Senglea were crowned champions of the 2026 Freedom Day Regatta after the event was completed in two stages, following a weather disruption that forced organisers to suspend racing on March 31 at the Grand Harbour.
On Saturday, the regatta resumed with the remaining six races in the men’s events, which ultimately decided the final standings.
Senglea delivered a dominant performance, winning two Tal-Pass races and consistently finishing ahead of their closest rivals.
Cospicua managed to secure victory in the Kajjiki race, with Birżebbuġa second and Vittoriosa third, but it was not enough to close the gap.
By the end of the competition, Senglea topped the Open Category standings with 64 points, ahead of Cospicua on 48. Vittoriosa finished third with 30 points, while Birżebbuġa placed fourth with 28.
This result confirmed Senglea’s strong form, as they added the Freedom Day title to their recent success in the 2025 Victory Day regatta, where they had also dominated.
The B Category provided a dramatic moment in this regatta.
Cospicua initially won the Tal-Midalji race, but the Frejgatini race saw controversy. Marsamxett crossed the line first, but one of their rowers entered the water before the boat had fully crossed the finish line, leading to a disqualification.
However, Marsamxett lodged a protest, arguing that the boat had already made contact with the finish line. The protest was upheld, and the victory was reinstated, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the final race.
Marsamxett then sealed the category by winning the final Tal-Pass race, finishing ahead of Vittoriosa and Senglea.
They ended the B Category with 42 points, securing the title ahead of Cospicua (36 points) and Senglea (32 points), while Vittoriosa finished fourth with 12 points.
Cospicua performed strongly in the Women’s Frejgatini race, held on March 31, finishing first and securing the Shield, with Vittoriosa second and Senglea third.
RESULTS
OPEN CATEGORY
TAL-MIDALJI
1. Senglea
2. Cospicua
FREJGATINI
1. Cospicua
2. Birżebbuġa
3. Vittoriosa
TAL-PASS
1. Senglea
2. Cospicua
3. Vittoriosa
KAJJIKI
1. Cospicua
2. Birżebbuġa
3. Vittoriosa
TAL-PASS B’ERBA MQADEF
1. Senglea
2. Vittoriosa
3. Birżebbuġa
–
B CATEGORY
TAL-PASS B’ŻEWĠT IMQADEF
1. Marsamxett
2. Senglea
3. Vittoriosa
KAJJIKI
1. Cospicua
2. Marsamxett
3. Senglea
TAL-MIDALJI
1. Cospicua
2. Marsamxett
3. Vittoriosa
FREJGATINI
1. Marsamxett
2. Senglea
3. Cospicua
TAL-PASS B’ERBA MQADEF
1. Marsamxett
2. Vittoriosa
3. Senglea
–
NISA (FREJGATINI)
1. Cospicua (SHIELD WINNERS)
2. Vittoriosa
3. Senglea
—
STANDINGS
OPEN CATEGORY
1. Senglea 64 points (CHAMPIONS); 2. Cospicua 48; 3. Vittoriosa 30; 4. Birżebbuġa 28
B CATEGORY
1. Marsamxett 42 points (CHAMPIONS); 2. Cospicua 36; 3. Senglea 32; 4. Vittoriosa 12.
Author
