Timmy Camilleri completes first part of qualifying process

Local yachtsman Timmy Camilleri recently finished the first part of a qualifying process leading to the 4,500-nautical mile Mini Transat race from France to Brazil, leaving La Rochelle in September next year.

Camilleri left from Civitavecchia, Rome, and sailed to Giraglia Rock, Corsica, to the south coast of France rounding a mark in the Gulf de Lyon, down to Barcelona and all the way back non-stop single-handed on a 21-foot boat.

This 1,000-nautical-mile mandatory solo sail was imposed by the French coast guard on the Classe Mini, to make participants aware of the inherent dangers involved in this kind of racing.

The possibility of being run over by ferry or commercial ships and other dangers, such as hallucinations due to sleep deprivation, will be part and parcel of the Trans-Atlantic crossing.

Camilleri's knowledge of the Mediterranean Sea was more than a helping hand for him, although he experienced sailing days without any wind at all.

He also suffered two knockdowns, a nose dive and the loss of use of both auto-pilots after 45-knot rough winds. No real damage was reported on the boat itself except a torn head-sail and some play in the swinging keel mechanism, which was repaired underway.

The second part of the qualifying process is a double-handed race. Camilleri will be racing with co-skipper Jules Savage, one of the few women taking part in Mini-Transat races.

The world famous Ellen McArthur placed 17th in 1997 and then went on to almost win the gruelling Vendee Globe round-the- world solo.

The upcoming double-handed race is the 700-nautical mile Mini Med which leaves from France down to Menorca, Corsica and back.