Isomat Unica clinches Raymarine Double Handed Figure of Eight Race title

December 10, 2015
Maria Vella-Galea

Isomat Unica, skippered by Jamie Sammut and JohnCachia, is the name to be etched on the coveted trophy of the Raymarine DoubleHanded Figure of Eight Race which took place over the weekend.

The 80 nautical mile race, is considered to be one ofthe toughest on the Royal Malta Yacht Club Racing Calendar however itspopularity, over the years, certainly hasn’t diminished. It is now in itstwenty second year.

Though early forecasts showed little wind and theoriginal course seemed under threat, luck was on the crews’ side as Saturdaydawned with improved conditions for the race to take place as originallyplanned. Crews left Marsamxett Harbour, sailing onto the Outer MunxarCardinal Mark heading towards the South of Malta onto Filfla and up to theNorth Comino Channel, going round Gozo and heading back to Malta finishing atthe Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Once San Dimitri Point in Gozo was passed it becameclear that a battle between Isomat Unica and Elusive II BOV, skippered by Aaronand Christoph Podesta, was going to ensue since the Podesta siblings were consistentlyahead of Sammut and Cachia. This close position was kept throughoutthe race with Elusive II BOV being the first boat across the finish line. Itwas however, the wind veering slightly to the north east just past Portomasowhich gave Isomat Unica an advantage enabling them to clinch first place 1minute 45 seconds, on corrected time ahead, of Elusive II BOV.

“Being just two people on board makes ittougher. Margin of error has to be low and therefore the key to do well is tobalance being conservative yet at the same time being economical in terms oftime to carry out manoeuvres”, commented Jamie Sammut (Isomat Unica) furtherreiterating the difficulty of the course. “This race is very tiring– mentally and physically, and being in synch with your team mate is key toachieving a satisfactory result. My team mate John Cachia and I were kept onour toes throughout the whole race”.

A Prize Giving ceremony was hosted by RLR Yachting,agents of Raymarine products, at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in the presence ofcrews, families and friends. Prizes were kindly donated by RLR Yachting andconsisted of Raymarine equipment as well as technical sailing gear. PrizeGiving was presided by Royal Malta Yacht Club’s Vice Commodore and Race OfficerMark Napier, whilst prizes were presented by Mrs. Dora Ripard.

The Club is grateful towards RLR Yachting for theconstant support they give to the Club's initiatives. A big thank you goes alsoto the volunteers who ensure that such races take place!

Raymarine Double Handed Figure of Eight Race Results

IRC Racer 1 Class

1st Place – Isomat Unica – JamieSammut / John Cachia

2nd Place – Elusive II BOV – ChristophPodesta / Aaron Podesta

3rd Place – Ton Ton – Jonathan Gambin/ Greg Mifsud

IRC Racer 2 Class

1st Place – Fast Forward – Mark Vassallo /David Anastasi

2nd Place – Pep – Peter Valentino / JanRossi

3rd Place – Lightning – Alfie Manduca /Matthew Farrugia

IRC Cruisers Class

1st Place – Manana – Peter EllulVincenti / Fabio Galea

2nd Place – Lartista – Anton Calleja / RenatoCamilleri