The Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, yesterday inaugurated the Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea, the first race in the 2007 world championship.

The first race of the event will be held today starting at 3pm, and the second one will be held tomorrow, also starting at 3pm.

Addressing those attending the ceremony at the Valletta Waterfront yesterday afternoon, Dr Gonzi said he was proud to see Malta hosting the event of such a vast international standing with the Grand Harbour, one of the most beautiful ports in the world, hosting it.

He thanked the organisers for selecting Malta to host the event together with five others.

The Prime Minister said he was sure the Grand Prix was providing a better image of these islands thanks to the vast television coverage and the presence here of several journalists.

Dr Gonzi was presented with a cheque for Lm5,000 which will be distributed between the national federation of NGOs of Malta, the national council of the Disabled Persons, Din l-Art Helwa, Mental Health Association and Island Sanctuary.

The Prime Minister also toured the site where the boats are parked at the Dry Pits. He also met some of the pilots, including Malta's team Chaudron Portomaso, consisting of brother and sister Aaron and Audrienne Ciantar.

Also present for the occasion was the Minister for Tourism, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech as well as Barry McGovern and the main shareholder of the organisation Asif Rangoonwala

This evening there will be free public entertainment at the Viset Waterfront. It includes a fashion show, spectacular fireworks and live music feturing Nathan D, Klinsmann Coleiro, Scream Daisy and Ira Losco.