Held every summer, the Twilight Series have long been a staple on the Club’s calendar, offering sailors a fun, relaxed yet competitive mid-week escape from the daily grind. This year, the Club has introduced a brand-new twist to the Series, upping the ante for both seasoned racers and casual cruisers alike.
Taking on a Pursuit Racing format, this year’s 6-race Series promised closer finishes and unpredictable outcomes. Rather than all boats starting at once, each boat is given a staggered start time based on its rating or handicap. Slower boats head off first, with the faster ones starting later and a chase ensues.. The first boat to cross the finish line takes the win, regardless of rating. This format makes every second count and ensures that the excitement builds all the way to the line.
With three races still to go, the leaderboard is tight. Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla Insurance leads the pack, but the Jarhead Young Sailors’ Foundation JYS Jan, skippered by Claudio Bugeja and Charles Cronin’s Alecto are hot on its heels—just two points separate the top three boats. The rest of the fleet is still in fighting form, meaning the final races are set to deliver thrilling showdowns on the water.
In true Royal Malta Yacht Club style, the event doesn’t end there. Each race culminates at the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s bar, where crews gather to share banter, racing stories, and post-race analysis over a drink or two.
“The Twilight Series were always a popular event, however this year we decided to change the format in the hope of attracting a wider fleet. The formula has worked because we have seen a good fleet take part on Wednesdays. And whether you’ve crossed the finish line first or last, the real effect of the event lies in community spirit and shared love of the sport as can be seen in the Club’s bar on Wednesday evenings”
Aaron Gatt Floridia, RMYC Committee Member.
The next race will take place on Wednesday 9th July, registration is open on the Club’s website via this link – https://rmyc.org/races/2025-twilight-series-pursuit-racing/