The 13th edition of the Malta Optimist Dinghy Association (MODA) Regatta proved to be quite an experience for many of the young sailors out on the seas of St. Paul’s Bay with torrential rains coming down on the first day of the regatta and only two of the six races were completed.

The other four races were then scheduled to be raced two weeks later and the day turned out to have the completely opposite conditions with calm, sunny and extremely light winds, keeping sailors on their toes.

With Travelex Malta as the main sponsor of the event for the fourth year running, this regatta is run by the Malta Optimist Dinghy Association, and qualifies as one of the Malta Sailing Federation ranking regattas with the Optimist being the largest, numerically, of its classes seconded by the bigger Laser 4.7 class.

It is encouraging to see that the Malta Optimist Dinghy Association started off with members from the Malta Young Sailors Club and now also includes members from the Birzebbugia Sailing Club.

Peter Valentino, MODA president, thanked Sean Dallard for sponsoring this event. Mr Valentino was satisfied to see so many kids enjoying themselves in such a beneficial sporting and life experience. Sean Dallard added that it is “vital to encourage the kids to venture in sports” and that Travelex Malta is very proud to be giving young children the chance they all deserve. 

Race winners:

Novice Class:

1st Benjamin Spiteri, 2nd Matthew Bugeja, 3rd Nick Bonello Ghio.

Cadets:

1st Matthew Micallef, 2nd Shaun Miggani, 3rd Craig Farrugia Vella.

Open Class

1st Thomas Bonello Ghio, 2nd Edward Fleri Soler, 3rd Alex Esposito.

Laser 4.7:

1st Thomas Zammit Tabona, 2nd Zak Micallef, 3rd Nicola Manduca.