Malta’s sailing traditions often run through generations, with families sharing the helm and passing knowledge from one to another. Few boats embody this as clearly as Calypso, co-owned and skippered by Seb Ripard and his cousin Dan Calascione – both grandsons of John Ripard—one of the Rolex Middle Sea Race’s founders—sails under a name that resonates deeply within Maltese maritime history. The current campaign aboard Calypso 3.0, a Farr 30 and the smallest boat in the fleet, is a story of both innovation and heritage.
“This will be our second Rolex Middle Sea Race on Calypso 3.0,” explains Ripard. “Last year we came away with a long to-do list, and we’ve been working hard to tackle the most important items before the start.” Among the upgrades is a new water ballast system, designed to give the lightweight Farr 30 more offshore stability while allowing the crew to remain compact. Sailing with a team of five- one fewer than last year—reflects the strong bond they have built: trust, friendship, and a shared love of the race.
Although the boat has been out of the water for much of the year, the crew has kept their racing skills sharp across different campaigns. Ripard tackled the Rolex Fastnet Race aboard the classic Stormvogel, Kristian Borg Nicholas contributed to Jolt’s Admiral’s Cup campaign, while Calascione and Sam Pizzuto remained active on the superyacht circuit. Meanwhile, Saul Vassallo has been racing in the UK and Ireland. The team has also focused on refining Calypso itself, from hull preparation and new antifouling to improvements aimed at making life on board more comfortable.
Their ambitions are clear: while the dream is always an overall win, the team is focused on competing strongly in their class, particularly against the new generation of fast 35-footers like the JPK 1050 and Pogo RC. “And of course,” says Ripard, “we also want plenty of time sailing fast downwind, on the plane, with spray everywhere and the crew hanging off the back. That’s what it’s all about.”
