Calypso sets the pace in IRC Class at RMYC Spring Regatta

A fleet of 15 boats competed across the IRC and RMYC Club Rating Classes, with racing conducted under the direction of Race Officer Martin Azzopardi.

The regatta unfolded in consistently testing conditions across all three races, challenging crews with strong and at times extreme weather.

The opening race was sailed in a robust north-westerly breeze of 25-30 knots. Conditions remained demanding in the second race, with winds of 10-15 knots around Comino.

The final race proved the most severe, with very strong winds and intense squalls, with some boats recording gusts of up to 52 knots.

IRC Class

At the front, Calypso (Sebastian Ripard) delivered a flawless regatta, securing three straight race wins (1-1-1) and a perfect score of 3 points.

“It was a nice few days of what felt more like winter than spring racing! Glad to have had a windy shake down on Tuesday, with gusts over 40 knots, you quickly learn where the weak links are.

“All in all, a nice few days of racing, a good variety of conditions and just glad to be back out on the water,” said Sebastian Ripard, skipper of Calypso

The battle for the remaining podium places went down to the final race. Vivace (Andrew Agius Delicata / Matthew Gabriele) finished second overall, just ahead of Pippus (David Anastasi) in third, with Ton Ton (Jonathan Gambin) narrowly missing out after a closely fought series where corrected times ultimately proved decisive.

RMYC Club Rating Class

Forever25 (Martin Kunath) delivered a consistent series to take overall victory. 

Racing with our Forever25 was an intense yet truly great experience for us,” said co-skipper Alexandra Kunath.

“Strong winds, heavy gusts and some damage to the boat demanded everything from us, but as a crew we had a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyed the conditions out on the water off Malta. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Club for hosting this race.”

Otra Vez (Aaron Gatt Floridia) was arguably the dominant force on the water, taking two race wins, but not competing in the opening race ultimately impacted their overall standing, leaving them to finish second.

Awards were presented at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, attended by crews, members and guests.

The next event on the Club’s calendar takes place on Saturday April 11 – the International Yacht Paint Fully Crewed Figure of 8 Race.