Calypso claims victory after intense, close-fought racing at BOV Gozo Regatta

Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso claimed both the overall and IRC Class 1 titles at the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta, where fiercely contested races across all three classes made for a thrilling finish. The competition was intense, with winners determined right down to the wire.

The three-day BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta presented a variety of weather conditions that tested the sailors’ skills. On the first day, threatening weather initially loomed over the start, but conditions eased just in time, offering a fresh breeze and calm seas for a smooth sail up to Gozo.

Saturday opened with heavy rain, and as the fleet navigated the challenging “round the cans” course, they faced large easterly waves and winds of ranging from 10 to 12 to 15 knots, intensifying the competition. By the end of the day, the frontrunners for the overall trophy emerged: the Podesta siblings’ Elusive 2, Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso, and Sean Borg’s Jubatus.

After a full day on the water, the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta crews enjoyed some well-deserved downtime, joined by family and friends for daily social events, which offer the chance for everyone to come together and unwind, adding a lively and inclusive atmosphere to the regatta.

Sunday, the final day, brought calmer seas, though fluctuating winds between 6 and 12 knots kept sailors on edge, adjusting constantly to maintain their position. The regatta’s outcome hinged on the last race, which ultimately decided the winners in each class, concluding an exhilarating weekend of competitive sailing.

Calypso’s Sebastian Ripard remarked that “Despite the wet weather, we had a great time both on and off the water! The mix of coastal and windward/leeward courses made for very exciting sailing. Racing on Saturday in the North Comino channel with 15 knots of wind was a lot of fun.

“We also loved the after-sailing experience! Mgarr is a very pretty harbour and there are some fun and iconic bars. The Gozo weekend is always a nice mix of exciting racing and good social events”

IRC 2 Class winner John Cachia West’s Ottovolante clinched victory on Sunday, winning the final race to Malta and edging out Brian Flahive’s Juniper by just one point. Finishing in third place was Vivace, helmed by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Gabriele.

The Cruisers’ Class was no exception, with the winner being declared in the Final Race. Kevin Pisani Zammit’s Dimm clinched the win, despite having been left short crewed.  

Pisani Zammit remarked: “This was our first foray into round-the-cans racing – a new challenge for our team – but we faced each tack and turn with determination and grit. The experience was demanding, with fewer hands onboard than anticipated, yet the crew rallied together. This win means a lot for Dimm’s crew. The weekend of racing in Gozo is one we all look forward to, both on and off the water.”

Jacques Savona won the RMYC Cruisers’ Class, after competing in two passage races to and from Gozo.

Trophies were presented to the winners on Sunday evening at a gathering at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Charles Azzopardi, representing event sponsor BOV, was in attendance for the presentation.

Club Commodore David Cremona closed the evening with a heartfelt thanks to all the crews, officials, and volunteers who made the event a success. He also expressed appreciation for BOV’s steadfast support as one of the Club’s longstanding sponsors.

Results

IRC Overall  & IRC Class 1: 1. Calypso (Sebastian Ripard); Elusive 2 (Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta); 3. Jubatus (Sean Borg).

IRC 2: Ottovolante (John Cachia West); 2. Juniper (Brian Flahive) 3. Vivace (Andrew Agius Delicata/Matthew Gabriele).

IRC Cruisers: 1. Dimm (Kevin Pisani Zammit); 2. Janissah (Mario Debono); 3. Stella R (Steve Carter).

RMYC Cruisers: Battleaxe (Jacques Savona).