Malta is to have its own national offshore sailing team, Viva Malta, racing a Cookson 50 bought with an investment of around €400,000. The team was announced by Yachting Malta, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations.
The project was proposed by Yachting Malta. Its four-year programme dedicates 2021 to buying and managing the boat, with Mediterranean events planned for 2022 and further international campaigns to follow.
Minister Ian Borg said it was another step towards sealing Malta’s name as a centre of excellence in the maritime sector, backed by a committee of technical experts who would, through their expertise, “help Malta offer the best possible team”. Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima noted Malta’s history of success in sailing, including nine Maltese wins in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and said the project gives Maltese sailors another platform to show their ability internationally.
“This was a red letter day for the sailing community in Malta and for Malta. The project, which kicked off in April, involved a lot of intensive work, but the dream has been achieved,” said Yachting Malta Chairman John Huber.
