Hundreds of people occupied vantage points all around Grand Harbour this morning to watch the spectacular start of the popular Rolex Middle Sea Race.

A record 99 boats sailed out between the bastions, with the start for the various categories signalled with the firing of the antique guns from the saluting battery of the Upper Barrakka.

13 Maltese boats are taking part.

This year’s is the 34th edition of the race. The previous participation record was  82 boats last year.

Eighteen countries are represented in the race with the largest fleets coming from Italy and Russia.

Esimit Europa 2, Line Honours winners the past three years, will not participate this year because of last minute technical problems.

The race is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and takes the yachts from Malta, around Sicily, Pantelleria and Lampedusa and back to Malta.

Follow the race at http://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/index.cfm

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