David Anastasi, Ivan Mallia and Kevin Gauci Maistre enjoyed a winning start to the local sailing season after securing top spots in their respective IRC classes at the third Global Capital Gozo Weekend Regatta, organised recently by the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC).

Strait Dealer (J-125) and Wind Driven (Dehler 34) claimed three 'bullets' apiece while Gauci Maistre, on board Sezel, had two first-place finishes to obtain his first regatta win as a skipper in keelboat racing.

Gauci Maistre was run close by David Cremona, on board Breezer (Oceanis 473), and Anthony Camilleri (Bavaria 47) on board Windward, both very worthy opponents.

Mallia was also a delighted Dehler owner.

"We sailed very well, committed very few mistakes and I think the result shows just that," Mallia commented after the race.

"All credit must go to the crew for a great weekend of sailing."

The Gatt Floridia brothers, on Otra Vez (First 36.7), were second behind Wind Driven and Godwin Zammit (Sun Fast 40) third on Inspiration.

"We sailed pretty well and there are lots of positives about this team, but we now have a checklist that needs to be seen to before our next race," Edward Gatt Floridia said, confident of an improved showing in the next event.

In Class Two, Kerisma (Ker 11.3) was a very close second behind Strait Dealer. Elusive 2 (First 45) followed in third place.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Ian Zammit, representing sponsors Global Capital, congratulated the winners and the RMYC committee for organ-ising an outstanding weekend regatta.

Zammit also confirmed Global Capital's sponsorship to the RMYC for next year's race.

The next event on the RMYC calendar is the International Yacht Paint Double Handed Round Malta race, to be held on Saturday, April 25.