With just 3 days to go until applications for this year's Gewiss Marzamemi Weekend Regatta close, skippers and crew are scrambling to submit their entry forms, rent life rafts and make those minor final adjustments to their crew list for their first crossing over to Sicily. Now a permanent fixture in the RMYC sailing calendar, the Gewiss Marzamemi regatta has now become the clubs "Arc" where new members and boat owners tempt themselves to cross over to Sicily in a flotilla, making them feel more secure with more than 45 boats in close proximity.
As of today, some 45 yachts have shown interest to enter and the racing office is expecting at least another 7 more boats before the Friday, 25th April close of applications.
The latest entry yesterday was "Harry" skippered by Gordon Craig. Harry recently won the International Yacht Paint Double Handed Round Malta Race a few days ago and would like to continue on his winning streak. "Weather plays an important part in sailing, and with today's rating system in hand, the race committee must wait till the last boat crosses the finish line to determine the overall winner." obviously making reference to his excellent performance during his last regatta.
Entries over the past few days include Anthony Camilleri's brand new Bavaria Vision 50. Still covered in bubble wrap, Anthony Camilleri is expected to get his new boat across the start line come the 1st of May. Summing up, Anthony Camilleri said "This regatta has become a "must do event", so, come rain or shine, I will be there with family and friends, supporting the RMYC" ACM Marine recently took the initiative and subsidised rating certificates for all Bavaria Yachts that compete in the RMYC sailing series 2008 which was very well received.
Alfred Manduca has entered his Beneteau 47.7, "Allegra". He has put together his normal line up of crew members including Matthew Farrugia and Mark Vassallo, both RMYC members. Another interesting dual could be between the two out and out race boats. Both Strait Dealer and Kerisma are expected to participate and one can expect some great competition from these two speed machines.
Entries are expected from more boats. Blue Fin, Myona 3 and Annie G are all expecting to enter. So is "Amica" with Paul Ripard returning to helming again, but this time, accompanied by his children and his more than better half, Dora.
An interesting tussle is looming in the 40 foot range of boats. These are Geisha, Maltese Falcon, Horatio, Elusive, Artie, Inspiration, Bordeaux, Mischief and Aziza.
The newly created IRC Cruising class will surely attract a fair number of entries amongst others, Myona 3. Pierre Pisani finished second overall in the Double Handed Round Malta Race and would like a repeat of his achievement.
But the Gewiss Marzamemi Weekend regatta is not just about racing. It's the companionship of sailing in a flotilla of some 45 boats, all very equal in speed and size and all arriving safely in Marzamemi Harbour.
A full day excursion is planned on Friday visiting Buscemi and Noto and a lavish meal at a Sicilian Agri Turismo. Saturday is a lay day with no events organised.
Registration and excursion reservations must be made during club office hours as from tomorrow, Thursday and Friday morning and during the briefing which is being held at the RMYC on Friday, 28th April at 7pm. The race starts on Thursday, 1st May at 0830hr. The fleet is expected back in Malta on Sunday evening. Prize Giving is being held on Thursday, 8th May at 8pm
No more entries will be accepted after the skippers briefing.