Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) boats have swept the top prizes at the 66th edition of the iconic Turkish Airlines Malta to Syracuse Race. One of the largest fleets in recent years—featuring 32 boats, including a strong contingent of 10 Maltese entries—took on the classic 80-nautical-mile offshore course.
Co-hosted annually by the RMYC and the Lega Navale Italiana (Sezione di Siracusa), the race alternates its starting port each year, with this year’s fleet departing from Malta. Local crews lined up outside Sliema, tackling an initial windward mark set approximately one mile upwind to be rounded to port.
Light conditions prompted Race Officer Martin Azzopardi to delay the start by around ten minutes. Once underway, Lee Satariano’s Artie III, Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla, Sean Borg’s Jubatus, and Leonildo Sichel’s Tres Amis established themselves as the early pace-setters.
The Battle for Direct and Corrected Honours
As the fleet neared Syracuse, a powerful pack of Maltese boats surged to the front. Artie III led the charge, hotly pursued by Jubatus, Ton Ton Laferla, Luis Azzopardi’s Kixx Me, and Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso. Among the Sicilian fleet, Tres Amis delivered the standout performance, staying in close contention with the Maltese leaders.
Beyond the tactical battle for line honours, teams competed across three divisions—IRC Racers, ORC Regatta, and ORC Gran Crociera—where corrected times determined the final silverware.
Sean Borg’s Jubatus secured the ultimate result of the regatta, winning on corrected time in both the IRC and ORC Overall Categories. This exceptional double victory earned the crew both the prestigious RMYC IRC Trophy and the Easy Perfection Trophy as the ORC Class winner.
“After winning in 2024 and missing 2025, we were hungry to come back,” said Sean Borg of Jubatus. “A busy upwind start left us second at the first mark, but once we hoisted the code 0 and started reaching toward Sicily, the race opened up. The conditions built beautifully—by Capo Passero we had waves and pressure, and we knew a strong final hour could take it. A few gybes put us on the line, and we fought it out for first.”
Podium Finishers and Special Awards
Lee Satariano’s Artie III claimed a well-fought second place in both the IRC and ORC categories, while also taking home the RMYC Trophy as the first Maltese boat to cross the finish line. Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla Insurance completed the podium in third, while Godwin Zammit’s Inspiration secured second place in the IRC Cruisers Class.
A standout moment of the evening was the presentation of the Giancarlo Patti Trophy to Olivia Ripard and Finn Calascione aboard Calypso. At just seven years old, they were celebrated as the youngest finishers in the race.
Trophies were presented on Sunday evening at the clubhouse of the Lega Navale Italiana (Sezione di Siracusa), with LNI Commodore Ing. Sebastiano Floridia and RMYC Commodore Mark Napier both presiding over the ceremony.
“The friendly rivalry between our two clubs has stood the test of time, and this year was no different—fierce on the water, but all smiles and warm banter at the prize giving,” stated RMYC Commodore Mark Napier. “I’m naturally very proud of the Club’s results and want to thank everyone who raced under our colours. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to Turkish Airlines for their continued support, and to our volunteers—Rear Commodore (Sailing) Adrian Gauci Borda, Race Officer Martin Azzopardi, Tania Bonnici, and Neity Maddock—for making the start possible.”
Looking Ahead: Yachting Malta Race Week
Following a brief racing hiatus in August, the RMYC returns with a highly anticipated, action-packed September programme. In partnership with Yachting Malta, the club will host Yachting Malta Race Week, launching with an offshore race to Sicily and concluding with national dinghy action.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 11 Sept | Malta to Licata Offshore Race (Opening of Yachting Malta Race Week) |
| 15–17 Sept | Steering the Course (World Sailing women’s initiative in collaboration with Vikings Sailing Club) |
| 19–21 Sept | Finductive National Dinghy Championships (Under the auspices of the Malta Sailing Federation) |
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply