The Economic Update Vega Offshore Race, organised recently by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC), lined up no fewer than 12 racing yachts vying for pole position as the five minute gun sounded in the morning.
It was Kerisma, helmed by Sonke Stein, who led the fleet out of Marsamxett harbour bound for the Vega Oil Platform closely followed by Strait Dealer all the way round.
The waters opposite the Manoel Island offered a colourful spectacle as the yachts, flying their spinnakers, headed north in the light south easterly breeze. The conditions tested the crews in eyeing and catching the slightest of whispers of breeze to gain on the competition.
The fleet, still quite compact, made Vega around 1300 hrs. The collection of buoys, ships and other artefacts around the Vega oilfield caused confusion as to the actual marks of the course. The ensuing heated discussion over the vhf led to mayhem as the boats rounded the 'marks'. Some boats sailed a few extra miles, all for nothing.
Once round, the fleet headed home south on a fetch in a 10k breeze which settled from the east. The conditions allowed the would-be-chefs on board their respective boats to show off their culinary skills and keep their crew happy. Perfect sailing conditions.
The idyllic racing conditions led the fleet to be split into two private parties, one at the front between the club's 'hot' boats Kerisma and Strait Dealer, with Kerisma winning out in IRC A and overall, and one at the middle with Mischief, Moondance and Sailaway making up the threesome. They relentlessly trimmed their sails to get the maximum out of the breeze, with Martin Meachen on board Mischief managing another bullet on corrected time in the IRC B.
The first boat home was Strait Dealer at 18:41 taking line honours with the last boat coming in at 21:43.
The prize-giving ceremony was held recently where competitors and their guests were entertained on the terraces at Couvre Porte.
John Formosa, Managing Director of Network Publications, awarded commemorative prizes to all the competing boats and to the class winners.
Results
IRC A - 1. Kerisma; 2. Strait Dealer; 3. Elusive.
IRC B - 1. Mischief; 2. Moondance; 3. Sailaway.