The Organising Committee of the Royal Malta Yacht Club had a great response for the Gewiss Marzamemi weekend regatta. A record number of 41 boats started from Marsamxett Harbour to cross over to Sicily and enjoy the facilities offered by the new marina in Marzamemi Harbour.

The fleet was divided in four classes in the IRC division and two in the Cruiser division. A total of some 200 members crossed over for what turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend.

The passage race up was a very comfortable crossing and many new owners ventured in this crossing. The Easterly wind ensured that most boats crossed over in one tack and some even managed to hoist their spinnakers for the final 3 miles.

Sunday was a lay day with a BBQ and Prize Giving organized on the beach. Dr Moncada kindly donated prizes to “Allegra” for winning IRC Overall, to and “Saluki” for being the smallest boat to compete. A prize was also given to “Vittoria” for being the only Italian boat to come down to Malta and compete in this race.

On Tuesday, the fleet left the waters opposite the marina under spinnaker but were forced to drop them at Capa Passero due to the North Westerly winds. Again, a one-tack fetch towards Malta with light to medium winds all across the channel made for a very comfortable crossing. The wind picked up for the last ten miles and some positions were traded.

Etienne Bonello DuPuis representing Hydrolectric together with Matteo Barzizza representing Gewiss from Milan presented the winners with various prizes. Gewiss also confirmed that they would be supporting the RMYC next year for the second edition of the Gewiss Marzamemi weekend regatta.

In the IRC Class, Blue Fin, Spirit of the Winds, Elusive and Allegra won their respective class in both races whilst in the Cruiser Class, Flying Colours, Saluki and Eleonor.

Allegra, sailed by Alfred Manduca, managed to claim IRC overall in both races.