The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) launched its 2025 sailing season over the weekend with the highly anticipated Double Handed Round Comino Race. The race, which challenges crews to navigate the waters around Comino with just two sailors per boat, delivered tactical sailing and dramatic finishes in light and shifting winds.
Under the guidance of Race Officer Mark Napier, the fleet set off on a slow and strategic race, as light and unpredictable winds played a significant role throughout the day. Many boats found themselves struggling near St Paul’s Bay, where the breeze vanished almost entirely. However, conditions improved in the afternoon as a westerly wind filled in near L-Aħrax, Mellieha, allowing competitors to pick up speed.
Brian Flahive and Fabio Galea, sailing aboard Juniper, navigated the tricky conditions to claim their first victory of the year. Reflecting on their race, Flahive remarked:
“It was a hard task to keep the boat moving at times. There was a split in the fleet, with some boats staying close to land while others ventured further out to sea. By Mellieha, we had all merged again. We had a nice spinnaker run after Comino, and the steady breeze inside the harbour allowed us to make fast progress to the finish, giving us an advantage over the boats ahead.”
The race for the remaining podium positions turned into a thrilling battle between Lartista (sailed by Anton Calleja and Renato Camilleri) and Vivace (helmed by Andrew Agius Delicata and Kevin Anastasi).
Calleja, who ultimately secured second place, reflected on their strategy:
“Although we feared a long race, it turned out to be a lovely one. Our strategy to stay close to Vivace paid off, and we managed to take second place.”
Meanwhile, Agius Delicata described the finish as “a thrilling, nail-biting battle that decided second and third place.”
With the opening race of the season complete, attention now turns to the Thomas Smith Triple Handed Night Race, scheduled for Saturday, 15th February. The event promises another exciting test of skill and endurance, as crews take on the challenges of racing under the stars.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club’s 2025 season is officially underway, and with a competitive fleet and challenging conditions, the stage is set for an exciting year of sailing.
