The annual Freedom Day Regatta was mired in controversy as Birgu emerged overall winners of the coveted shield with 48 points to Isla’s and Bormla’s 40.
However the final result was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the sixth race named Dgħajjes tal-Pass bi Tnejn. Isla’s victory in this race was declared null after Bormla’s protest was upheld.
The original result was that Isla took first place, but Bormla protested against the result because in the first minute, Marsa’s oar collided with Bormla’s.
The judge decided that the race should be repeated, something that had rarely happened before if ever. None of the clubs wanted a race repetition; in fact, Birgu, Bormla, and Isla raced under protest.
The repeated Race 6 saw Kalkara claim victory, followed by Siġġiewi in second place. Notably, Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua crews appeared to race under protest, displaying noticeably slower rowing as tensions remained high following the earlier controversy.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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