Air Malta Falcon II rides the waves

Air Malta has this year teamed up with the Maltese Falcon II sailing yacht and will be riding the waves during the 28th edition of the Middle Sea Race.

The 607-nautical mile regatta gets underway tomorrow from Marsamxett Harbour.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), organisers of the event, have matched last year's record participation of 69 yachts. Malta will be represented by a fleet of 13 boats with the Maltese Falcon II yacht, which for the race has been renamed Air Malta Falcon II, among the favourites.

Commenting soon after the signing of the one-year sponsorship agreement, Brock Friesen, Air Malta's Chief Officer Commercial, said: "Promoting sports tourism is one of the strategies which we are pursuing to draw more people to our country.

"We are working hard to increase tourism arrivals especially during our lean periods, and sports tourism, including yachting, is helping us in our activities.

"We are enthusiastic to have joined the Maltese Falcon II in this year's race. We believe that this yacht epitomises our Maltese identity perfectly, promoting the Maltese cross wherever it sails."

Martin Scicluna, skipper and owner of Maltese Falcon II, is positive about his boat's chances of figuring prominently in this year's race.

"We are delighted to have Air Malta on board this year as sponsor," Scicluna said. "My team and I have worked very hard throughout this year and we are confident that we will continue building on the success we achieved in recent years."