Varied fleet for Short Coastal Race Series

Varied fleet for Short Coastal Race Series

Varied fleet makes up first Keelboat event for the 2022 Royal Malta Yacht Club racing season

The Royal Malta Yacht Club hosted its first keelboat event for 2022 on a weekend where, despite a not very encouraging wind forecast a diverse, ten-boat fleet with varied capabilities set sail on a medium length, 12.5 nautical mile course.

Race Officer Peter Dimech sent the fleet south towards the Munxar Cardinal mark and back to the Clubhouse finish line, leaving the Fairway Buoy to port on the return leg of the course.   This decision was taken in the hope that the forecasted wind would enable a good beat upwind. Unfortunately, that was not to be, as a shift to North resulted in a biased starboard tack on the way back.

“Such is life, sailing is very much at the mercy of the elements, but one consolation was that the sun put in a good showing,” remarked Race Officer Peter Dimech

One could not be blamed for thinking that this was a J Boat regatta, with the four entries spanning at least twenty years of the successful makers’ models. From the oldest (taking part) Mark Camilleri’s J92 Pep, to the newest J99, Anton Calleja’s Lartista.  The majestically smart Grand Soleil 58, Miame Too, always dominates the start line, with its sheer size at least.

First off, the line in great competitive style was the Mark Camilleri’s J92, Pep, closely followed Andrew Agius Delicata’s Reflex 38 Vivace and Aaron Gatt Floridia’s new ICE52 Otra VezPep’s lead was short-lived as the fleet exited the harbour mouth with Vivace pipping him to the front.  Vivace’slead was successfully challenged by Otra Vez who positioned herself ahead of the Reflex 38.

The line honours went to OtraVez, having covered the distance in under 2 hours 45 minutes, with a lead of over fifty minutes to Andrew Agius Delicata’s Vivace a Reflex 38.   A very close finish ensued between Miami Too and Moondust with the former leading by just five seconds.

The rest of the fleet finished within 80 minutes with newcomer Simon’s Xuereb Dufour 40 cruiser Spirit of the Winds bringing up the tail end.

“It was great to see such a fleet so early in the season, so we are looking forward to another strong fleet, with possibly more boats joining in at second race of the Series, scheduled to take place on Sunday 20th February.” concluded Peter Dimech.

An official leader board with scores based on the individual IRC Ratings will be issued once all ratings have been processed.   The Series score will be based on the best aggregate of all four races.

The next race of the Series will take place on Sunday 20th February.

More information on the 2022 RMYC Short Coastal Race Series can be found on www.rmyc.org

 

 

 

Coastal RacingRMYCShort Coastal Race Series