The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) has announced the launch of this year’s keelboat racing programme with the Winter Series — a five-race schedule designed to deliver short, two-hour Saturday afternoon races and set the tone for the season ahead.

This year’s Series is being supported by Beneteau, represented in Malta by Mediterranean Yacht Sales, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing commitment to competitive sailing and the development of local racing fleets. In recognition of this partnership, the Series will feature a dedicated Beneteau Class, which will race within the RMYC Club Rating Class, adding an exciting layer of competition among participating owners.

Positioned as an ideal entry point into the Club’s annual calendar, the Winter Series has been designed to be easily accessible to newcomers while lowering barriers for owners with limited racing experience. At the same time, it brings together experienced sailing teams in a format that rewards consistency, tactical discipline and strong boat-handling skills.

Introduced last summer and quickly gaining popularity, the Series will once again adopt a Pursuit Racing format, promising closer finishes and unpredictable outcomes. Instead of a single mass start, yachts begin at staggered intervals according to their rating — with slower boats setting off first and faster boats chasing from behind, making every second count and keeping tension high right to the finish.

Racing begins on 17 January and continues on 14 February, 28 February and 7 March, with each race structured as a short two-hour course on Saturday afternoons. As the Series progresses, standings will gradually take shape as crews adapt to winter conditions and refine their race strategies. The final race on 18 April will deliver a decisive conclusion and a final chance to secure overall honours after weeks of closely contested sailing.

Speaking ahead of the opening race, Adrian Gauci Borda, RMYC Rear Commodore Sailing, commented:  “The Winter Series is a strong introduction for our keelboat fleet and a great way to get the calendar underway. The Pursuit format levels the playing field, keeps competition tight and delivers exciting racing right to the finish. More importantly, it creates an environment where crews can challenge themselves, improve and enjoy time on the water together.”

David Anastasi, General Manager of Mediterranean Yacht Sales, added: “We are very pleased to support this year’s Winter Series. Beneteau has a long tradition of building yachts that perform, endure and inspire confidence — values that align closely with the culture at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Supporting initiatives that strengthen local sailing is something we are very proud to be part of.”

Registration is now open via the Club’s website:
https://rmyc.org/races/2026-rmyc-winter-series-by-beneteau/

The first race briefing will take place on Wednesday 14 January at 1900hrs at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.