Sailing - Arkadia Gozo Regatta
Strait Dealer - outstanding winner
Light winds dominated the Arkadia Gozo Regatta over a long weekend held recently during the Mnarja festivities.
A less than normal fleet participated in two classes, with the possibility of the overall lowest score having also a chance to make it to the winning podium.
Mad Max, skippered by David Anastasi, made it in Class B with a deserved win. A top placing and two runner-up spots were more than enough to beat a surprisingly off-form 'X', helmed by skipper Timi Camilleri.
Strait Dealer, 2001 Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, had an easy true-to-form win, outclassing the rest of the fleet throughout the entire regatta.
Skipper Chris Dougall and his pro-crew are proving to be a hard nut to beat, especially in light conditions.
Unrelenting skipper Arthur Podesta picked up a remarkable second on Elusive, a rather heavy boat but always manned with some exciting young crew on board.
On behalf of Arkadia, Kevin Grech, while presenting the trophies of the day to the winners, promised to renew sponsorship for next year only if there is a stronger participation.
Vice-Commodore Anton Valentino and all at the presentation made their own appreciation of what, after all, was a competitive and well-conducted regatta.
The next sailing event on the calendar is this weekend's Syracuse Offshore race. Boats leave Marsamxett Harbour on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Gozo Regatta Final results
Class A: 1. Strait Dealer; 2. Elusive; 3. Commanche Raider.
Class B: 1. Mad Max; 2. 'X'; 3. Revenge.