The Euromed International Regatta marks a quarter of a century of development in youth sailing, having grown into one of the most established international regattas on the Mediterranean calendar. Organised by the Malta Young Sailors Club, the event was originally created to give Maltese sailors the chance to compete against strong international opposition without travelling abroad. Twenty five editions later, the regatta has achieved that aim while expanding its reach and competitive depth.
The 2025 edition represents a significant milestone as the twenty fifth anniversary of the Euromed International Regatta. It also coincides once again with the Europa Cup for ILCA classes, which is being held in Malta for the third consecutive year. Together, these events highlight the evolution of the regatta from a regional Optimist competition into a multi class international meeting that supports sailors at different stages of their development.
From its early editions, the Euromed International Regatta was designed to be more than a domestic event. Hosted by the Malta Young Sailors Club, it steadily attracted sailors from across Europe by offering reliable winter sailing conditions and a well organised race programme. Over time, the regatta gained a wider international reputation, supported by consistent race management, a structured onshore programme and Malta’s accessibility as a sailing destination.
The calibre of sailors who have competed at the Euromed International Regatta reflects its standing within youth sailing. One of the most notable examples is Italy’s Marco Gradoni, a three time Optimist World Champion who later sailed with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. His participation in previous editions of the regatta illustrates the level of competition the event has long attracted and its role in preparing sailors for elite level pathways.
The 2025 edition continues this tradition of international participation. Sailors from 39 countries are set to compete, making it one of the most globally diverse youth sailing events ever staged in Malta. The entry list includes competitors from Europe, Asia, North America and South America, underlining the regatta’s international reach.
The Optimist class remains central to the Euromed International Regatta, with 135 sailors confirmed to compete. The fleet includes athletes with strong recent results at major championships. Denmark’s Carl Bigersson arrives after finishing third overall at the 2025 Optimist World Championships, while Slovenia’s Mihael Zobec secured second place at the same event. Italy’s Andrea Demurtas, who placed thirteenth overall at the World Championships, and Hong Kong’s Marguax Nguyen Minh, who finished third female at the 2025 Worlds and third overall at last year’s Euromed, further strengthen the field.
Maltese sailors are also expected to feature prominently. Malta National Champion Matthias Spiteri of the Malta Young Sailors Club returns after finishing second overall in the previous edition and will aim to challenge for the title. Ella Demicoli, the reigning Female National Champion, will compete in her final Optimist regatta before moving to the ILCA class.
Alongside the Optimist fleet, the Europa Cup ILCA regatta has become an integral part of the Euromed programme. Now in its third edition in Malta, the event has recorded 120 entries, the largest number of ILCA sailors ever registered for a regatta in the country. The fleet includes over 60 ILCA 4 sailors, more than 40 ILCA 6 competitors and around 20 entries in the ILCA 7 class.
Several Maltese sailors will line up in the ILCA fleets. Emily Fenech, the current ILCA 4 National Champion, will be seeking a strong international result. Timmy Vassallo returns in the ILCA 6 class aiming to defend his title following a successful summer that included a first place finish in ILCA 4 at Kieler Woche. Katrina Micallef, the ILCA 6 National Champion, adds further depth to the local contingent, while the ILCA 7 fleet includes sailors competing on the Olympic pathway, including James Juhasz and Jeremy Moutout.
The 2025 Euromed International Regatta is supported by title sponsors MAPFRE and Visit Malta, together with partners including S and D Yachts, Rooster, Mellieha Local Council, Francis Busuttil and Sons Marketing Ltd and SportMalta. Their support reflects the confidence placed in the regatta as a professionally delivered event with sustained sporting value.
Club Commodore Christian Bajada stated that after 25 editions, the Euromed International Regatta reflects steady growth, long term planning and a continued commitment to youth sailing. He added that the event remains a cornerstone for the Malta Young Sailors Club, providing Maltese sailors with a clear benchmark against international competition while continuing to attract emerging sailing talent from around the world.
The Euromed International Regatta will begin on Thursday 18th December and conclude on Sunday 21st December. Racing will take place in Mellieha Bay.
