Senglea yesterday enjoyed a well-earned victory in the traditional Victory Day regatta, taking home the open shield for the 19th time.

Out of the 10 races, Senglea won all five in the open category for only the second time in their history, earning a total of 88 points.

The reserve shield, a category open to under 25-year olds, was won by Birżebbuġa with 84 points.

The clubs that took part in the 2008 Victory Day regatta were Birżebbuġa, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Senglea, Marsa and Marsamxett-Valletta.

In comparison to their success in the recent past, Marsamxett did not fare well in this year's regatta.

The event was a calm and controlled affair compared to some of the previous years. On a couple of occasions, when a flare-up threatened, it was quickly smoothed over by the fair amount of policemen who were constantly patrolling the area.

Weather-wise, it was a perfect day for the regatta to be held - a cloudless sky and a warm summer breeze. The bastions of two of The Three Cities were adorned with large and colourful sponsors' banners and a huge number of regatta supporters on Senglea point could not contain their raucous hollering and fog-horn blowing each and every time their team rowed past.

There appeared to be a strong sense of solidarity between the different club delegates. On hearing the results, many a pat on the shoulder and embrace were exchanged.

At one point when sarcastic insults started flying towards losing teams, the president of the Senglea club, Nazzarenu Mifsud appealed to his team to be good sports and all subsided within moments.

On receiving the open shield, the Senglea club members jumped over the barriers in front of the panel where results were being declared and prizes handed out. As the barriers were cast aside, they piled on top of each other in a heap of celebration.

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Dolores Cristina presented the shields to the winning teams in each category.