Zammit Tabona declared winner as strong wind halts races

Thomas Zammit Tabona was declared winner of the Optimist class yesterday as forceful winds brought the GSSE 2009 competition to an early end in Limassol.

This was not the only medal won by the Maltese sailors on the fourth and final day of the regatta as Maya Podesta made up for her upset in Monaco two years ago to land silver in Laser Radial.

Jury officials ruled the conditions to be too dangerous after the gusty winds had reached 32 knots at one point - well above the acceptable limit for either Optimist or Laser class races to be held.

At first, race officials delayed the start by five hours, in the hope that there would be an improvement in the weather. However, when delegates from all participating countries discussed the matter with the race jury, they agreed that the most sensible decision was to call off races for the day and take into consideration the six races held on Wednesday and Thursday for final outcomes.

In the classification, Zammit Tabona finished with 11 points, one ahead of Massimo Mazzolini and eight better off than Edouard Franconeri, both of Monaco. Edward Fleri Soler finished reset while Karl Miggiani was 12th.

In the girls' Optimists, Nicola Manduca, making her first appearance in the GSSE, was seventh with 28 points. Monaco's Maine Prat took gold ahead of Cyprus duo Maria Sarri and Mary Solomonidou.

"I'm obviously very happy to have won this competition," Zammit Tabona, 15, said.

"This medal has extra significance for me as it was my last participation in Optimist due to age restrictions. I had the opportunity to represent the country in other international competitions in recent months but this GSSE gold ranks among the best."

Optimist coach Jean Paul Fleri Soler said: "Thomas did a great job this week. The conditions here suited his qualities and he profited from the situation. Edward and Karl tried hard to adapt to the conditions. Their contribution was creditable."

Podesta had finished fourth in Monaco 2007 but in Cyprus her performance was better. She was only beaten by Natasa Christodoulou, of Cyprus, who finished with seven points, one ahead of Podesta. Elena Papazoglou, of Cyprus, was third on 12 points and Rachel D'Amato fourth on 23.

"In the build-up to these Games I was driven by that fourth placing in Monaco," Podesta said.

"Our training was excellent and, somehow, I knew I stood a good chance here. Honestly, I would have preferred that the races were not cancelled as I was still vying for gold but second place is still a great result for the team."

Mario Aquilina, the Laser class coach, said Podesta deserved her medal.

"Maya takes her training very seriously and deep down we knew she could do it here," he said.

"Her improvement over the past two years has been incredible.

"Having Rachel in the team also helped... she did well to finish fourth from 12 starters and was of great support to Maya."

In Laser Standard, Maltese sailors Zak Borg, Benji Borg and Jan Rossi all finished in the top 10. Zak was fifth while Benji placed eighth, just ahead of Rossi.

"This was a new competition for the boys but this experience will serve them in good stead," Aquilina said.

"This was sailing's last GSSE for the next six years as our sport will not be included until Iceland 2015. Now, we have to find other slots to compete abroad as that is the only way to build on this success."

Zammit Tabona flag-bearer

Minutes after being awarded the gold medal, Zammit Tabona received more good news when MOC president Lino Farrugia Sacco informed him that he had been selected to carry Malta's flag in today's closing ceremony in Nicosia.

"Thomas Zammit Tabona will carry Malta's flag," Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco said.

"He is a very dedicated sailor and apart from winning gold here, he is an outstanding talent."