The fully crewed figure of eight round Malta race, hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club yesterday, was the last race to be hosted by the Club before the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, taking place in October.
The race saw a good turnout from Maltese boats planning on taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race next month, viewing this race as good preparation.
Race Officer Martin Azzopardi sent the fleet on a southbound course, heading towards Munxar, Bengħajsa, and a free course north up to the South Comino Channel before heading back to the finish line at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
As the fleet set off on the approximately 62 nautical mile course, Paul Debono’s Bait, the Ripard family’s Calypso exited neck to neck out of the harbour.
Lee Satariano’s Artie took a slightly different course which resulted in the HH42 leading the way very early into the race.
A shaky start from Jonathan Camilleri Bowman’s Maltese Falcon II saw them drift towards the latter end of the fleet but this was short-lived as they powered on towards the front.
From then on the Beneteau First 40.7 engaged in a dog fight with the J99 Calypso.
As the fleet approached the South Comino Channel, Artie was still well ahead of the fleet.
Behind them were Maltese Falcon II, approximately fifteen minutes ahead of Calypso. These positions remained unchanged until the finish at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Artie III was the first boat to cross the finish line and was declared the winner on IRC
corrected time. Whilst Maltese Falcon II finished ahead of Calypso, ratings came into play resulting in Calypso pipping the Falcon to second place.
In the IRC Cruising Class, Godwin Zammit’s Inspiration emerged as the Class winner.
Prizes were given to the winners during an evening event at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. In a statement, the club thanked all the volunteers who provided invaluable help throughout the event.
Overall results: 1. Artie (Lee Satariano); 2. Calypso (Sebastian Ripard); 3. Maltese Falcon II (Jonathan Camilleri Bowman).
IRC Class 2: 1. Calypso (Sebastian Ripard); 2. Maltese Falcon II (Jonathan Camilleri Bowman); 3. JYS Jan (Patrick Pace).
IRC Cruisers: 1. Inspiration (Godwin Zammit).
