The 24th Euromed Mapfre International Championship, organized by the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC), is poised to welcome a record-breaking 170 sailors from 27 countries for an exciting four-day regatta, running from December 19 to 22. This prestigious event, a highlight on the youth sailing calendar, will feature the Optimist Class Championships and, for the second consecutive year, the ILCA competition as part of the esteemed EurILCA Europa Cup Series.
An Expansive Global Line-Up in Sailing
The championship will host competitors from a diverse array of nations, including powerhouses such as Italy, Great Britain, and France, alongside teams from as far afield as Brazil, Hong Kong, and the United States. Malta will field a strong contingent representing various clubs, including Birลผebbuฤกa Sailing Club (BSC), Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), Vikings Sailing Club (VSC), and the host MYSC.
World-Class Coaching and Preparation
Leading up to the event, MYSC is organizing its traditional pre-Euromed Clinic, spearheaded by Simone Ricci, a celebrated coach known for mentoring three-time Optimist World Champion Marco Gradoni. Ricci will be joined by MYSC coach Manuel Hormiga and two-time Olympian Ingrid Petitjean, ensuring participants gain invaluable insights and expert guidance.
Optimist Fleet Spotlight
The Optimist Class remains the heart of the Euromed Championship, with nearly 100 sailors vying for top honors. Defending National Champions Nathan Montebello (BSC) and Julia Borg (MYSC) will look to retain their titles amidst strong international competition. Rising star Matthias Spiteri (MYSC), currently leading the Malta Sailing Federation rankings, also eyes his maiden Euromed victory.
This year’s championship will see logistical challenges, as several Maltese athletes, including Optimist World Championship competitors Sebastian Miceli Demajo, Timothy De Cesare, Isaac Azzopardi, Liam Andrew Cutajar, and Aleksandra Nagrudnaia, face tight schedules due to their commitments in Argentina. Nevertheless, three of these national team sailors have confirmed their participation.
EurILCA Europa Sailing Cup Returns to Malta
For the second year running, the ILCA segment of the Euromed Championship will contribute to the Europa Cup Series, further enhancing its international prestige. Malta’s standout competitors include Benjamin Vassallo (ILCA 6), Timmy Vassallo (ILCA 4), and Katrina Micallef (ILCA 6), all of whom have achieved notable international success. They will compete against a formidable field, including ILCA 7 Under-21 World Silver Medallist Oscar Madonich and ILCA 6 Men’s World Championship Silver Medallist Antonio Cavalcanti Rosa.
Top-Tier Race Management
Race management will be overseen by Hungarian Peter Farkas (Optimist Course) and Slovenian Bojan Gale (ILCA Course), with support from an elite eight-member International Jury panel led by Italy’s Giorgio Davanzo, who also served as a jury member at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Landmark Event for Youth Sailing
“This championship has been instrumental in developing young sailing talent, nurturing Optimist sailors who progress to excel in ILCA competitions. Malta’s unique winter sailing conditions provide the ideal platform for athletes to hone their skills and compete internationally,” said MYSC Commodore Christian Bajada.
The event, held under the auspices of the Malta Sailing Federation, is supported by Mapfre, PwC, Visit Malta, and other key sponsors, promising yet another spectacular edition of the Euromed Mapfre International Championship.
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