Maltese Sailors Excel in the Yachting Malta BSC International Regatta

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Yachting Malta BSC international Regatta 2024

Birzebbuga Sailing Club , Malta

Hosted by Birzebbugia Sailing Club and supported by the Malta Sailing Federation and Yachting Malta, the Regatta, now in its fourth year, played host to approximately 100 sailors from nine nations, including Slovenia, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Japan, Germany, Tajikistan, Lithuania, Turkey, and Malta.

While the weather conditions the Optimist fleet to race each day, the varying conditions presented a challenge for the race officers, Miguel Amaral. In total, Optimist Senior, Cadet, and Beginners fleets completed 11 and 10 races respectively. 

Optimist Beginner

It was an all BSC podium for this Class, with Jeremy Decelis winning 9 of the 10 races and keeping a good lead ahead of Ella Grech, who featured consistently in second place. The third place on the podium was taken up by Juanita Darmanin.

Optimist Cadet

The Optimist Cadet class saw international sailors dominate, with Tajikistan's Villiam Osipovs leading the fleet from the outset, followed by Emir Tombuloglu and Inic Gulsoy both from Turkish Club, Galatassaray.

Optimist Senior

This fleet provided intense competition, with Andrei Zhakov (BSC) maintaining his lead throughout. Jonas Micallef (RMYC) and Matthias Spiteri (MYSC) battled it out for second and third place, adding excitement to the largest fleet in the regatta. Micallef prevailed to take second place. 

Mario Aquilina, Commodore of Birzebbuga Sailing Club, expressed pleasure in hosting the international regatta, emphasizing its significance in fostering friendships and camaraderie among sailors and enthusiasts. Prizes were awarded to the winners at the Clubhouse in the presence of Michael Mifsud, CEO of Yachting Malta, and Matthew Pisani, Vice Chairman of SportMalta.

Games of the Small States of Europe Legacy

Earlier on Sunday morning a significant moment for sailing in Malta unfolded as four GPS Buoys and four RHIBs were presented to Birzebbugia Sailing Club, Malta Young Sailors Club, Royal Malta Yacht Club, and Vikings Sailing Club. This allocation was a result of investments made by SportMalta through NDSF Funds for the Games of the Small States of Europe in June 2023 and forms a part of the legacy from these Games. Presiding over the presentation was the Honorable Dr. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, who expressed his satisfaction, highlighting how this equipment not only streamlines volunteers' efforts but also contributes to the sport's increasing environmental sustainability. Mr. Matthew Pisani, Vice Chairman of SportMalta, reiterated the organization's dedication to supporting sport organizations, while Michael Mifsud, President of the Malta Sailing Federation, emphasized the transformative impact of these buoys on dinghy sailing in Malta. He went on to thank Strand Marine Ltd for their support towards the acquisition of Suzuki outboards installed on the RHIBS.