The fleet taking part in the Raymarine Figure of eight Double Handed Round Malta and Gozo Race set off to a slow start from Marsamxett Harbour.

The race is one of the longest and toughest races in the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s calendar. It is sailed by only two persons on board and follows an 80 nautical mile course around all the Maltese Islands.

The race officer of the day, Mark Napier, sent the yachts on a South-bound course towards Marsaxlokk and Filfla before proceeding towards Gozo.

The predicted South Westerly wind soon filled in reaching 20 knots at times giving the boats a hard time on the more exposed parts of the course and the race turned out to be quite a quick one.

The first boat crossed the finish line at the RMYC at 6.20pm and all boats had finished by well before midnight.

Prizes were awarded to the winners at the RMYC by Dora Ripard, on behalf of Raymarine.

The Commodore of the club, Godwin Zammit, thanked Raymarine for their continued support of this popular race which is now in its 19th year.

IRC Racer Class 1

First: Xp-Act - Sebastian Ripard and Jan Rossi

Second: Tonton - Jonathan Gambin and Matthew Gabriele

Third: Comanche Raider II - Ramon Sant Hill and Nicky Fenech

IRC Racer Class 2

First: Sailaway - Ray Schembri and Duncan Camilleri

Second:   Lartista - Anton Calleja and Matthew Farrugia

Third: First Time - Mark Vassallo and Gareth Grech

IRC Cruiser Class

First:  Xplane - Sean Borg and Matthew Agius Delicata

Second: Manana - Peter Ellul Vincenti and Peter Delia

Overall winners on corrected time: Xp-Act

Line Honours : Xp-Act