Christopher Dougall, (pictured) one of Malta’s few professional sailors, who has raced on a good number of the planet’s largest and fastest racing yachts, has been signed up by Onorato Vincenzo’s America’s cup Challenge team – Mascalzone Latino Capitalia.

Chris, 33 from Sliema, but now residing in St.Paul’s Bay, is currently in Valencia, Spain, where he has been undergoing trials with the team for the past few days. He has just been selected to sail with the Latin Devils. Earlier this year Chris sailed many regattas with diverse racing teams.

Anton Valentino, President, Malta Sailing Federation had this to say. ‘This is truly a great day for the Maltese Sailing Community as well as for all the Maltese. This is the best kind of advertising we can get. Hopefully in a few years time, other Maltese sailors will join in and continue to fly our flag at such prestigious events’.

Eleven teams are currently vying for the world’s premier sailing event and with sailors from all over the world, tiny Malta with its limited resources will be represented for the first time out on the race course, battling it out with the world’s best and highest paid sailors. It must also be said that in many previous editions of the America’s Cups, John Ripard Snr a seasoned IJ (international Juror) from Madliena, has figured prominently in the jury during these prestigious events.

With many, many offshore race wins, including the Rolex Middle Sea Race win in 2001 on board ‘Strait Dealer’, Chris sailed most of 2004 on board Neville Crighton’s World famous Maxi Yacht – Shockwave Team Alfa Romeo. Chris has now raised his own level somewhat by the recent signing. This is a great personal achievement for him, having set this goal a long time ago. In his own words ‘ I like to thank all those who gave me the will to keep striving for it’.