The 24th Euromed MAPFRE International Championship, organised by the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC), is set to bring together 170 sailors from 27 countries between 19th and 22nd December. The event, a cornerstone of youth sailing, features the prestigious Optimist Class Championships and, for the second year running, the ILCA classes as part of the esteemed EurILCA Europa Cup Series.
Countries such as Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, and the United States will join local clubs, including Birżebbuġa Sailing Club, Royal Malta Yacht Club, and Vikings Sailing Club, in this international regatta
The Optimist Fleet, the foundation of the Euromed since its inception, will see close to 100 sailors competing. Malta will be strongly represented, with National Champions Nathan Montebello (BSC) and Julia Borg (MYSC) among the favourites. Promising young sailor Matthias Spiteri (MYSC), currently leading the Malta Sailing Federation Rankings, is also vying for his first Euromed title.
Despite logistical challenges posed by the Optimist World Championships in Argentina, several Maltese sailors, including Sebastian Miceli Demajo, Timothy De Cesare, and Aleksandra Nagrudnaia, have confirmed their participation.
ILCA Classes: Part of the EurILCA Europa Cup Series
The ILCA events will attract world-class competitors, including Malta’s own Benjamin Vassallo (ILCA 6), 12th Overall at the 2023 ILCA 4 World Championships, and Katrina Micallef (ILCA 6), a Bronze Medallist at the 2024 ILCA 4 World Championships. International stars such as Oscar Madonich (ILCA 7 Under-21 World Silver Medallist) and Antonio Cavalcanti Rosa (ILCA 6 Men’s World Silver Medallist) add to the event’s prestige.
Top-Notch Organisation and Support
The Championship will be overseen by an experienced team of race officials, including Hungarian Peter Farkas and Slovenian Bojan Gale, supported by an eight-member International Jury led by Giorgio Davanzo from Italy and Pinar Coskuner Genç from Türkiye, both of whom served in key roles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
International Championship promises an unforgettable display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
