Sebastian Ripard Clinches Back-to-Back Victories After a Thrilling Weekend of Racing
The 2025 edition of the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta concluded in spectacular fashion, with Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso emerging as the overall and IRC Class 1 winner after three days of exhilarating competition and shifting weather conditions. This marks Calypso’s second consecutive overall victory in this now well-established fixture on the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) racing calendar.
Proudly sponsored by Bank of Valletta and organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, this year’s regatta attracted a record fleet of 24 yachts, competing across four classes. The event opened with a passage race from Marsamxett Harbour to Mġarr, Gozo, followed by tactical “round-the-cans” racing in the Gozo–Comino Channel, before concluding with a final coastal race back to Malta. Race management was expertly handled by Race Officer Martin Azzopardi.
Calypso Shines in IRC1
Calypso (Farr 30), skippered by Sebastian Ripard, claimed overall victory in the IRC Racers division with an impressive 7 points across three races. Her agility and tactical precision were particularly evident in Saturday’s light-wind race, where Ripard’s crew capitalised on the calm conditions to secure first place, following a solid third in Friday’s passage race and a second in Sunday’s finale.
Elusive 2 (Beneteau First 45), helmed by Maya Podesta, placed second overall with 9 points, after winning the opening race and maintaining consistent form throughout the weekend. Vivace (Reflex 38), co-skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Degabriele, completed the podium with 10 points, topping the IRC2 division in the process.
IRC1 Race Highlights
- Friday Passage Race: Elusive 2 took victory, followed by Ton Ton Laferla (Dufour 44) and Calypso in third.
- Saturday Round-the-Cans: In very light winds, Calypso’s smaller, nimbler design proved decisive, finishing first ahead of Elusive 2 and Geisha (IMX40).
- Sunday Coastal Race to Malta: Jubatus (Cape 31), skippered by Sean Borg, excelled in planing conditions to take line honours, with Calypso second and Ton Ton Laferla third.
IRC2
In IRC2, Vivace (Reflex 38) delivered a steady performance, securing consistent top-three finishes across all races. Anton Calleja’s L’Artista (J/99) and the Jarhead Young Sailors’ Jarhead (J/109), skippered by Gary Mercieca, engaged in a close contest for podium positions, ultimately finishing tied on points.
IRC Cruisers
The IRC Cruisers division produced a closely fought series among three standout yachts. Making its debut, Seven (Grand Soleil 46), skippered by Mario Debono, led the opening passage race on corrected time. Inspiration (Sun Fast 40.2), helmed by Godwin Zammit, excelled in light airs to win the round-the-cans race, while Christine Stanschus’ Chapeau (Beneteau Oceanis 46) maintained steady form to finish third overall.
RMYC Cruisers
The RMYC Cruisers class embodied the spirit of club sailing, featuring a mix of seasoned sailors and emerging crews.
Nenya (Hanse 458), helmed by Edward Gatt Floridia, won the division with two victories and a second place. Forever 25 (First 45), skippered by Martin Kunath, secured second, followed by Kira (Beneteau 57) helmed by Gino Cutajar, who demonstrated consistent performance throughout the weekend.
Prize-Giving Ceremony
The regatta concluded with a prize-giving ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Stefan Abela, Manager CSR at Bank of Valletta, and Mark Napier, Commodore of the RMYC, presented trophies to the winners of each category.
The prestigious BOV Gozo Regatta Overall Trophy was awarded to Sebastian Ripard and the crew of Calypso, recognising their exceptional performance across all three races. The ceremony reflected the camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define this annual event.
