Arthur Podesta

Sailing veteran and Rolex Middle Sea Race stalwart Arthur Podesta died yesterday, the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) said. He was 70.

Podesta was a long-standing member of the RMYC committee, having served for many years in the administration of the Ta’ Xbiex-based club.

He was actively involved in the running of the sport and participated in almost all races the club organises throughout the season along with his three children – Maya, Aaron and Christoph.

This term he held the post of RMYC Rear Commodore.

In July, Podesta was skipper on his First 45 Elusive II BOV for the Ragusa Weekend Regatta, finishing second in Racer Class 1.

However, Podesta will be remembered mostly for his contribution, enthusiasm and ever-present record in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

In fact, he was the only sailor to have competed in all 35 races of the 600-nautical mile Mediterranean Classic, starting from the inaugural offshore way back in 1968.

This year the Rolex MSR gets underway on October 17.

“I still get the adrenalin rush and the butterflies during the pre-start. My enthusiasm is undiminished and is now stimulated by the involvement of my children who race with me and form the core of my crew,” Podesta told Wilfred Sultana in an interview for Times of Malta a few years back.

His loss will be felt by many in the sailing community, the club said.

“Arthur Podesta was a long-standing member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club committee.

“He acted in many roles including that of Commodore,” a statement posted on the club’s official website read.

“Arthur will be long remembered for his love of sailing and was a regular competitor in local and overseas regattas.

“His association with the Rolex Middle Sea Race goes back to the very start, when he was a crew member on Josian, winner of the inaugural race in 1968.

“Arthur was the only sailor to compete in all previous editions of this race.”

Podesta won the Rolex MSR trophy on three occasions as crew in 1968 (Josian), 1970 (Tikka) and 1983 (Saudade).

He also came close to winning the race as skipper in 2008 when placing third overall on board Elusive.

His funeral will take place at the Ta’ Xbiex parish church tomorrow, at 2pm.