A team of 11 sailors from the Malta Young Sailors Club, accompanied by national Optimist sailing coach Jean-Paul Fleri Soler, recently returned from Reggio Calabria after participating in the 23rd edition of the Mediterranean Cup held at the ‘Circolo Velico Reggio ASD’

The Mediterranean Cup is held annually in the Messina Straits and provides a spectacle for onlookers, with a fleet of over 70 sailors sailing against the majestic backdrop of mountains and hill-sides.

This year sailors from all over Italy, including the full complement of the Italian national Olympic Optimist Sailing team, took part, together with sailors from Slovenia and Malta.

Wind conditions were difficult at times, with great fluctuations ranging from very light to very strong in the same race. A short but intense storm also played havoc with the first day’s races, bringing the total number of races held during the regatta to only four.

With 68 sailors in the main fleet, shifting winds and strong currents initially disadvantaged the Maltese sailors who did not get the chance to test the conditions in a practice race prior to the regatta proper.

Thomas Zammit Tabona and Gabriel Pace were the two most consistent sailors, with Zammit Tabona being Malta’s only hope of a podium placing on the last day of the regatta.

But since only four races were held out of the planned seven, the Maltese team was seriously disadvantaged. Thomas Zammit Tabona placed eighth overall, a creditable achievement considering the level of competition and the shifty conditions.

Separate races were held for the Cadet class, and this was the first international overseas experience for cadets Karl Miggiani, Thomas Bonello Ghio and Edward Fleri Soler.

Sailing in a fleet of 41 sailors was a good learning experience for all, and the best result in this class was achieved by Edward Fleri Soler, who ended the regatta in 11th position.

It is hoped that participation at the Mediterranean Cup will be a yearly commitment for Malta Young Sailors, as the Club firmly believes in international exposure for its sailors.

The visit to Reggio Calabria also offered the opportunity for MYSC Secretary and Malta Sailing Federation President Anna Rossi to market the upcoming Euromed International Regatta, to be held in Mellieha between 15 and 22 December, with foreign sailing clubs.