Less than 255 days to go

Light conditions as the fleet progresses slowly to the north of Sicily during the Rolex Middle Sea Race © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex

Entries already being received. Robertissima III scheduled to returns after an absence of one year

Entries are being accepted for 36th edition of the 2015 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Despite still being early in the year, with less than 255 days until the start of the Race, entries from Italy, Portugal, France and far flung countries such Australia, Canada and Cayman Islands have already been submitted. On the starting list is also the Maxi 72, Robertissima III owned by Roberto Tomasini Grinover. Robertissima III's last foray in the Rolex Middle Sea Race was in 2013 and will make a welcome return to this race.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club has also received numerous queries from interested participants. The 608 nautical mile race is scheduled to start on Saturday 17th October is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney - Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a "must do" race.

"2014 was a highly successful year with 122 yachts from 24 nationalities ranging in size from 9.5 to 30.5 metres gathering at the start of the race. This shows that the popularity of the race is increasing and its reach is extending to many countries," commented Godwin Zammit, Commodore of race organisers, Royal Malta Yacht Club. "We have already been receiving entries and queries from returning and potential competitors so we hope to have yet another successful race in 2015"

The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the Middle Sea Race as "the most beautiful race course in the world".

Lee Satariano, skipper of team Artie, the J/122 boat which won the 2014 edition of the Race, together with co-skippers Christian and Sebastian Ripard and the crew plan on returning to the race in October. "Team Artie plans on being in the Valletta Grand Harbour for the start of this prestigious race and preparatory works are already ongoing on the boat. Team Artie's participation in this race has been very successful so far with two wins and one second placing, however the level of competition increases each year which makes it more challenging for all. Nevertheless we look forward to being part of the Race in October". continued Satariano.

More information on the 2015 Rolex Middle Sea Race can be found on www.rolexmiddlesearace.com, www.rmyc.org or by sending an email to .