Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla Insurance sealed his first win of the year over the weekend when the Royal Malta Yacht Club hosted the final race of the three-part Winter Series. The Series took place over the course of three thrilling weekends, which saw a good sized fleet undertake short coastal courses and round the cans races
Coastal Races
Just one point separated winner the Dufour 44, Ton Ton Laferla and Mark Camilleri’s Pep, who consistently seemed to be chasing the Dufour 44 throughout the Series. In third place, and first in the Cruisers’ Class was David Anastasi’s Pippus, a Swan 44 which made its debut in the Club’s racing fleet.
SB20 Fleet
A highlight of this year’s Winter Series was the inclusion of the SB20 fleet, a one design class of sailboats which has seen a rapidly gaining momentum and strength in anticipation of the forthcoming European Championships set to take place in Malta September. Throughout the Series, Craig Farrugia Vella’s Sayonara Baby, proved the team to beat. Unfortunately the adverse weather conditions on the final day of the series. caused racing to be cancelled.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the Winter Series also provided a much-needed opportunity for crews to rekindle their racing spirit after a short break, offering crews to get back in race mode and sharpening their tactics.
The Club is now gearing for its next Regatta which will take place in Gozo between the 16th and 19th March and its first offshore race, the International Yacht Paints Marzamemi Regatta which will take place in May. The latter is a firm favourite amongst RMYC crews and a good fleet is expected.