Two of the world's most respected and popular yachtsmen last week paid a short but highly significant visit to Malta. The names of Russell Coutts - America's Cup winner with Alinghi - and Paul Cayard are regarded as superstars in the yachting world just as much as David Beckham is in football and Stephen Hendry in snooker. Theirs was practically a 24-hour visit but its eventual occurrence, let alone the aftermath potential, is of particular importance both from a yachting point of view but more distinctively for Malta's overall image as a quality destination. Wilfred Sultana has more.

"It all happened at a Geneva press conference last November for the official announcement of Valencia as the city chosen to host the AC in 2007," said Teddie Borg, PRO of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

"Surrounded by more than 150 journalists, Coutts somehow reacted cheerfully, when, on putting my question he found out that I came from Malta.

"This feeling was further confirmed when, on being personally introduced, he showed an interest to get to know more about our island. His acceptance of an official invitation by the RMYC, which had the financial backing of the Malta Tourism Authority, wrapped up this pleasant happening. Furthermore Coutts gave an added bonus to his visit by also proposing to bring along with him probably the next best personality in the sailing world - Paul Cayard," Mr Borg said.

I had the opportunity to attend two functions laid down for this visit.

One of these activities was admirably dedicated to young, local sailors who were given the unforgettable experience of meeting the visiting celebrities.

It was really magic seeing our sailing aspirants, some still to make their teens, enthusiastically storming around their sailing idols to secure autographs on the back of their shirts, caps and albums as well as to snap souvenir photographs.

The other occasion was quite particular, both for its purpose and for the chosen location.

Today, sport signifies money and only money spells big sport.

Only hefty advertising support guarantees a booming operation where success then is the only blueprint for an enduring happy sport-commercial partnership. Thus, a novel yet appropriate initiative taken by the RMYC for this occasion was a reception, hosted by the Ministry of Sport.

During this reception Coutts and Cayard had the opportunity to meet members of the local business community and in a most cordial and informal atmosphere they discussed the America's Cup, undoubtedly a status symbol on the international sport scene.

The activity was held at the Malta Maritime Museum. It left a remarkable impression on the two visiting yachtsmen, who followed with attention as they were taken around this historical seafaring monument.

As I mingled with the businessmen and yachtsmen there was a fresh and optimistic 'breeze' in the air.

One of the guests I met was Alfred Mifsud, chairman of Crystal Finance Investments Ltd, exclusive representatives in Malta for UBS Investment Funds, a division of UBS AG.

UBS were one of the main sponsors of the Geneva-based Alinghi project. They have already confirmed their sponsorship for the next challenge in 2007.

Many thought UBS were throwing money away when they sponsored a project as unlikely as the America's Cup being won by a team from landlocked Switzerland. But Alinghi is a global project with a Swiss base - which is exactly what UBS are.

"Any country that gets the opportunity to host even a small pre-regatta in the build-up to the next America's Cup is bound to reap great PR mileage and exposure to benefit its tourism and investment attraction efforts," Mr Mifsud said.

"Let's hope that the RMYC succeed in capturing the imagination of the organisers and the support from the state and sponsors."

Effect on young sailors

Arthur Podesta, the only yachtsman to sail in all 24 editions of the Middle Sea Race (1969-2003), ponders on the effect large events have on our young sailors.

"Malta currently has a nucleus of between 30 and 40 youngsters who with the greatest of enthusiasm and regularity, practise to improve their sailing skills," he said.

"Meeting crews of prestigious and high-performance yachts who would participate at the proposed event will undoubtedly be an unforgettable and learning experience in the lives of our upcoming sailors who already understand the sport and only have one objective in mind... reaching the highest possible peak."

William Portelli, president of the Malta Union of Bank Employees and a staunch follower of the America's Cup, has a firm view.

"This is exactly what our islands need," he said.

"The idea of venue-hosting for such high level of play is not only a profitable sporting event but also a perfect marketing tool. While it helps us to promote our jewel in the Medi-terranean to such high levels of exposure, it will prove to be a quality boost to investment especially when big sponsors do come in."

Tony Cassar, chairman of the Cassar Ship Repair Ltd, values the commercial prospects.

"I believe that there are still many yachts that have not yet ventured to our islands," he said.

"Hosting top notch sailing activities will bring more yachts and famous people to our waters increasing the opportunities of having local companies contracted for repair works, maintenance, supplies and even having Malta chosen as base."

Anna Tabone, Marina Manager of Grand Harbour Marina, feels that what is relevant to the yacht owners is a safe harbour, repair facilities and an environment that is considered fashionable.

"Such international events certainly put us on the map, creating more awareness about Malta," she said.

"This also gives us the opportunity to show not only our exceptional hospitality skills but also our organisational capabilities and flexibility. This can be said for all the international sailing events held so far as was the case in the last Rolex Middle Sea Race which had close to 50 entries."

What would it mean for Malta to feature among the elite circle of venues hosting prestigious events?

This was my question to John Ripard, undoubtedly Malta's most experienced and respected yachtsman who sailed and even formed part of adjudication bodies in prestigious events in various parts of the world.

My mistake in this exercise was asking Ripard, RMYC president, to limit his reply to a few words.

Unfortunately, I have to keep to my plan, taking only a few words from his reflective comments. However, his full reply is so interesting and highly aimed, that it will be the exclusive theme of my next feature.

Ripard said: "If sailing regattas of the calibre proposed choose Malta as a venue, the spin-offs would be incredible although it is not possible to really quantify the financial return.

"But, if the Middle Sea Race has been able to command prime TV time on BBC, albeit paid for by Rolex, the potential benefits that TV exposure alone would bring about, can only be described as extraordinarily valuable," Mr Ripard concluded.

"This was a short but useful trip," said Coutts prior to his departure.

"Paul and I had a quick look at what this country could offer and our first impressions were positive. Obviously, it is still early for any decision. However, I wouldn't rule out Malta from pre-race regattas."

One appreciates that the final decision has to come from the Geneva-based promoters.

Yet, one hopes that we - and here I am referring to no one in particular but to all Maltese concerns connected with this project - do what has to be done fast as at this point we are dealing with an exceptional opportunity, and it would be a pity that ultimately when we finally decide, we realise that we have missed the boat, again.