The Royal Malta Yacht Club successfully hosted the Yachting Malta Race Week, a varied programme of competitions that highlighted the breadth of the sport in Malta. The event featured offshore, coastal, dinghy and women’s sailing races, attracting strong participation and enthusiasm from the local sailing community.
Offshore Success to Licata
The offshore challenge to Licata provided a stern test for crews, many of whom are preparing for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla Insurance crossed the line well ahead of the fleet to secure overall victory. In the Cruisers’ Class, Steve Carter’s Stella R claimed first place.
Coastal and SB20 Racing
Two short coastal races for the Cruisers’ fleet were held over the weekend, with Godwin Zammit’s Inspiration dominating to win every outing and secure overall honours.
In the SB20 class, competition remained close throughout the regatta. The team led by Matthew Scicluna, with Lee Gauci and Fabio Galea, clinched the title after edging Duncan Camilleri’s crew in a duel settled on the final day. Third place went to Jan Rossi and his crew.
Women’s Participation Through Steering the Course
As part of the programme, the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Vikings Sailing Club jointly hosted Steering the Course, a World Sailing initiative promoting women’s involvement in the sport. Races were divided into Skippers and Crew categories.
Skippers: 1st Veronika Basalkina; 2nd Renata Fernandez Favaron; 3rd Sonja Stellini.
Crew: 1st Kimberly Engels; 2nd Seda Shahmuradyan; 3rd (joint) Francesca Borg and Sara Femenia Ribes.
Dinghy Ranking Regatta
The Dinghy Ranking Regatta proved to be the most competitive event of the week. Six races held in contrasting conditions over two days, with Saturday bringing strong northeasterly winds and steep seas. Sunday saw lighter south-easterlies with a moderate swell. The varied conditions tested the full range of skills across a strong fleet representing Malta’s sailing clubs.
Closing Ceremony
The week concluded with a prize-giving ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, marking the end of a successful series of events organised under the auspices of the Malta Sailing Federation. Yachting Malta Race Week once again underlined both the strength of Maltese sailing and the importance of initiatives designed to broaden participation across all levels of the sport.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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