The PVIES Double Handed Race, hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and which took place recently, was dogged by very tricky conditions that saw a light start to the race. As the race progressed, particularly when the fleet rounded A?rax point, it was tight and exciting action as most of the boats were swapping positions, all throughout in an attempt to win the coveted trophy.
The Race Course, saw crews leave Marsamxett Harbour to take a southbound course to finish back in Marsamxett Harbour. The first boat to cross the finish line was Elusive II.
IRC Class 1
Aaron Gatt Floridia & Brian Flahive, sailing on Otra Vez, emerged winners of the Class. It was an exciting finish for Otra Vez who despite being pipped to line honours by Elusive II, skippered by Aaron Podesta and David Anastasi, by a just few seconds, managed to take top honours, on corrected time, in their Class. Aaron Gatt Floridia expressed his satisfaction not at just the result but also the quality of sailing he and Flahive managed to produce on the day.
IRC Class 2
Lartista duo, Anton Calleja and Renato Camilleri, who have been sailing together in double handed race for the past five years did not have an auspicious start to the race. Catching up with the big boats near Mag?tab, the race seemed to have had a second start at that point. A good rating for Lartista together with Calleja and Camilleri’s synergy resulted in them winning their Class and the overall race.
Second in Class was the Jarhead Young Sailor’s Foundation crew Fabio Galea and Karl Miggiani, who similarly to Lartista’s crew have had a good number of years sailing together.
A Prize Giving evening was hosted at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in the presence of Ms. Janice Spiteri, representing Island Engineering Services, distributors of PVIES, Photovoltaic Solar Installations and related services. Ms. Spiteri noted that PV|IES have been supporting this race for the past four years and was very pleased with the outcome of this year’s race.
Prizes were presented to the winners by Ms. Spiteri and Rear Commodore (Sailing) and Race Officer Peter Dimech who thanked the crews and the volunteers for their participation and dedication.
The next race on the Royal Malta Yacht Club Race Calendar is the Citadel Marzamemi Weekend Regatta taking place on between the 26th and 28th April. Further information be be found on www.rmyc.org
Photo Credits: On Water – Alex Turnbull Prize Giving – Maria Vella-Galea
