Four Birżebbuġa Sailing Club members have just taken part in the RS Feva World Cham-pionships which were hosted by the Hayling Island Club in the UK.
With a strong international class organisation backing it, the RS Feva is the fastest growing junior double-handed class in recent years.
The championships are also drawing the top sailors from across the globe and this year was no exception as the entry fleet was limited to 180 boats from 14 nations.
The title went to a team from Italy, followed by Ireland and Great Britain.
Mifsud duo Andrew and Michela were making their bow at the championships.
They took part in the Silver Fleet and returned home with a creditable fifth place.
Another Maltese boat in competition was helmed by Mattea Ciantar and crewed by Anthony Khazmi.
The fleet had to deal with challenging conditions including tricky English Channel tidal currents that made competition more difficult for the sailors.
The Maltese team was under the tutelage of instructor Neil Borg and sailing veteran Paul Debono.
In the qualification series, both Maltese boats made it to the Silver Fleet race – the second category of the championships, with the Mifsuds 15th and Ciantar /Kahzmi 40th.
Due to lack of wind, only five races were held from a series of eight scheduled for the final. The Mifsuds did well to climb 10 positions, placing them fifth and ranking among the top-six award winners.
The Maltese team was also recognised for fair play and awarded one of the prizes awarded daily during the championships.
In a statement, Birżebbuġa Sailing Club said the RS Feva World Championships was a useful test for the young sailors who need similar challenges on the international scene to continue with their development.
“Both teams proved this, as progress was evident from race to race,” the statement said.
“These are the events that our sailors need to further develop their skills. A particular gratitude also goes to dedicated parents who support such participations through financing and their time and availability.”