The Royal Malta Youth Racing Team concluded their four-day participation at the Yachting Malta BSC International Regatta hosted by Birzebbugia Sailing Club Freeport in what was a regatta noted for challenging light wind conditions throughout the entire period.  In spite of many attempts by the organisers, weather conditions only allowed for five races to take place.

The RMYC fielded a team of twenty boats, split into thirteen Optimist sailors, two sailors in the ILCA 6, and five sailors in the ICLA4 Classes. The sailors were supported by three coaches  – Ruya Cakmakli and CharlieLinsell who were following the Optimist teams and Ellen Juhasz who took care of the Laser sailors.

The Club’s best-ranked sailors were in the Optimist Seniors – Jonas Micallef (2nd Overall), Poyraz Fidanboy (10th Overall), Katrina Micallef (4th – Girls).

Jonas Micallef – third from left, with his second-place overall Optimist Class trophy. (Credit: Alex Denisiuc)

In the Cadet class Ethan Kodjaazliev finished in 5th, whilst Jacob Delia and Maksim Juskevic, finished in 32nd and 58th place respectively. The three boys were taking part in the open fleet for the first time.  In the same class, Matthew Camilleri placed 29th and Luca Schembri Meli placed 44th.  In the Novice Class, Gianluca Grixti finished 10th overall.  George Villette and Polina Chaplystska took part in their first-ever regatta competing in the Novice Class.

Meanwhile, in the ILCA4 Class, Lara Merten and Molly Ross finished in first and second place in the Girl’s Class, whilst Tomek Vaccaro finished in 7th overall place.  Dimitris Vertsonis took third place on the ILCA6 Podium.

Lara Merten (second from left) and Molly Ross (third from left) on the 1st and 2nd place (ILCA 4 Girls)  podium (Credit: Alex Denisiuc)

Dimitris Vertsonis, first from left, placed third overall in the ILCA 6 Class. (Credit: Alex Denisiuc)

“All in all it was a great experience for all the participants, especially since they had to contend with unusually light winds for mid-winter in Malta.  It was good to see that all had a lot of fun and the team spirit could be felt, not only from our young sailors but also from the parents who were all giving a helping hand on the shore. ” – Ruya Cakmakli. “A big thanks also goes to the coaches who remained at the RMYC to welcome a full house of sailors who attended training on Sunday”  

Group photo of parents who supported and helped out at the Yachting Malta BSC  International Regatta (Credit: Alex Denisiuc)

The RMYC Sailing School would like to express its gratitude to Birzebbugia Sailing Club Freeport for pulling off a successful event. Their hard work and passion for the sport were evident!  Thank you also goes to Yachting Malta for supporting this event!

Thank you