Strait Dealer crew prevail in unfavourable conditions

The forceful winds and rain did nothing to deter the sailors' spirit to compete in the third BMW-sponsored Gozo Weekend Regatta, held recently with a spectacular line-up of no fewer than 26 boats.

After the first of many heavy rain squalls, the fleet sailed out of Marsamxett Harbour in a light northwesterly breeze only for the wind to turn from the east and back to north by the time the first boats reached the North Comino Channel.

Strait Dealer claimed line honours in the first race, and, as the sun set, most of the fleet finished in pitch dark, giving the vigilant bridge a tough job.

Farr Out claimed Class B with Revenge hot on their heels and Puddleduck taking the spoils in the Cruiser Class. Boats at the back put in an extra effort to make the limit of the race and hoped for better conditions the following race day.

Day Two was looking good as the boats headed out of Mġarr.

With a freshening breeze, peaking at 20 knots, the bridge opted for a round-Gozo course leaving the island to starboard.

The Cruisers Class got off to a flying start, but as the racers lined up a few minutes later, the rain started to fall and the breeze disappeared.

What ensued was something most of the fleet would want to forget... a very shifty breeze with a heavy sea, forcing most of the boats to retire with the exception of Strait Dealer and Kerisma, the former just 86 minutes before the time limit of 5.30 p.m.

Day Three was decisive in all classes.

This time, the fleet was blessed with light, but ideal, racing conditions. The sun was out with a vengeance and the sea was flat. The bridge sent the fleet round Fessej to port, through the North Channel and back home.

In Class A, Kerisma pipped Strait Dealer but their valiant effort was not enough. The Strait Dealer crew will be representing Malta in the BMW Worlds Match Race in Italy as overall winners of this year's regatta.

In Class B, Farr Out established themselves in a class of their own, leaving Windriven, Otra Vez and Mischief behind. Puddleduck sealed the deal with another bullet, making the Cruising Class theirs.

Results

IRC Class A: 1. Strait Dealer, 2. Kerisma, 3. Geisha.

IRC Class B: 1. Farr Out, 2. Windriven, 3. Revenge.

Cruiser Class: 1. Puddleduck, 2. Inspiration, 3. Spirit of the Winds.