“Malta is today a popular yachting centre in the Mediterranean with an infrastructure to support the yachting sector that includes modern yacht marinas and a shipyard catering for the repair and maintenance of all types of yachts. Races and regattas form an integral part of the yachting segment and should be encouraged,” said Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, presenting Commodore Georges Bonello Du Puis with a cheque.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the Rolex Middle Sea Race is now part of Malta’s yachting calendar and yachting is also an important segment of our tourism industry, drawing to our islands hundreds of yachtsmen and their families.

In Malta and Gozo there are over 1,500 yachting berths. In addition, there is a waiting list for berthing facilities which is encouraging the government to make plans for other yacht marinas.

The minister thanked the organising committee for its tireless work on the organisation of this race and said he hoped the Rolex Middle Sea Race would live up to its past successes.