Six young Maltese sailors are currently in Italy taking part in the 2012 Optimist European Championships which are being held at the waters outside the Centro Velico Alto Adriatico in Lignano Sabbiadoro.

In all, 263 boys and girls from 46 countries and hailing from all parts of the globe, are taking part at this year’s championships.

The event was officially opened at the end of an opening ceremony after sailors had marched through the main streets of Lignano Sabbiadoro with the mayor welcoming the guests and IODA vice-president Juhani Soini also addressing those present.

After the first four races, Tas Kolman (Slovenia) is leading the boys’ fleet followed by Stijn Paardekoper (Holland) and Andrea Orlando (Italy).

Among the girls, Italian Giulia Sarti is topping the leaderboard with an advantage of three points over Mara Turin (Slovenia).

Leading the Malta sailing team is Alex Esposito followed by Thomas Bonello Ghio, Zachary Zammit and Justin Busuttil. Francesca Zammit and Katrina Esposito are in the girls’ fleet.

The Maltese sailors are accompanied by national coach Jean Paul Fleri Soler, team leader Tanya Esposito and representative Ivan Esposito.

Malta Sailing Federation president Anna Rossi is in charge of the Race Office.

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