The Zhik Double-Handd Figure 8 Race is one of the most challenging events on the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s racing calendar.
Held annually in late November, it pushes the limits of even the most seasoned sailors. With crews limited to just two people, the race is further intensified by the typical late-autumn weather, featuring strong winds and sizeable waves.
This year the fleet saw nine boats compete in the IRC Racing Class and three boats in the RMYC Cruisers’ Class.
The fleet, under the direction of Race Officer Martin Azzopardi, was given an 85-nautical mile course which took them towards Aħrax tal-Mellieħa along the East Coast of Malta, passing through the South Comino Channel, round Gozo, before sailing back along the west coast of Malta to finish in Marsamxett in what were stiff conditions that saw a North Westerly gusting up to 27 knots.
First to finish the race was Elusive 2, skippered by Aaron Podesta and David Anastasi, who not only crossed the line first but also claimed victory on corrected time. They were followed by Calypso, skippered by Sebastian Ripard and Fabio Galea, while the father-and-son duo of John Ripard Jnr and Tom Ripard, fresh from their Rolex Middle Sea Race double-handed sortie, secured third place aboard Lazy Duck.
The race proved to be one of the toughest in recent memory, with gusts reaching 27 knots.
“The boat was a real handful, and ensuring we kept all equipment in one piece was a priority. Every manoeuvre needed to be planned, and we had to remind ourselves it’s just the two of us on board. Overall, it was a lovely day and a super race,” Aaron Podesta said.
Sebastian Ripard shared the same sentiments on Calypso’s performance, saying: “This was our third race in a row as a double-handed crew, and it is one of our favourite races in the calendar. This year, the weather delivered a fantastic day – strong winds, big waves, and lots of sun! We pushed the boat hard but didn’t have enough time downwind to catch Elusive 2. We had a great time, but our bodies still aching!”
Reflecting on Lazy Duck’s race, Tom Ripard remarked, “The figure-of-eight double-handed race is always one of the more challenging events on the calendar, and Saturday’s race lived up to this reputation. Conditions were tough from the start, but it was great to be back on the water together with my father and such a strong competitive fleet.”
Although a smaller class the RMYC Cruisers was still a competitive fleet.
Winning the class was David Pizzuto’s XP50 Xpalidocious. Racing with Edward Gatt Floridia, Pizzuto reflected on the race as a valuable opportunity to test their cruising boat. “The boat performed exceptionally, finishing the 85-mile course in just nine hours, before dark,” said Pizzuto.
“The weather conditions were significantly stronger than what we had anticipated and the changing wind direction, from northerly to northeasterly, also created strategic challenges, however, we enjoyed the race immensely.”
Commenting on the nature of the Race, RMYC Rear Commodore Adrian Gauci Borda noted that: “This race demands a high level of skill and experience, as it’s both a long and challenging course with boats not fully crewed.
“While the front runners were expectedly seasoned crews, it was great to see a diverse range of experience on the water. This variety adds an exciting dynamic to the competition and showcases the inclusive spirit of the race.”
In a statement, the Royal Malta Yacht Club extended its gratitude to RLR Yachting, agents for the Zhik brand, for their longstanding support towards this race over the years.
The next event on the Club’s racing calendar is the Round Comino Race which will take place on Saturday, December 7.
