A few weeks ago Malta took centre-stage in the international yachting scene with the successful staging of the 36th Rolex Middle Sea Race which was contested by a high-profile fleet of 111 yachts from 22 countries.
With Yuletide approaching, our islands, once more, make the pole star of Mediterranean sailing with the hosting of another prime event, this time for young sailors – the Optimists Class Euromed Regatta.
Since 2000, the Malta Young Sailors Club have made it an annual December appointment to organise the Optimists Class Euromed which, from an encouraging start 15 years ago of 60 sailors from five nations, has become a top international sailing attraction with the 2013 edition alone featuring a record entry of 145 sailors from 10 countries.
The upcoming 16th edition sets off in style as the regatta has secured a title sponsor and will now be known as the MAPFRE/Middlesea Euromed Regatta.
Furthermore, the number of participants year is set to exceed the 2013 record as to date, 204 sailors from 19 nations have confirmed their presence.
Foreign participation
While Sicilian sailors will only have to cover some 100 miles to reach our shores, three other confirmed contingents must travel much longer distances mainly those from the US (5,700 miles), Russia (4,106 miles) and India (4,004 miles).
The Optimist Sailing Dinghy is acknowledged as a one design single-handed sailing craft where only sailors under the age of 16 years are eligible to take part in this class.
This is the largest junior category in the world and a recognised ISAF international class.
The Euromeds are also an attraction for Laser dinghy sailors where entry is not restricted by age limits.
Participants this year will be split into five categories – Optimist Cadet, Optimist Open, Optimist Novice and two Laser Dinghy Classes – Radial and 4.7.
The Malta Young Sailors Club organise the three-day Euromeds, open to both male and female sailors, in conjunction with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and the Mellieħa Local Council and held under the patronage of the Malta Sailing Federation.
Races will take place between December 19 and 21 at Mellieħa Bay. The official hotel will be the Seabank Resort and Spa.
Racing will be held under the jurisdiction of an international panel.
Peter Valentino will be jury chairman.
Valentino will be assisted by Nigel Vicks (Germany), Bence Borocz (Hungary) and an Italian judge yet to be named.
Peter Dimech is the Principal Race Officer with Bartosz Gruszka (Poland) acting as the event’s NRO.
“The Euromed is not only a big challenge to young sailors but a great opportunity to participate in an international event on home waters,” Anna Rossi, Malta Young Sailors Club secretary, said.
“Our sailors not only benefit from their experience, they also make new friends.
“Moreover, the Euromeds are now established as a popular winter event and an attraction under the sport tourism spectrum.
“The MYSC has had many teams coming over during the winter months for clinics and if we had better facilities, for storage and launching, we would have even more in future.”