Record number of entries - 41
Allegra IRC overall winners
The Organising Committee of the Royal Malta Yacht Club is right to feel satisfied with the great response received from the Gewiss Marzamemi Weekend Regatta, held recently.
In a statement, the club said a record number of 41 boats started from Marsamxett Harbour to cross over to Sicily and enjoy the facilities offered by the new marina in Marzamemi Harbour.
The fleet was divided in four classes in the IRC division and two in the Cruiser section.
A total of 200 sailors were on board for what turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend, the club added.
The passage race up was a very comfortable crossing with various new owners making their debut.
The easterly wind ensured that most boats reached Sicily in one tack and some even managed to hoist their spinnakers for the final three miles.
Sunday was a rest day with a prize-giving ceremony held on the beach.
Dr Moncada sponsored the prizes to Allegra for winning IRC Overall, and Saluki for being the smallest boat in the regatta. A prize was also awarded to Vittoria - the only Italian boat to sail to Malta and compete in the race.
Two days later, the fleet left the waters opposite the marina under spinnaker but were forced to drop them at Capo Passero due to the north westerly winds.
Again, a one-tack fetch towards Malta with light to medium winds all across the channel made for a pleasant sail. The wind picked up for the last ten miles and some positions were traded.
Etienne Bonello DuPuis, representing Hydrolectric, along with Matteo Barzizza, representing Gewiss, presented the winners with various prizes. Gewiss also confirmed that they would be supporting the RMYC next year for the second edition of the Marzamemi weekend regatta.
In the IRC Class, Blue Fin, Spirit of the Winds, Elusive and Allegra won their respective class in both races. In the Cruiser Class, the winners were Flying Colours, Saluki and Eleonor.
Allegra, sailed by Alfred Manduca, claimed IRC overall in both races.