Outstanding 1565 Ramla Bay Resort Regatta

The 1565 Ramla Bay Resort Regatta, held recently, was one of the most outstanding sailing weekends ever organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Together with the co-operation of old-time sponsor Marsovin, the regatta was another opportunity for the sailing fraternity to race in boats of all shapes and sizes.

The Racing Committee set a coastal passage race, starting from Marsamxett. The 13 keel boats in competition had a rather slow start with most of the fleet having short beats to clear Tignè Point.

However, experienced Alfie Manduca breezed his 47.7-footer Allegra from harbour with relative ease and grace that set Kerisma and Strait Dealer to the chase.

But, Georges Bonello du Puis underlined his presence by pushing Primadonna to the limit and eventually snatch victory from the favourites.

The four Cruiser class boats in the regatta had left five minutes earlier with Malta Sailing Federation president Anton Valentino capping his return to competition with a merited win on First Ever.

There was no great excitement in the second race though when the fleet had to round Gozo. Conditions were dull with light winds.

But as the race progressed those who stuck closer to the the coast had the better of the rest. Kerisma got its first win with Allegra grabbing second place and Primadonna third.

By this time the younger breed was having fun with their Oppis and Lasers at the waters outside the Ramla Bay Resort. Enthusiasm for sailing is essential and this was not lacking especially with Bogdan Andersz and Jean Paul Fleri Soler in attendance throughout the series, proving to be valuable coaches.

Meanwhile, Kerisma got what was expected of this hot boat - a winning position as Allegra managed to clinch second place even though conditions were very un-favourable. Primadonna had to settle for third place.

In the cruiser class, First Time outshone the rest with some wily manoeuvres, especially at the finish.

Going into the final race, Kerisma took the lead straight away in a light wind course round Comino. Maltese Falcon had good short sharp tacks close to the Torri l-Abjad marker to stay with the leaders.

The wind played havoc with the fleet and in the end Allegra had the last laugh at the finishing line. They beat Artie which was just ahead of Maltese Falcon by about three lengths. Behind them Aziza had the better of Primadonna for fourth place.

Handicap rating played its part. As expected, Kerisma got the Ramla Bay Resort Trophy. Artie were happy with a runners-up position while Primadonna were a good third.

Cruiser Class winners were First Time. Newcomers Spirits of the Winds were the runners-up.