The MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta, combined with the 3rd Europa Cup for the ILCA Class, concluded on Sunday after a series of competitive races hosted by the Malta Young Sailors Club in Mellieħa Bay between 18 and 21 December.
Now in its 25th edition, the annual regatta continues to grow in stature and international appeal.
This year’s event attracted sailors from 39 countries, with competitors travelling from as far afield as Singapore, Australia and Argentina, alongside a strong European contingent.
The fleet included several high-profile sailors with experience at the highest level, including the Optimist World Championships, further underlining the regatta’s standing on the international youth sailing calendar.
Local interest was equally strong, with all Maltese sailing clubs represented. Maltese sailors delivered a series of solid performances across the fleets, holding their own against a highly competitive international field.
Weather conditions on the final day proved challenging, with heavy rain and very light winds preventing racing from taking place on Sunday.
However, the programme of races completed over the preceding days provided sufficient results to conclude the regatta.
Minor adjustments were made to Saturday’s provisional standings following the resolution of a number of lodged protests, resulting in some changes to the final outcomes.
In the Optimist Class, expectations were met as Slovenia’s Mihael Zobec secured overall victory, opening a clear margin over Italy’s Andrea Demurtas.
Both sailors had been widely tipped as favourites and delivered consistent performances throughout the regatta.
Malta’s Nathan Montebello completed the podium in third place after a strong climb up the rankings, edging past Margeaux Nguyen Minh (HKG) and Carl Bigersson (DEN).
The Optimist Beginners’ Class saw Switzerland’s Lea Salikova claim victory after steadily rising through the standings.
She finished ahead of Malta’s Thomas Zapucioiu, while Aidan Saliba secured third place, narrowly beating Liam John Gaskell, who had shown strong consistency throughout the event.
In the ILCA 4 Class, the final standings remained unchanged, with Tiago Cheng De Villemor Salgado (HKG) claiming overall victory with a comfortable margin.
Host club sailor Timothy De Cesare finished second, just one point ahead of Oleksandr Bolsunovskyi (CYP) in third.
Malta’s Emily Fenech placed fourth overall and topped the female rankings, followed by Mila Krum (LTU) and Zixi Huang (HKG).
The ILCA 6 Class also saw no changes to the podium. Carys Attwell (GBR) maintained her lead to take the win ahead of Pietro Colazzo (ITA), with Malta’s Timmy Vassallo securing third place.
The female podium was completed by Thyra Westbom (SWE), Elspeth Simms (CAN) and Hanne Jansch (GER).
In the ILCA 7 fleet, Malta-based Tomek Vaccaro (MDA) delivered one of the standout performances of the regatta, moving into first place on Saturday after overtaking long-time leader Fiachra McDonnell (IRL).
Jeremy Moutout (MON) retained third place overall, while Matthew Flores finished sixth and was the top-placed Maltese sailor in the fleet.
Commenting on the event, Christian Bajada, Commodore of the Malta Young Sailors Club, said that the regatta once again lived up to its reputation on the international sailing calendar.
“This has been another very successful edition of the MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta. The level of competition continues to rise each year, with a wide mix of international and high-profile sailors taking part,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity for Malta, and particularly for our local sailors, to compete at home against some of the best young talent in the world.
“I would like to sincerely thank our volunteers, race officials and sponsors, whose commitment and support are key to making this regatta another success.”
The 25th MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta was supported by MAPFRE and VisitMalta, with S&D Yachts / Rooster, F. Busuttil & Sons Marketing, and Victor Azzopardi Jewellers – the event’s Official Timekeeper – also backing the regatta.
Further support was provided by the Mellieħa Local Council, the Malta Sailing Federation, SportMalta and Yachting Malta.
