A bumpy North Easterly, building breeze, and growing seas combined to deliver what crews afterwards described as “epic conditions” and “a much tougher race than anticipated” at this year’s Thomas Smith Triple Handed Night Race.
From the start, the fleet was met with awkward, choppy water that made holding a straight course a challenge. The night only grew more demanding as winds built progressively on the approach to Gozo, climbing to around 14 knots and gusting as high as 30 at the tip of the island, before the sea state stiffened further for the long beat home — over a six-hour test that left crews battered but elated.
When the racing was done, it was Sean Borg’s Jubatus — sailed by Borg together with Andrea Azzopardi and Nicky Fenech — that emerged victorious, a result made all the more remarkable by the fact that the boat had only made it to the start line in time, following a mishap the previous weekend. Jubatus took a decent lead early on and held off the chasing fleet on the long beat back to Malta.
“We only launched Jubatus two hours before the start, but the crew pulled it together,” said skipper Sean Borg. “Once the A-sail was up, we hit 14 knots and built a decent lead to Gozo. A couple of incidents there cost us time, and the upwind leg back to Malta in growing seas was a real battle against bigger boats. One to remember — with sore muscles, rope burns, and bruises to show for it.”
Vivace, skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata with Matthew Gabriele and Kevin Anastasi, was second to finish after a hard-fought comeback that included recovering from a heavy broach off Gozo.
“We got off to an excellent start.” said Agius Delicata. “As we headed toward Gozo, the wind built progressively, and we knew we needed to stay with the pack downwind before making our gains on the upwind leg back to the finish. The downwind run was fast and exciting, though we did lose a couple of positions along the way.”
Third across the line was Sebastian Ripard’s boat Calypso, with a crew that included Jake Satariano and Harry Parnis England.
Reflecting on the night, Ripard said: “Epic conditions that delivered a much tougher race than anticipated. There’s something special about racing around Gozo whatever the conditions! No matter how many times I pass by, I’m always in awe of those cliffs!”
Race Management on the day was led by RMYC Commodore Mark Napier, assisted by Peter Micallef and Neity Maddock.
A Prize Giving evening will take place on Friday 15th May at 1900hrs at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club thanked Thomas Smith Insurance Brokers for their ongoing support towards this race.