The Royal Malta Yacht Club was buzzing with activity yesterday as preparations for the 36th Rolex Middle Sea Race entered the final phase.

Until yesterday, 115 boats were expected to be at the starting line at the Grand Harbour on Saturday. The number of entries is just short of the record set last year when 122 boats sailed the 608nm Mediterranean Classic.

Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, was satisfied that once again they had attracted a large fleet.

“The number of entries is very near to that of last year and we’re having boats from 22 different countries.

“They’re coming from as far as the United States, Russia and Hong Kong and that is a huge testament of the popularity our race has attracted over the years.

“Rolex are crucial partners in organising this race so we’re again hugely indebted to their involvement.”

Maltese boat Artie is among the headline entries.

Lee Satariano... Artie skipper.

Last year, the J-122 boat skippered by Lee Satariano won the coveted MSR Trophy for the second time in three years after topping the leaderboard on corrected time.

“We can’t wait for the start of the race on Saturday,” Satariano told reporters at the club in Ta’ Xbiex yesterday.

“The boat is ready and we are again competing with the same crew of last year.

“So, it seems we have all cards in place for another shot at the trophy. Now, it only depends on the conditions and opting for the right decisions at the right time.”

One notable absence from this year’s fleet will be Middle Sea Race stalwart Arthur Podesta, the veteran skipper who passed away last week.

Until last year, Podesta had been the only one who had sailed in all 35 editions of the MSR, starting from the inaugural race back in 1968.

“Arthur Podesta was synonymous with the race. He will be missed by everyone at the club as he was an experienced sailor with the unique record of having sailed in all editions of the Middle Sea Race,” Zammit said.

“Nevertheless, we can confirm that Arthur Podesta’s boat – Elusive – will be racing on Saturday. And at the helm will be his three children Maya, Christoph and Aaron.”

Most of the Rolex MSR boats will be competing in a coastal race this morning, starting from Marsa-mxett and taking participants to Gozo and back.

On Saturday, the Rolex Middle Sea Race starts with the first group of boats leaving Grand Harbour at 11am.