A team of nine 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 26th 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 90 sailors including sailors from the Italian national Olympic Optimist Sailing team, sailing against the majestic backdrop of mountains and hill-sides.

Shifting wind conditions and strong currents were difficult at times, with great fluctuations ranging from very light to very strong in the same race. Edward Fleri Soler and Thomas Bonello Ghio were the two most consistent sailors in the main fleet and at the end of the first day of racing they were in first and fourth positions respectively. However the Maltese team was seriously disadvantaged the next day where Fleri Soler placed fourth overall and Bonello Ghio placed ninth, a creditable achievement considering the level of competition and the shifty conditions.

Ella Fleri Soler had an excellent performance where she placed second overall and first female in the 4.7 laser class.

Sailing in a fleet of 34 sailors was a good learning experience for all, and very good results were achieved by Zac Zammit, Alex Esposito, Karl Miggiani and Justin Busuttil.

Separate races were held for the Cadet class, and this was the first international overseas experience for cadets Shaun Mggiani and Craig Farrugia Vella, the latter representing the Birzebbuga Sailing Club.

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 17 and 22 December, with foreign sailing clubs.