A gruelling 17-hour race tests the resolve of the entire fleet as light winds force a shortened course

The International Yacht Paint Figure of 8 Race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, took place on Saturday in what proved to be a long and demanding day on the water, with the entire fleet demonstrating exceptional determination in the face of frustratingly light and unpredictable conditions.

A Slow Start and a Shortened Course

The fleet set off from Marsamxett in practically windless conditions, inching sluggishly across the start line as they headed southward towards the Munxar Cardinal Mark. The breeze shifted constantly throughout the day, ranging from flat calm to light and only occasionally moderate winds

In response to the prevailing conditions, the Race Committee took the decision to amend and shorten the course, removing the Gozo leg and instead requiring the fleet to round Comino before heading back to the finish in Marsamxett.

Sean Borg’s Jubatus led the fleet out of harbour at the start, followed by Luis Azzopardi’s Kixx Me and Stefan Debattista’s Geisha, with Andrew Agius Delicata / Matthew Gabriele’s Vivace and Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla trailing close behind.

As the fleet headed south, Kixx Me and Geisha forged ahead, building a gap on the rest. Rounding Munxar, Kixx Me, Geisha, and Jubatus led the way, followed by Ton Ton, Vivace, and David Pizzuto’s Xpalidocious. Past Benghajsa and heading towards Filfla, Jubatus again moved to the front. At Comino, Ton Ton Laferla took the lead with Jubatus close astern – the first two boats home. Geisha was third to finish.

Race Results

Ton Ton Laferla was first to cross the finish line and first on corrected time, claiming overall victory. Adding further colour to the win, Gambin’s regular crew were away competing in an international regatta, and their places were filled at short notice by young crew members from Mario Debono’s Seven team.

Setting off mid-fleet, Vivace’s crew executed a series of well-timed sail changes to work their way steadily through the course.  Benefiting from favourable shifts around Paradise Bay, the crew made decisive tactical calls in the final stretch to secure second overall and first in Class.

Sean Borg’s Jubatus finished third overall.

RMYC Club Class

In the RMYC Club Class, David Pizzuto’s Xpalidocious was first to finish, however it was the double-handed entry Thunder Child, crewed by father and son Matthew and Kyle Zarb Cousin, who took class honours on corrected time.

“This was one of those races that truly tests character. Light winds and shifting breezes over such a long course would try the patience and resolve of even the most experienced sailors, yet the entire fleet showed tremendous determination in seeing the race through to the end. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all finishers – every one of them earned their result today. We are also deeply grateful to Mac Med Group and International Yacht Paints for their long-standing and invaluable support, which makes events like this possible year after year.”

– Adrian Gauci Borda, Rear Commodore Sailing, Royal Malta Yacht Club

““We are proud to enjoy such a long standing relationship with the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Sailing is a sport that demands real skill, strategy and commitment, and events like the Figure of 8 Race embody all of those qualities. As representatives of International Paint in Malta, Mac Med Group is delighted to continue supporting occasions that bring the local sailing community together while showcasing what Malta has to offer on the water.”water.”

– Andrew Magri Overend, Chief Executive Officer, Mac Med Group

A prize giving evening will be co-hosted by the Club and Mac Med Group on Friday, 17 April at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.