano Stromboli, the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria and Lampedusa, with the finish in Malta’s capital Valletta. Esimit Sailing Team crowned the 2012 sailing season with yet another brilliant success, and became only the second yacht in the history of the Rolex Middle Sea Race to take line honours three times in a row, for 2013 a new milestones can be set.” Malta has a seafaring tradition dating back hundreds of years and the Rolex Middle Sea Race is the most prestigious international sporting event in Malta. So far, several Maltese yachts have entered including; Jonas Diamantino & Ramon Sant Hill's Comanche Raider II Gasanmamo, Georges Bonello DuPuis' Escape, Aaron & Edward Gatt Floridia's Otra Vez and Jonathan Gambin's Surfside Restaurant. Many more Maltese sailors will be competing on other yachts. Winning the race, against world class international opposition, is every Maltese sailors dream. Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard's J/122, Artie RTFX finally won the race in 2011 with an all Maltese crew. Lee Satariano describes how it feels to win the Rolex Middle Sea Race. "It's a moment to enjoy - it is a dream come true. The fleet has grown bigger, the competition is tremendous. The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a beautiful track. The race is one you can never forget -every year something challenges you to go back out and enjoy the race." Malta's Christian Ripard confirms that the Maltese team will be racing J/122 Artie RTFX this year and hope to emulate their win in 2011. “This year we will be a crew of nine, all from Malta, including my nephews Sebastian and Tommy Ripard, who are both very talented and focused. At least they will not be the competition as they have been in the last few years! So having top Maltese crew we feel more prepared in terms of boat preparation and I believe we will be better equipped to handle even tougher competition this time around. We have spent a lot of time and effort to improve on our navigation and weather routing software and we have kept upgrading our sails inventory. I'm sure it will be a hard race, as it is usually is, but we feel confident of our boat and team.” This year the entry for the Rolex Middle Sea Race already boasts a number of high profile performance yachts, including Alex Thompson's dazzling IMOCA 60, Hugo Boss and Andre Soriano's new head-turning British Mini Maxi, Alegre. Andres Soriano's previous yacht, also called Alegre, has won both Line Honours and the race overall. Eight magnificent Swans are already entered, racing in a variety of classes, and also aspiring to win the prestigious Swan Challenge trophy, designed by Royal silversmith, Asprey. Once again, the Russian Sailing Federation is supporting the race and ten Russian yachts have already entered; the largest fleet from any single nation. Andrew McIrvine, Admiral of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, will be competing with First 40, La Reponse. “ I have only competed in the race once before but this will be the first time with my own boat.” commented Andrew. “Of all the Mediterranean races, the Rolex Middle Sea Race was top of my list. It is one of the most scenic offshore races anywhere in the world and also very challenging. This year, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Season's Points Championship and taking part gives us a chance to secure second place in our class.” The Rolex Middle Sea Race starts in Malta's spectacular Grand Harbour on 19th October 2013. For a full programme of events and more information visit: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com