Series attracts numbers

The Malta Canoe Federation have just held a very successful Manoel Island racing series, this year sponsored by Buff Malta.

The aim was to organise an event that promotes the sport in a less competitive scenario by staging a series of interesting races.

At the outset, it was already forecast that this was going to be an event to remember with just over 45 entries registered.

The first event was a one-lap fun race around Manoel Island (2.7km) which was open to all kayak categories. Participants exhibited a variety of crafts from the faster surf skis, the seafaring sea kayaks which were owned and supplied by Gozo Adventures, as well as some open canoes.

There was a show of sportsmanship during the race when Matthew Schembri forfeited his medal chances when he stopped to help Gerald Degaetano who capsized due to a rogue swell while he was trailing race leader Chris Camilleri.

Camilleri was first past the finish line in 14 minutes 2 seconds, followed by Simon Gauci and Peter Borg Costanzi.

In the women’s section, Nicki Borg Costanzi was first in 16 minutes 17 seconds, followed by Iveta Leo and Jackie Brincat.

The next event in the series was a team combination which required each formation to have a racing kayak, a sea kayak and a canoe polo kayak.

The latter proved somewhat tricky to handle in the swell that was formed on the outer part of Manoel Island.

The first to cover the distance was the team composed of Matthew Schembri, Simon Gauci and Michael Aquilina with a combined time of 61 minutes 40 seconds.

The trio of Nicola Borg Costanzi, Konrad Bellia and Alex Rizzo were just eight seconds shy from grabbing gold in this competition.

Third place went to the Peterka family – Vit, Adam and Jachyam who had an aggregate time of 64 minutes 49 seconds.

To wrap up the day’s events, a number of 200m sprints were held for young paddlers.

In a statement, the Malta Canoe Federation thanked all the participants who made the racing series an enjoyable experience, and sponsors Buff Malta, Gozo Adventures and Red Bull.