Entries from both ends of the size spectrum continue to arrive at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) for this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts on October 23.

The most recent forms to be filed were those of Silk II, a BH41 owned by Masci Filippo, Nisida Seiwa, a GY 51 skippered by Dario Boochi, and the latest super-maxi on the block, Randall Pitman's Dubois-designed Genuine Risk.

The 90-foot Genuine Risk was launched in April this year. This advanced state-of-the-art racer is a result of an intensive full year of research and development.

The Dubois team utilised the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University as the research centre. Initial sailing trials in Sydney Harbour confirmed the boat's high performance potential, which was proven by Genuine Risk's recent line honours win in the Chicago-Mackinac Race.

So far, Genuine Risk is expected to line up against another 90-footer, Alfa Romeo, unbeaten for Line Honours in 70 starts and fastest Middle Sea Race yacht last year. There's also the maxZ86 Morning Glory, the 85-foot Judel Vrolijk and the Reichel/Pugh-designed Black Dragon.

The MSR course record currently belongs to Zephyrus IV (64:49.57).

At the smaller end of the fleet, the experienced local yachts have come forward in strength.

Arthur Podesta will compete in his 25th race aboard Elusive. Alfred Manduca has entered his Beneteau 47.7 Allegra and Julian Cleave's Commanche Raider returns once more under the leadership of Jonas Diamantino.

RORC Vice Commodore Chris Bull will participate on his highly successful J-145 Jazz. Two former MSR winners will also be on the start line - David Frank's J-125 Strait Dealer (2001) and the J-109 Jammin (2002 as Market Wizard) of Andrew Calascione and John Ripard. Making his debut is RMYC Commodore George Bonello DuPuis with Primadonna.

Entries currently stand at 24, hailing from Malta, USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. The closing date for entries is October 16. Last year 44 boats took part.