Welcome to
the Royal Malta Yacht Club
Founded in 1835

Passion & Heritage
Sailing is not just a journey across the water; it is a dance with the wind, an embrace of freedom, and a connection to the timeless beauty of nature."
The Club
Located right on the water in Ta’ Xbiex Marina the club offers extraordinary facilities which include a lounge bar and dining area with outdoor terraces, roof top terrace, conference rooms, a fitness room with changing rooms, waterfront facilities for small boats and a seasonal marina for larger boats.
Malta
Malta with its wonderful weather has a great lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for sport and the club is an ideal base for yachtsmen whether for racing or cruising at any time of year. It is a favourite port of call for members of renowned yacht clubs from all over the world with which the club has reciprocal agreements.
Governance
The club is run by a committee elected by the full members of the club. The members vary in age and profession but share a common passion for, yachting and the social life that is generated around the club. It is not necessary to own a boat to be a member of the club and enjoy the benefits of a yacht club in a beautiful waterfront location.
Timeline
The RMYC Story
Royal Malta Yacht Club Established
RHODA

Racing
Malta Yacht Club

Blue Ensign
![BombDamageMalta[1] BombDamageMalta[1]](https://rmyc.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/BombDamageMalta1-q3coyewk1rdn586or000p68cppjydngcjz1leoj9oc.jpg)
World War 2
Rebuilding

Off-shore Races

Middle Sea Race Trophy Creation

First edition of Middle Sea Race

Club Premises moved to Manoel Island
Post of Commodore assumed by Chairman of the General Committee

International Sailing Events

Formation of Malta Yachting Federation
Valletta Yacht Club

Reverts to Original Name - Royal Malta Yacht Club
Get to know
The RMYC Committee
The Royal Malta Yacht Club depends heavily through the voluntary contribution of its membership to govern and operate its programmes. The Club Committee, made up of nine members, is elected by the Club’s members at the Annual General Meeting, conducts areas of management which falls within their remit.
David Cremona
Commodore
David Cremona has been a full member of the RMYC since 2001.This is his third term in office. In 2020 he served in the role of Rear Commodore House.
He has taken part in various races organised by the Club with his boat Breezer both in IRC rated races as well as the Cruiser Class. He also participated as a crew in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
David is presently a property sales negotiator, having worked in the real estate industry for the past 17 years. This followed years as a General Manager / Director with a leading pharmaceutical distributor and importer of baby foods , foodstuffs and medical equipment.
He is an active member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. This will be David’s third year as the Club Commodore.
Mark Napier
Vice Commodore & Hon. Secretary
Mark Napier has been an active member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club ever since being introduced to the club at the age of 12. He has participated in many Club races and has assisted in race management on many occasions.
He has been continuously elected to serve on committee since 1998 where he has served the Club as Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Rear Commodore Cruising, Rear Commodore House and as Vice Commodore. He was one of the key members involved in relocating and rebuilding the Club house and was deeply involved in the setting up and shaping the organisation of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Mark has held various directorships and worked in senior management all his professional life, starting off in textiles, then moving on to producing equestrian and marine related products, and in recent years has been managing a foreign owned Pharmaceutical Company.
In 2020 Mark was one again elected to the Committee retained his role of Honorary Secretary.
He is married to Nadine and has two children – John and Elena.
Mark Vella
Hon. Treasurer
Unlike most of his Committee member colleagues Mark started sailing at a much more mature age even if in 1968 when a very young kid he scrupulously followed the first Middle Sea Race via the local media and vouched that one day he would do this race.
Mark became a member of the RMYC in 1999 when the late Arthur Podesta was Commodore. This was a life transformation move as he eventually started sailing with Arthur and family, participating in most local races and 7 Rolex Middle Sea Races between 2004 and 2010. There was a great deal of success and satisfaction and Mark got elected onto the RMYC Committee on several occasions since then serving as Treasurer and Secretary. Mark chaired a COVID-19 task force during last years’ RMSR which was crucial in making the race happen.
This is Mark’s third consecutive year as Treasurer.
Georges Bonello Dupuis
Rear Commodore (Special Events)
Georges has served as a committee member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club between 1997 to 2012. He was elected Commodore of the Club in January 2000, a post he held until February 2012.
Throughout his tenure, Georges drove a program of change and re-energised the RMYC from a traditional ageing colonial social club to a dynamic, energised and recognised entity turning it from a local outlook into an internationally recognised establishment that has a place within the top rankings of clubs around the world. He focused on increasing corporate level sponsorship participation through the introduction of a number of new events in which companies were given exposure to affiliate their brand with the boating fraternity. Enticed companies such as BMW, Vodafone, Rolex SA, Bank of Valletta, AirMalta together with the Malta Tourism and Maritime Authorities amongst others.
He was influential and the main driving force in securing the Rolex sponsorship for the Middle Sea Race and place it in the world rankings of international yachting to a position of significance and status as one of the “must do” races for every yachtsman, professional or Corinthian. He was responsible in successfully negotiating with Government and private stakeholders the reallocation of the RMYC to suitable location. He also spearheaded the new Clubhouse built in Ta’ Xbiex and in 2021 was responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance programme undertaken by the Club.
In 2023 Georges will retain his role of Special Events, particularly focusing on the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Georges is a very keen yachtsman and regularly raced shorthanded offshore races on board Escape. Georges enjoys cruising extensively.
Mario Debono
Rear Commodore (House)
Mario Debono has been sailing from a very young age. He took his first steps on the water at the tender age of 3 years old, on his grandfather’s sailing luzzu at that time. His passion was and still is sailing, and he cruises and races extensively with the Club.
Mario’s interests are anything to do with the sea. He believes very much that the older generation should encourage the younger generation to sail. He is married to Jackie Drury and has two children, with a son who sails with the Jarhead Foundation and has just done his first Middle Sea Race and with a daughter who trains at the club’s sailing school.
In business, Mario runs several companies ranging from Pharmaceuticals, construction and IT Services. He is also President of the Pharmacy Section of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises and a Council member, and is involved in running the Pharmacy Of Your Choice Scheme, of which he was the creator and promoter. Mario is offering his long experience in business to the Club, so that it can develop further and grow.
Mario Debono is passionate about the promotion of Malta as a yachting destination and centre of excellence, not just in sailing but also all types of activities on the water.
This is Mario’s third year as Rear Commodore (House).
Adrian Gauci Borda
Rear Commodore (Sailing)
Following his father’s footsteps Adrian is a very keen sailor who started sailing at the age of 18 on the laser now known as the ILCA7 class. Adrian was part of the national team in the Laser class until 2003 Small Nations Games held in Malta. An experience he defines as UNIQUE, having sailed multiple times abroad including Mediterranean games, World Championships, European circuit and Olympic qualifying events.
Adrian was also involved in Match racing held by RMYC and racing in the J/70 one design sport boat class. He is also the co-founder of the SB20 one design class in Malta having set the Association, affiliated the class with Malta’s Sailing Authority and the SB20 World council. The class consists of 8 boats locally has been established in 2017. Currently he sails on Maltese Falcon 2, having in the last four years progressed from round the can and coastal races to fully blown offshore racing.
Nowadays, Adrian is very much involved in race organization, and voluntarily dedicates his time to dinghy ranking events, international races organized by local Clubs. Although the move to race organisation is not easy, with the right help and mentorship it is possible.
“Sailing is a sport for young and old to enjoy in any form, whether it is sailing, socially, volunteering we all form part of the same family”
Edgar Warrington
Member
Edgar Warrington first joined the RMYC Committee in the late 1990s and since then occupied a number of roles, particularly relating to the role of House due to his background in Catering. He has also, since 1996 contributed his time during the Middle Sea Race. Edgar spent many years racing on the yacht Moondance and has a Rolex Middle Sea Race participation under his belt.
Alexandr Denisiuc
Member
James Villette
Member
The Commodore is elected annually by the Committee from amongst its members at a meeting chaired by the person having obtained the majority of votes during the election of the Committee, or otherwise by the most senior officer of the previous Committee present.
The elected Commodore nominates Officers to be approved by election amongst the members of the Committee. All Officers with the exception of the Commodore may or may not be appointed at the discretion of the Committee.
Mr John Ripard Sr is the Honorary President of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Past Officers
Commodores
David Cremona | 2021 - present |
Godwin Zammit | 2012–2020 |
Georges Bonello DuPuis | 2002–2011 |
Arthur Podesta | 1998–2001 |
George Cachia | 1996–1997 |
John Ripard Sr | 1988–1995 |
Colonel G.Z.Tabona OBE RMA | 1984–1987 |
John Ripard Sr | 1977–1981 |
Colonel G.Z.Tabona OBE RMA | 1972–1976 |
Sir Maurice Dorman GCNG GCVD | 1962–1971 |
H.E.Admiral Sir Guy Grantham GCBC BE DSO RN | 1960–1961 |
H.E. Sir Robert Laycock KCMG CB | 1955–1959 |
H.E. Sir Gerald Creasy | 1950–1954 |
H.E. Sir Francis Douglas | 1948–1949 |
War Years - No records held | 1938–1947 |
H.E. General Sir David G.M. Campbell GCBA DC | 1935–1937 |
Vice Commodores
Mark Napier | 2023 - |
Peter Dimech | 2022 -2022 |
Anna Rossi | 2021 - 2022 |
Robert W. Ciantar | 2019 - 2020 |
Peter Dimech | 2018 |
Mark Napier | 2014 - 2017 |
Teddie Borg | 2013 |
Mark Napier | 2011–2012 |
Teddie Borg | 2008–2010 |
David Farrugia | 2006–2007 |
Anton Valentino | 2005–2005 |
Mark Napier | 2002–2004 |
David Farrugia | 2000–2001 |
Anton Valentino | 1999 |
Peter Valentino | 1998 |
Commander W J Fenley | 1996–1996 |
George Cachia | 1993–1995 |
Major Chevalier Hamilton RM | 1989–1992 |
Benny Grech | 1988 |
Major Chevalier Hamilton RM | 1986–1987 |
Lieutenant Commander Lavarack RM | 1982–1985 |
Walter Camilleri | 1980–1981 |
Lieutenant Colonel AV Borda RMA | 1977–1979 |
Lieutenant Commander Lavarack RM | 1975–1976 |
Colonel A Abel Smith | 1972–1974 |
Colonel GZ Tabona OBE RMA | 1970–1971 |
Lieutenant Colonel AV Borda RMA | 1966–1969 |
Commander Edward Palmier DSC RN | 1965 |
Rear Admiral The Viscount Kelburn DSC RN | 1961–1964 |
Rear Admiral DHF Hetherington RN | 1960 |
Brigadier PWC Hellins BSC MC | 1960 |
Vice Admiral Sir Charles E Madden | 1958–1959 |
Rear Admiral WG Brittan CB CBE RN | 1955–1957 |
Rear Admiral JSC Salter CB DSO OBE RN | 1952–1954 |
Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Hawkins CBE CB | 1950–1952 |
Rear Admiral CP Clarus CB DSC RN | 1949–1950 |
Brigadier General De Brett | 1948 |
War years - No records held | 1938–1947 |
Vice Admiral WF French CB CMG RN | 1935–1937 |
Thank You To
Our Sponsors
The Royal Malta Yacht Club relies on the support sponsors give it and is always ready to welcome companies and organisations willing to support and organise yacht racing events.
If you would like to know more about how your company can get involved in our Yacht Racing Sponsorship Programme please fill out the submission form below.

Rolex
The leading name in luxury wristwatches, Rolex has been the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige for over a century, as it continues to expand its long history of achievement and innovation. ROLEX sponsor many premier sailing events worldwide and are the exclusive title sponsor of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Bank of Valletta
Bank of Valletta are the sponsors of the BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta. The BOV Group is a leading financial services provider in Malta, providing a full range of financial services including investment banking, private banking, fund management, bancassurance and stockbroking through its national network of 41 branches, a Corporate Centre, 5 Business Centres and a Wealth Management arm.

GOA Yachting
“GOA stands for “Global Oceans Assistance!” The goal for our business has always been to provide the best possible “assistance & guidance” to those who request it. We take a personal interest in each request, no matter how big or small. No matter where your vessel is located, and as Official Yachting & Shipping Agents in Malta we are confident about providing the necessary assistance. Over the years we have built relationships with recognised Shipyards and stand ready to arrange & implement a solution at short notice.”

Malta Tourism Authority
VisitMalta (Malta Tourism Authority) is all about bringing people together, creating and fostering relationships, through the excitement of travel, adventure and much more. Essentially, VisitMalta is the main regulator and motivator for the tourism industry in Malta. VisitMalta is also the industry’s motivator, its business partner, Malta’s brand promoter, and sees to it that meaningful partnerships with all the tourism stakeholders, and with world-renowned organisations and brands, are formed, maintained, and managed.

Yachting Malta
Yachting Malta’s primary role is to identify and attract high profile yachting events to the Maltese Islands. Yachting Malta also aims to enhance the quality and growth of already established events. Another role is to foster and promote yachting and associated international activities with an emphasis on the young. This includes education and training in the fundamentals of sailing, powerboat racing and water safety.
Volunteers
The Royal Malta Yacht Club depends on its volunteer members.
With so many sailing and social events scheduled throughout the year there is no shortage of opportunities for volunteers to lend a hand.
All those who are interested in becoming an RMYC volunteer please send an email to: info@rmyc.org.
The success of the many events organised by the RMYC is attributed to the help we receive from our volunteers. Events such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the many races in the Club’s Racing Calendar focus around a group of people who give their time to make sure that events such as these are a great success for the Club.
Volunteers also enjoy the possibility of learning race management skills and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team that has many varied responsibilities. Individual volunteers work on major national and international regattas. Although this requires a lot of work, these regattas offer the chance to meet sailors from all over the world
Volunteers don’t have to be an active sailor to participate in the many events that are conducted out of the RMYC. There are a variety of interesting roles that can be undertaken that are an integral part of a successful event or function. For many years the Royal Malta Yacht Club has found the support of volunteers to manage weekend races for Club boats through to being involved in the starting procedures of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Year-in and year-out, RMYC members respond to the call and lend a helping hand. Committees are organized to manage the operations and events of the Club and here too members and helpers are always welcome.