The J70 regatta, sponsored by Simon Estates, has drawn to a close.
The calm of the prize-giving ceremony was in contrast with the non-stop action that ensued on the water as five of Malta’s top sailing teams battled it out for a place on the podium.
Under the J70 concept, Malta’s top sailing teams race head-to-head on identical boats. The regatta was spread over two days with a total of five qualifying races and a two-race final series.
As the finals, at the Marsamxett harbour, counted for double points, the regatta was effectively won by the team that performed best during crunch time when the spectators were watching and the conditions were tricky.
Going into the final series Team Globe Ground (GG), skippered by GSSE gold medallist Benji Borg, were leading the regatta: Team GG (3pts), Team Otra Vez (OV) (4pts), Team RLR (7pts), Team Artie (9pts) and Team Comanche (15pts).
The points were close, it was all to play for. For the spectators, the change in tempo and demeanour added to the excitement.
Skippers were on their toe, looking around. Some were scanning the course trying to read the wind and others were gauging their competition.
The final series is about quick decisions, looking for an opportunity and making a quick gain on your opponent.
Finals’ racing is three laps on a very short course, a total race time of 15 minutes making each lap approximately five minutes.
Race one of the finals saw Team GG spot a shift and make a tack. They crossed the fleet to lead the first lap.
Team Artie and Team OV fought head-to-head for second place.
Crews were shouting and tempers rising but Artie got a gust and sneaked ahead at the finish.
The results were Team GG (2pts), Team Artie (4pts), Team OV (6pts), Team RLR (8pts) and Team Comanche (10pts).
Team GG were off to a flying start in race two, leading after the first lap. It seemed like nothing was going to stop them from winning.
Team OV and Team Artie were engaged in another tight duel. Lee Satariano, the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, skippering Team Artie, just needed to move ahead of Team OV to win the silver medal.
Martin Meachen and his boys on Team OV were sailing fast and thriving under the pressure. They managed to stay ahead and finish second with Artie close behind.
Team GG were the undisputed winners of the regatta with Team OV pipping Team Artie for second place.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior provided its facilities to host the spectators for the final series and the prize-giving ceremony.
For more information on the J70 Association, visit the official website www.j70malta.com.