Varying wind shifts made for challenging conditions for the fleet of boats undertaking the passage race from Malta to Marina di Ragusa at the start of the 2015 Citadel Ragusa Weekend Regatta, organised recently by the Royal Malta Yacht Club with the assistance of the Porto Turistico Marina di Ragusa.

Throughout their stay in Ragusa, Maltese crews featured in a series of short inshore races, organised by the Circoli Velici Iblei.

The Trofeo Achille Boroli Challenge Cup was won by Maltese boat Lightning, skippered by Alfred Manduca.

Manduca also claimed first place in the Racer 2 Class in the Malta-Ragusa regatta.

In Racer Class 1, Sonke Stein and his crew on Juno won the passage race up to Marina di Ragusa, followed by Arthur Podesta’s Elusive 2 BOV.

The passage race back from Marina di Ragusa proved disappointing for those wishing to get engaged in more racing as lack of wind forced them to motor back to Valletta.

Commenting about the race, Lartista skipper and winner of the Cruiser Class, Anton Calleja, said: “We found the weekend race very challenging, weather wise.

“We started with light winds and there was a time when we had no wind at all. However, it picked up enough to help us remain steady on track and maintain a good speed.

“The wind reached approximately 17 to 20 knots and, as expected, the nearer we sailed to Ragusa, the waves heightened slightly too.

“Unfortunately, we had to give up the passage race back home but we still enjoyed the splendid weather on the day.”

The Ragusa Regatta prize-giving ceremony was held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Commodore Godwin Zammit thanked Citadel Insurance for their constant support and, together with Nathalie Borg Farrugia, representing the sponsors, distributed prizes to the winners of all classes.

Results

IRC – Cruisers
1. Lartista (Anton Calleja)

IRC – Racer 1
1. Juno (Sonke Stein)
2. Elusive 2 BOV (Arthur Podesta)

IRC – Racer 2
1. Lighting (Alfred Manduca)
2. Vivace (Stuart French)