Monday 13 October 2014 – Malta's Parliamentary Secretary forResearch, Innovation, Youth and Sport Chris Agius, confirmed the importance ofthe Rolex Middle Sea Race to the Maltese Government by attending a press conferenceat the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Godwin Zammit, (Commodore Royal Malta YachtClub) introduced the Parliamentary Secretary to the press and Peter Dimech,Race Committee Chair (Rolex Middle Sea Race), answered technical questionsabout the start of the race.

The Hon. Chris Agius welcomed overseas visitors to Malta andwas quick to applaud the strong entry from Maltese yachts, which will be takingpart in the 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Over 100 yachts are expected to take part from 24 differentcountries. Igor Simcic's Maxi Esimit Europa 2 set sail, shortly after midday onMonday from Trieste bound for Valetta, to try to establish a record for thepassage between the two cities for the Medot Sailing Trophy.

A steady stream of yachts from overseas has already arrivedin Malta and The Royal Malta Yacht Club is getting busier by the minute withskippers registering their yachts for the 608 nautical-mile

race which starts on Saturday 18th October. Afleet of 123 yachts is expected to start, eclipsing the current record of 99entries set last year.

A Coastal Race will take place on Wednesday 15th October, asa pre-cursor to the main event. The Rolex Middle Sea Race Coastal Race givescompetitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with local waters. Therace follows one of four courses around Malta, Gozo, Comino or Fifla.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race Crew Party will take place onThursday 16th October, the party is the social highlight of the weekleading up to the race and is considered the 'party of the year' at the RoyalMalta Yacht Club. Tickets for the private party are much in demand and highlyprized.