Artie III powers on to win the RMYC Fully Crewed Figure of Eight Race Round Malta
The fully crewed figure of eight round Malta race, hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club on Saturday, was the last race to be hosted by the Club before the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, taking place in October.
The race saw a good turnout from Maltese boats planning on taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race next month, viewing this race as good preparation, allowing for any necessary changes to be done in time.
Race Officer Martin Azzopardi sent the fleet on a southbound course, heading towards Munxar, Bengħajsa, and a free course north up to the South Comino Channel before heading back to the finish line at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
As the Fleet was set off on the approximately 62 nautical mile course, Paul Debono’s Bait, the Ripard family’s Calypso exited neck to neck out of the harbour. Lee Satariano’s Artie took a slightly different course which resulted in the HH42 leading the way very early into the race.
A shaky start from Jonathan Camilleri Bowman’s Maltese Falcon II which saw them towards the latter end of the fleet was short-lived as they powered on towards the front. From then on the Beneteau First 40.7 engaged in a dog fight with the J99 Calypso. With just a few minutes separating the two boats, both crews participated in a battle of wits, which saw them attempt to gain as many pockets of wind as possible without getting too close to the sheltered cliffs on the western side of Malta.
As the fleet approached the South Comino Channel, Artie was still well ahead of the fleet. Behind them were Maltese Falcon II, approximately fifteen minutes ahead of Calypso. These positions remained unchanged until the finish at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Artie III was the first boat to cross the finish line and was declared the winner on IRC Corrected time. Whilst Maltese Falcon II finished ahead of Calypso, ratings came into play resulting in Calypso pipping the Falcon to second place. In the IRC Cruising Class, Godwin Zammit’s Inspiration emerged as the Class winner.
Prizes were given to the winners during an evening event at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The Club thanked all the volunteers who provided invaluable help throughout the event.
Overall Results
1st | Artie III (Lee Satariano) |
2nd | Calypso (Sebastian Ripard) |
3rd | Maltese Falcon II (Jonathan Camilleri Bowman) |
IRC Class 2
1st | Calypso (Sebastian Ripard) |
2nd | Maltese Falcon II (Jonathan Camilleri Bowman) |
3rd | JYS Jan (Patrice Pace) |
IRC Cruisers
1st | Inspiration (Godwin Zammit) |