The commencement of the Mapfre Euromed International Championship, hosted by Malta Young Sailors Club, proved to be quite a challenge for the nearly 200 sailors from 30 countries participating in the four-day regatta.
Saturday morning, the conditions were characterised by light winds and strong swells, setting a demanding tone for the competition.
The fleet, encompassing the Optimist and ILCA Classes, faced difficulties due to the combination of light and shifty winds, coupled with swells reaching up to 1.5 meters. The Optimist fleet, in particular, struggled with consistent windshifts which resulted in racing delays. Despite these challenges, Race Officer Peter Farkas managed to run three races on the opening day.
In the Optimist Beginner Class, Timothy Vella (MLT) showcased remarkable consistency, securing top positions in all three races of the day. In the Senior Class, Stefanos Samaras (GRE) emerged as the dominant force, claiming victory in all three races.
The ILCA Class, participating in the final leg of the 2023 Europa Cup, faced significant windshifts, notably in the first race where the wind shifted 90 degrees to port. Valeriy Kudryashov (UKR) and Edward Baker (GBR) dominated ILCA Class 7, while Shaun Aquilina (MLT) took two third places. ILCA 6 witnessed continuous changes in rankings while ILCA 4 saw Vito Fili consistently take first place.
Weather forecasts for the next three days would prove challenging for the Organising Authority to hold any races, however, they are exploring every possibility to ensure that the number of planned races will go ahead until the Championship’s conclusion on Tuesday.
The 23rd Edition of the Mapfre Euromed Championships is supported by Mapfre Insurance, PWC Malta, Yachting Malta, Eyetech, Greens, Mdina Glass, Munchies, RLR Yachting, DB Group, S&D Yachts.
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