The HSBC Malta National Dinghy Sailing Championships kick off tomorrow. The race area chosen for this year’s championships is off the Sliema front, from where spectators can view the spectacle with ease. The public and sailing enthusiasts are invited to watch the competition, and binoculars are advised, in order to capture the best of the action. The Championships are organised annually by the Malta Sailing Federation and this year, this prestigious event is being hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
Nine races are planned to take place over the three days, with the first race starting at 10am. Delays in starts of sailing races are usual, with the race committee waiting to make sure that the wind direction is constant and the strength acceptable. Racing will take place in most weather conditions, with the biggest enemies being calm weather (with wind strengths of less than about 5 knots) or severe weather. A robust Force 5 wind, however, would in normal circumstances not deter sailors from sailing.
The exact layout of the course will depend on the wind direction, since sailing races always start with an upwind leg, that is, a leg sailed towards the direction from which the wind is blowing. If the wind direction is favourable, the course will be laid parallel to the coast, offering the best views to spectators.
“Sport is an important area of sponsorship for HSBC. As the World’s Local Bank, we are happy to assist the Malta Sailing Federation with the organisation and management of the annual championship.
“Malta’s geographical position as an island surrounded by the Mediterranean offers a wonderful environment for sailing,” said HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Wallis.
“The Federation strives to maintain a culture of sailing in Malta. Large numbers of enthusiasts come together to train, sail and enjoy this sport, which does not only have sporting values but also social ones. HSBC has supported the sport of sailing in the past.
“The fact that HSBC is back this year reflects its continued confidence in the future of this marvelous sport in Malta. Its support goes a long way in helping the Federation plan important initiatives on a national level, and will ensure that the Championship is a success,” said Anton Valentino, President of the Malta Sailing Federation.
Sailing in Malta has increased in popularity, especially among youngsters.
Witness of this are the numerous sailing clubs around the Islands, and increased participation in races.
The range of boats sailed by clubs varies between one-meter radio-controlled model boats and Optimist dinghies sailed by under-15s, to Olympic class Laser boats, and various other two-person dinghies. Keelboats of up to 15 metres in length (commonly referred to as “yachts”) are sailed by members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Vikings Sailing club. The two classes of dinghy sailed competitively are the Optimist and the Laser, both one-person and one-sail dinghies.
The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the Royal Malta Yacht Club at Fort Manoel on Sunday afternoon. Apart from the declaration of the National Champions and the awards to the second and third placed sailors in each class, the MSF Challenge trophy is traditionally awarded to the sailing club with the greatest number of entries, and the Joe Borg Costanzi Trophy to the first placed sailor in the Laser races.