Maltese Falcon II wins the 62nd Malta – Syracuse Race

Maltese Falcon II, skippered by Jonathan Camilleri Bowman and Adrian Gauci Borda, won the IRC Overall title at the 62nd Malta – Syracuse Race, while Lee Satariano’s Artie III established a new course record.

Hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Lega Navale Italiana (Sezione Siracusa), the Malta – Syracuse Race is the oldest regatta in the Mediterranean, and this year’s edition drew a healthy mix of boats, from fully carbon racers to cruiser/racers and cruisers, each with a chance of winning.

The fleet started just outside Marsamxett Harbour and had a slow start as crews hunted for wind on their way up to the South Comino Channel and past Gozo, before heading for Syracuse on a 105 nautical mile course. Winds varied between four and eight knots and at times died completely.

Despite the conditions, Artie III lowered the course record to 24 hours, 50 minutes and 40 seconds, beating their own previous record by an hour, five minutes and 31 seconds. “It was good to be back participating in the Malta – Syracuse Race, despite the very light winds, which were even lighter 30 miles from the finish, which took just under twelve hours,” remarked Lee Satariano.

Dominguin won the ORC Overall and ORC Cruising classes, while Mario Debono’s Janissah took the IRC Cruisers trophy.

“The Malta – Syracuse Race is a historical race which brings two well-established yacht clubs together to race in a highly competitive yet friendly environment. It was nice to welcome back our Italian friends, some of whom have been taking part in this race for many years,” said David Cremona, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, who thanked both clubs and their volunteers.