International Yacht Paint Double Handed Round Malta Race

International Yacht Paint Double Handed Round Malta Race

With three days to go to the start of the Royal Malta Yacht Club's Double Handed Round Malta Race, many boat owners are preparing their yachts for this short-handed long distance race. And with a varied mixture of racing and cruising boats, each one will have a different list of "must haves" on board. Many will be removing the "excess" cruising weight they carry on board during the winter, whilst some will be refining their sail wardrobe and tuning their rigs.
However, the most important ingredient is finding the right person as a crewmember with the right amount of stamina. Sailing around Malta is a long day out at sea and racing a boat around Malta with two people on board which usually has ten crewmembers is very challenging.

"TonTon" comes to the start line as IRC favourite. This Dufour 44 has been performing very well and is being sailed very seriously and competitively whilst "Comanche Raider" is hot favourite for line honours being the highest rated boat of the fleet.

Martin Meachen will again be sailing "Mischief" with regular crew member, Matthew Tabone. "We know that consistency is the absolute key and at this level that is not always possible. We'll be shooting for a podium finish." continued Meachen.

It looks as though the front runners will have to wait until the whole fleet finishes the race as Gordon Craig will be sailing "Harry". Gordon will be racing with the lowest rating of the whole fleet and always sails a great race shorthanded.

The competitive Cruiser class will also have a great day out sailing. This fleet is always gaining in popularity and size. After a good finish in Gozo two weeks ago, Kevin Gauci Maistre will this time be trying to claim the top podium spot on board "Sezel" but will find many other cruisers in the way such as Breezer, Escape and Allegro Andante"

"We've got a great event lined up for this year and we are very excited about the number and quality of the boats participating," says Andrew Magri Overand representing International Yacht Paints. "We are expecting a fleet of some 24 boats for this year's race" he continued.

Briefing is being held this evening at the RMYC, starting at 1930hrs.  The race starts on Saturday morning from the waters opposite the RMYC in Marsamxetto Harbour.