Thismonth saw Malta’s J/70 Association welcome crews from NRV Hamburg for four daysof inter club training, friendly competition and social events. NRVHamburg is the oldest, and one of the largest yacht clubs in Germany with teams regularly and successfully present at theOlympic Games.
Forthe Hamburg yacht club, this was a pre-season training event in preparation fortheir German Sailing League. The NRV were German league champions in 2013 and2014 but finished in a disappointing 3rd place in the 2015 season.
“It’sgreat to get out on the water in shorts and t-shirt when it’s snowing and icyback at home. It allows us to get a good amount of time on the water and I canpush the sailors hard!” commented Klaus Lahme, NRV coach. Lahme was confidentthat a pre-season training event in Malta will allow the teams to start theirseason in top form.
Duringthe training week, the top two NRV teams sparred with Maltese teams. Over 10 German and 10 Maltese sailors participated, racing J/70 class yachts. For the Maltese teams this was also excellent pre-season training inpreparation for the upcoming Malta Sailing League, which is set to kick off onthe 12th/13th March.
Basedat the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the Maltese and German teams took advantageof a variety of conditions in Marsamxett harbour with winds ranging from 5 to30 knots at times. From light to stormy, the conditions were varied, butoverall plenty of winter sunshine prevailed, providing German and Maltese J/70crews the opportunity to push their skills in anticipation of the upcomingspring season.
TheMalta Sailing League is Malta’s top competitive sailing allowing any sailingteam of any level to take part in the league. The league is sailed on J/70boats and is open to any team keen to compete. The league format is simple,providing lots of short course racing; great for spectators and sailors alike.This year, the winner of the Malta Sailing League will be selected to representMalta internationally at the Sailing Champions League.
Moreinformation about the Malta J/70 Association and the Malta Sailing League canbe obtained via their Facebook page.