When the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC) launched the Euromeds in 2000, there were 60 young sailors competing, mainly from the host country.
Last year, the 16th edition of the regatta was a splendid event. A record on all counts – 227 sailors from 17 countries representing 55 different clubs.
So far, Malta has had six wins, followed by Russia on three with Italy and Sweden boasting two victories each.
Concluding the prestigious winners’ line-up are Great Britain, Iceland and Turkey, showing off one triumph each.
This year’s MAPFRE/Middlesea Euromeds will take place between December 18 and 21 at Mellieħa Bay with the Seabank Resort + Spa again recognised as the official hotel of the regatta.
The Euromeds are held during the Christmas holidays where young foreign sailors travel to Malta accompanied by other members of their families who, besides enjoying the regatta, also experience the holiday values of our country.
With almost a month to go for the big day, registrations are very encouraging with representations from Great Britain, Italy, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Israel, Spain, Canada and Mexico already confirmed.
Italy is expected to field the biggest contingent. One positive aspect about the Italians’ participation is that they have sailors coming from clubs who have never raced here before. In all, there will be 21 Italian clubs for the Euromeds next month.
The Optimist, one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world, is a small, single-handed dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15.
It is recognised as an international class by the International Sailing Federation. The dinghy is classified as a ‘pram’ because of its shallow-draught flat-bottom.
There will be three Optimist Classes – the senior division for those born between 2001 and 2004, the cadet division for sailors born between 2005 and 2008, and the beginners’ division for newcomers born between 2001 and 2008.
There will also be Laser 4.7 and Radial fleets which will be sailed in a single series but on a separate course to the Optimists.
Last year’s Euromeds was won by 10-year-old Richard Schultheis, a member of the MYSC who raced in the cadets.
Schultheis reclaimed the overall award for Malta after a four-year lapse to become the youngest of all 16 all-time winners.
Jean Paul Fleri Soler, the MYSC youth development officer, is looking forward to next month’s racing series.
“We have had an intensive year of training and some very good competitive results,” he explained.
“One can say the best ever in fact.
“We will continue with our preparation and will be moving to Mellieħa Bay for our training by the end of this month.
“This year, we will have six new sailors in our team with an average age of 12 years.”
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that among the guests for the Euromeds will be Lady Carla Stanley, an International Optimist Dinghy Association vice-president.