2019 | Elusive 2 retains BOV Gozo Regatta Trophy

2019 | Elusive 2 retains BOV Gozo Regatta Trophy

Strong winds and high seas force races to move to Malta

Elusive 2 retained the overall title for the BOV Gozo Regatta, for the fourth year in succession. The BOV regatta was organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club between the 15th and the 17th November 2019.

Race Director Peter Dimech, in agreement with all the participating crews, decided to hold the races outside the Grand Harbour in Malta due to the inclement weather conditions especially at Mgarr Harbour where docking of the boats would have been dangerous and tricky.

Skippered by Maya Podesta, Elusive 2 took line honours and the lead on the first race on Friday This was followed by an unbeaten run on Saturday when the Club organised two round-the-cans races held. On Sunday they won the first race to ensure first place in both IRC Racer Class 1 and the overall win.

In IRC Racer Class 2, Andrew Agius Delicata’s Vivace edged JYS Jan skippered by Zachary Zammit with 3 wins against 2 to lead the category. In the IRC Cruiser Class, Allegra, with owner Patrick Vassallo at the helm had the better of Mario Debono’s Janissah to win the Class.

Stefan Abela, Community Relations Officer at Bank of Valletta and Godwin Zammit, Commodore at the Royal Malta Yacht Club presented the BOV Gozo Regatta Trophy to the Elusive 2 crew, recent overall winners of the Rolex Middle Sea Race and now four times winners of this race.

‘We are very proud of the decision taken by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the racers who put safety first in the prevailing weather situation and moved the race to Malta, and also of the crews who honoured their commitment to race in the not so favourable conditions,’ said Stefan Abela. ‘The BOV Gozo Regatta as established itself as the first race following the gruelling Rolex Middle Sea Race where we are proud to have this year’s winners of the prestigious race also winning the BOV Regatta.’

‘It was an absolute pleasure watching the crews tackle the tricky conditions along the Maltese coast, and we are particularly delighted for the number of very young crew members participating in the race – they surely are the future of Maltese sailing,’ said the RMYC Commodore. ‘Special thanks go to Race Director Peter Dimech and RMYC Vice Commodore Robert Ciantar who braved the rough sea to organise and marshal the races throughout the weekend.’

Results of the BOV Gozo Regatta Weekend can be found on http://www.rmyc.org/event/2019-bov-gozo-weekend-regatta/

Photo Credits: BOV/Stefan Abela

 

 

 

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