A team of nine sailors from the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC), led by national Optimist coach Jean Paul Fleri Soler, have just returned from Reggio Calabria where they took part in the Mediterranean Cup.
Held annually at the Messina Straits, this regatta again offered a spectacle with a fleet of 92 sailors, including members of the Italian Olympic Optimist team.
Shifting wind conditions and strong currents made life difficult for all competitors but the Maltese showed their true mettle.
Sailing in a fleet of 45 sailors, the six boys in the main class finished with remarkable results as Zachary Zammit placed second, Edward Fleri Soler third, Justin Busuttil fifth and Thomas Bonello Ghio seventh.
They were followed closely by Alex Esposito and Karl Miggiani.
Other encouraging results were obtained in the cadets’ race (47 entries) where Craig Farrugia Vella, of Birżebbuġa SC, Shaun Miggiani and Sean Valentino finished in the top 20 positions.
The visit to Reggio Calabria also offered the opportunity for MYSC secretary and Malta Sailing Federation president Anna Rossi to promote the 2011 Euromed International Regatta.
The Euromeds will be held in Mellieħa between Dec. 17 and 22.