The sixth edition of the Malta-Tunisia Yacht Rally is scheduled to be held at the end of July. This year’s edition was launched during a press conference held at Bank of Valletta’s headquarters on Monday. Bank of Valletta is the title sponsor of this race.

The BOV Phoenician Experience is the popular 300-kilometre nautical event open for both sailing and motor yachts. Since their setting up, diplomatic relations between Malta and Tunisia date back 40 years, thus this year represents an important milestone for both countries.

This year’s event bears the distinguished patronage of Dr Michael Frendo Minister for Foreign Affairs and Dr Francis Zammit Dimech Minister for Tourism and Culture. These are being flanked with their Tunisian counter-parts, namely Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Tijani Haddad Minister for Tourism of the Republic of Tunisia.

The green light for the Rally will be given from Malta on Friday 27th July, and is expected to end up at Port El Kantaoui, following a one night stop-over at Lampedusa. Reporting on the progress reached in the organisation of the event, Roland Darmanin Kissaun explained that, "Nine sailing boats and six motor yachts have already confirmed their participation. Meanwhile, the Tunisian authorities will be providing all participating boats with free berthing facilities." "Local yachtsmen, especially new-comers for long off-shore sailing, enjoy the fun of cruising in company. We are looking forward in anticipation to the warm welcome we always get when we land in Port El Kantaoui. To end the Rally in style, a presentation of prizes and awards will be held over a Gala Dinner," concluded Mr Darmanin Kissaun.

For The BOV Phoenician Experience several organizations have rallied their support, including the Tunisian Airline SevenAir, the Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT) as well as the cooperation of the Embassy of Tunisia in Malta and the Embassy of Malta in Tunisia.

Further information about the Rally can be obtained from members of the Organising Committee, namely Roland Darmanin Kissaun (9947 8678), Richard Tua (9949 2898), Mohamed Laamouz (9949 4077), Wilfred Sultana (9907 1949) and Martin Azzopardi.