The highly-anticipated final race of the SeaJet Malta Sailing League took place outside the Grand Harbour, Malta towards the end of June.
Being the last race of the season, tensions ran high for two reasons.
Firstly, the late season conditions were expected to live up to their notorious unpredictable nature; and secondly, crews were vying for the double points which were to be earned in the final race.
With a growing fleet, seven SB20s lined up on a breezy Saturday morning, eager for three races in perfect sailing conditions.
The first race proved to be a remarkable display of skill, with Outlaw, who had been absent for much of the season, securing a memorable victory. Despite their absence, the crew performed flawlessly, as if they had been sailing together every weekend.
The second race, however, was filled with drama.
Careful Now, who had been sitting in second place in the league standings, experienced a devastating setback when their mast snapped on the first downward leg.
Next, Outlaw, while leading, encountered a small broach just within sight of the finish line, allowing MYSC to swoop in and claim victory in the second race.
Sunday brought even better sailing conditions, raising hopes for four races and the eagerly anticipated season-ending celebration.
Cage Architects Team Chiara and Team Panda knew they had to make a strong showing to maintain their positions at the top of the overall Seajet Malta Sailing League standings.
The final regatta concluded with Outlaw – skippered by Brian Flahive , Tom Sammut Alessi , Alan Tabone Ferrante securing the top spot in the race, whilst Cage Architects Team Chiara – skippered by Ray Condachi, Andrea Vella and Daniel Fenech, emerged as the overall winner of the SeaJet Malta Sailing League.
The Seajet Malta Sailing League drew to a close with an end-of-season party, hosted at the Grand Harbour Marina.
The prize-giving ceremony added the perfect finishing touch to a remarkable day of racing.
With the association hosting the SB20 European Championships next year, the prize-giving evening presented a good opportunity to bring stakeholders – sponsors, sailors and supporters together and raise awareness for this international event being hosted in Malta.
Association president Steve Carter enthused about the invaluable contributions of the association’s volunteers and sponsors.
In a statement, the SB20 Malta Association extended their heartfelt gratitude to Martin Azzopardi, Michelle Caruana, Maurizio Jacono, and their teams for their time and expertise as race officers.
“Apart from the Race Management’s team time and dedication, which brings the sport to life, our events would not be able to take place without the support of sponsors like the Grand Harbour Marina and Seajet, brought to you by Dockshop,” said Carter.
“Their unwavering support and belief in the SB20 Class in Malta have ignited immense interest and backing. As we look ahead to the 2023-24 season, we anticipate it to be even bigger, better, and more fiercely competitive.”
