Artie has been confirmed as the overall winner of the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

After probably the toughest 24 hours in the 46 year history of the race, Lee Satariano's Maltese J/122, Artie finished the Rolex Middle Sea Race at 12.45am in an elapsed time of four days 13 hours 35 minute five seconds.

Artie was also declared the first Maltese yacht to finish the race and winner of IRC 4, ORC 4 and ORC Overall.

Godwin Zammit, commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club congratulated Lee Satariano and the entire Artie crew at the club.

“It hasn't really sunk in yet,” Mr Satariano said adding that having had the opportunity to reflect on the race, even more important than winning was the achievement of actually finishing it considering the conditions.

"Even towards the end my worry was not finishing, right up until the end, we knew boats were in difficulties, which was very unfortunate. That was playing on my mind until we crossed the finish line."

By noon, 34 yachts finished the 35th edition of the race and 25 retired.

The organisers said in a statement this race was one of the most memorable in its 46-year history. The storm on the fourth night of racing was ferocious in its strength and lasted over 24 hours.

Conditions were now improved and in spite of broken boats and battered crew, the Royal Malta Yacht Club received no reports of serious injuries. The majority of the fleet are expected to finish today.