The Royal Malta Yacht Club Sailing School registered a strong showing at the Sailing Point Easter Regatta 2026, held in Portorož, Slovenia, and concluding on Easter Sunday. The Club’s Optimist sailors delivered a series of solid performances against a competitive international fleet.

The regatta attracted 396 sailors from 15 nations, reinforcing its position as a key event on the European youth sailing calendar.

The RMYC contingent was led by Team Leader Rachel Ferry and Sailing School Head Coach Ruya Cakmakli, with six sailors representing the Club: Gianni Bianchi, Polina Chaplytska, Jaime Escudero Carra, Ethan Kodjaazliev, Marko Kuvichkin, and Ben Spiteri Bailey.

In preparation for the regatta, the team completed a four-day training camp under the guidance of Maurizio Bencic, focusing on adapting to local conditions and sharpening race routines.

Conditions throughout the regatta were varied. The opening day proved particularly demanding, with sailors spending close to seven hours on the water waiting for stable breeze. Racing eventually commenced in 12–17 knots before conditions became unstable again, requiring the fleet to be moved outside the harbour.

The following days were characterised by predominantly light winds, especially across the final three days, placing emphasis on consistency, boat handling, and decision-making. The first two days were sailed as qualification rounds, followed by final fleet racing over the last two days. A full programme was completed, with 10 races in the Gold Fleet and 9 races in the Silver Fleet.

Gold Fleet (93 sailors)
Gianni Bianchi finished 11th overall following a consistent series, which included a race win and a second-place finish in Race 2. Ethan Kodjaazliev placed 31st.

Silver Fleet (92 sailors)
Jaime Escudero Carra secured 2nd place in the Silver Fleet, marking a strong result within a large and competitive group.

Also competing in the Silver Fleet were Marko Kuvichkin (34th), Ben Spiteri Bailey (62nd), and Polina Chaplytska (77th), all gaining valuable experience at this level.

“This latest international campaign reflects the continued development of the Royal Malta Yacht Club Sailing School programme, with its sailors demonstrating resilience and improving consistency in varied conditions,” said Sailing School Head Coach Ruya Cakmakli.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club congratulated all six sailors for their efforts and thanks Head Coach Ruya Cakmakli, Team Leader Rachel Ferry, and Maurizio Bencic for their work in preparing and supporting the team.

The RMYC Sailing School thanks Sport Malta and the Royal Malta Yacht Club for their support.