Strong support fleet to lead kayakers

Seven kayaks and nine paddlers will be the centre of attraction on the daring 50-nautical miles crossing making up the Malta-Sicily Kayak Challenge set for June 27. Yet, the real reason of all involved will be the success of the fund-raising campaign being held in association with this event in aid of the Malta Cancer Foundation.

In fact, the slogan chosen clearly indicates the motive behind the whole expedition - 'Kayak For Cancer' - a catchphrase bound to make this endurance test a tough, yet satisfying experience.

Ever since the first Sicily-Malta Windsurf Crossing in 1982, the determining factor in the success of such activities has been the support extended by local yachtsmen.

Enthusiastically, they give their time and make their boats available to be part of the support fleet to provide escort and safety to the competitors concerned.

The yachts making up the support fleet are all sailing boats, except for one, due to the nature of the event - the crossing is bound to be a slow trip possibly taking between 16 and 18 hours.

The crossing is set to start at 3 a.m. from Marsalforn, Gozo.

The boats and skippers assisting the 'Kayak For Cancer' Challenge are Coley II (Geoffrey Webster), Gallivanter (Glynis Pace), Gitan (Joseph Zerafa), Jannic 5 (Malcolm Beetham), Lady Morwenna (Vince Ratcliffe), Maltemi (Edward Scicluna), Princess Serena (Victor Calleja), Sandy Three (Roland Darmanin Kissaun), Spinner (John Formosa), Sunny Bear (Martin Azzopardi), Tua (Richard Tua), Wishbone (Herman Baldacchino) and Yasumi (Jovin Rausi).

The Challenge is also supported by a pool of sponsors - GasanMamo Insurance Ltd, Farrugia Investments Ltd, Datatrak plc, Go Sicily Properties, Tower Supermarkets Ltd (Sliema), Virtu Ferries Ltd and Errea by Tutto Sport.