Racing yachts have taken a quantum leap in design and speed in recent years and as a result, world records for many famous ocean races have tumbled.

One record that has stood the test of time is that of George David’s RP90, Rambler.

In 2007, the American maxi set a time for the Rolex Middle Sea Race which has still to be bettered – 47 hours 55 minutes and three seconds. That year, Rambler, and her crew, experienced tough conditions in setting a record for the RMSR that has lasted for the past seven years.

America’s Cup veteran Ken Read was on board for that incredible run.

“The front arrived with five visible water spouts, perfectly defined and rather large, they brought a big lump to your throat,” Read had said after the race.

“A wild sight that I will not forget for a long time.

“Then came the breeze, and with it, 25-57 knots of wind for the next 20 hours.

“As soon as you thought you had a breather, another squall hit. Right up to the finish, where we had 53 knots of wind five minutes before entering Valletta harbour,” Read added.

“When David bought Rambler he asked that we sail in events that would show him how tough the oceans can be... well George, I think we nailed that one.”

David plans to return to Malta for the Rolex Middle Sea Race this autumn with his new Rambler and has high hopes of raising the bar once again.

“Others have tried to beat it, notably Leopard two or three years ago and Esimit but both have failed. Records are a combination of boat size and power, preparation, organisation, crew and, of course, the weather has to cooperate – which it did in 2007,” David said.

This year the biggest threat to Rambler’s record will come from Igor Simcic’s canting keel Maxi, Esimit Europa 2, led by three-time Olympic gold medallist Jochen Schumann.

Esimit Europa 2 has taken line honours in the RMSR in three consecutive years (2010-2012) but was unable to take part last year.

Schumann believes the race record is a possibility.

“The Rolex Middle Sea Race is both the highlight and the end of the year for Mediterranean offshore sailing,” he said.

“We felt very sorry last year when we broke our rig on the way to Valletta and couldn’t compete, so we feel it was almost an obligation to come back this year. It is a tradition and one of the best races we do.

“We have a great welcome from the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the delivery is also a speed record attempt from Trieste to Malta. Lately it was close to midnight when we finished but even so we had a great welcome with members of the club coming to cheer us in.

“For sure it is possible to break Rambler’s record. I think ideally we need a consistent, good breeze. If we have around 15 knots the whole way around that would give us a sufficient average speed around Sicily and the other islands.

“I think it is very possible to break the record but in the past, as long as I have sailed this race, we have had a lot of calm nights, where we are wasting time and that made it impossible, even to get close to the record.

“Consistent breeze would be ideal and we don’t need too much. Everything is prepared – we are ready.”

The 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race, starting on October 18, is likely to have the largest fleet ever assembled in the 46-year history of the regatta.

With less than a month to go before the start, 120 yachts flying the flags of over 20 countries, will be participating.

Rolex Middle Sea Race course record