The inaugural Yachting Malta Awards will take place at the Westin Dragonara Resort on February 17, Yachting Malta CEO Wilfrid Buttigieg announ-ced at a news conference.

Chris Agius, the parliamentary secretary for research, innovation, youth and sport, and members of the yachting community were present for the launch,  held earlier this week at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

“The development of yachting, both as a sport and industry, was possible thanks to the contribution of many individuals, clubs and organisations over a stretch of time. The board of directors at Yachting Malta believes that the time is ripe to give these achievements due recognition,” Buttigieg said.

“The first edition will look at the past since the focus will be on nominations for lifetime or outstanding contributions to yachting.

“At the first ever Yachting Malta Awards, we will unveil the categories for the following year’s edition. These will include new awards such as the official, commodore, entrepreneur and young sailor of the year.”

Nominations, to be submitted online, must be supported by a substantive description together with the dates of the achievements outlined.

Closing date for nominations is February 10, 2017 at noon.

Meanwhile, Buttigieg announced that Yachting Malta have extended their support for the Euromed Regatta which gets underway tomorrow.