With winter finally knocking on our doors, it is time to launchthe annual Match Racing Winter Series at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. A popularfixture on the Club’s racing calendar, Match Racing sees different teams raceeach other on two identical boats. Aftereach race, teams are required to swap boats thus making it a very intensecompetition. Tactics are very different to those used in fleet racing.
In its efforts to increase and grow participation, thisyear the Club will be splitting teams in two categories based on theirexperience – Seasoned and Newcomer. Newcomers to Match Racing are being encouragedby the Club to take part. The Club willbe offering lessons and time to train prior to racing in a separate series.
"Last year’s Match Racing Series generated quite a lot ofinterest by non-participating crews, and in view of this we are setting up asystem where newcomers can avail themselves of lessons and pre-race practiceprior to racing in a separate league from the experienced crews” said DavidAnastasi, Rear Commodore Sailing at the Royal Malta Yacht Club “ We hope that bythe end of the season we will be in a position to have a final between all teamsand look forward to seeing some new teams challenge past winners”.
Match Racing teams shall be made up of up to four sailorsand racing will take place on H-boats inside Marsamxett Harbour close to the RMYCclubhouse. Match racing is also open to non-members and the Club encourages andwelcomes other clubs to challenge the RMYC teams.
Race Days will take place on the 30th January; 6th and 13th February;5th, 28th, and 31st March; 2nd April. Registration must be completedat the RMYC Secretariat by close of business on Friday 29th January. Racingschedule will be posted on the RMYC website and notice board before each raceday.
More information about the Winter Match Racing Series canbe found on the Royal Malta Yacht Club website or via email on info@rmyc.org.
The Club’s 2016 Racing Calendarcan be found on http://www.rmyc.org/races/?id=183