On the eve of the Gewiss Marzamemi Weekend Regatta, the fleet list consists of 56 boats. Final preparations are being undertaken, crew lists finalised, supplies loaded and, for this first time this year, just a formal crew list through immigration control in Ta’xbiex and finally, no customs formalities.

The second edition of this Gewiss sponsored regatta has again attracted a record number of boats, and with a favourable weather forecast anticipated, the whole fleet is expected to easily make the passage towards Sicily, possibly under spinnaker.

“We are expecting champagne sailing conditions on Thursday. 56 boats must be the largest sailing gathering after the Rolex Middle Sea Race and we are very proud of our Club’s achievements” said Georges Bonello DuPuis, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. “It takes a lot of work, organisation, dedication and team work to achieve these results and this event is no different as to how we are now tackling our Club events”

Godwin Zammit, the Clubs’ Racing Rear Commodore feels that this event will be a great social and sailing success. “Aside from the desire to win, the Marzamemi Weekend Regatta also forms part of the RMYC’s Offshore Challenge Trophy, so we are also expecting a close battle this year too. Many boats gauge their offshore performance on this race, so proper preparation is paramount.” Some of the leading OCT contenders include Kerisma, Maltese Falcon, Strait Dealer, and Elusive.

The resurgent interest in racing cruisers is also thanks to the IRC Cruiser Class which was launched this year and proved a great success for the Club. “We have targeted typical cruisers who would love to occasionally race against similar boats. These are single furling headsail yachts with an asymmetrical spinnaker as a downwind sail.” continued Zammit. “This class nearly makes up for half the fleet on this weekend’s regatta and we also plan to include it in other regattas”

The first race starts tomorrow at 8.30am from the waters opposite the Royal Malta Yacht Club. An excursion is planned for Friday and a race back on Sunday with the first boats expected to arrive back in Malta by early Sunday evening.

The Prize Giving ceremony is being held tomorrow week at 8pm at the RMYC.