Last weekend saw one of the most successful races organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club for 2006 so far. The Raymarine double handed figure of eight race had a healthy 19-boat entry list. The boats were split in two classes according to the club’s rating band system.

The race started in a southerly 5-10 knots breeze with a wonderful spinnaker start, reminiscent of last month’s action down at Marsamxett harbour.

The course took the 19 boat strong fleet north bound through the Malta – Comino channel passing clockwise around Gozo and back south bound through the Gozo – Comino channel heading for the island of Filfla. Finally round Munxar bouy and back into Marsamxett harbour.

Following last month’s success in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, placing second overall, Lee Satariano’s J-109 Artie managed a first over the line, first in Class A and first overall. Artie, skippered by Lee Satariano and crewed by bowman Kurt Casapinta and whose full crew has been included in a list of nominees for this year’s Sports Awards by the Malta Olympic Committee, completed the course in 12hrs 28mins and 42s.

Blue fin came first in Class B and second overall and Maltese Falcon 2 finished second in Class A and third overall.