The Yachting Malta BSC International Regatta, hosted by the Birżebbuġa Sailing Club, concluded on Tuesday afternoon after four days of exhilarating racing in diverse conditions. The ever-changing weather kept the Race Committee on high alert, ensuring the races could proceed with minimal disruptions and maximum safety.
Despite the unpredictable conditions, the regatta fleet completed races across all four days, though schedule and course adjustments were necessary. The opening day saw near-perfect medium-wind conditions, with a southeasterly breeze and moderate swell near Xrobb l-Għaġin, allowing three races across all classes. Initial challenges in anchoring the Race Committee boat were swiftly resolved, ensuring smooth proceedings. However, the second day proved more challenging, as shifting easterly winds and two-metre swells outside the harbour rendered racing impossible. In response, a coordinated effort with the Malta Freeport pilot facilitated a move inside the port, allowing two back-to-back races on a windward-leeward course.
Day three brought strong northeasterly winds and a significant rebound swell along the coast, necessitating another shift inside the port. The ILCA and Optimist fleets raced in back-to-back contests, displaying great resilience and adaptability. The final day saw much lighter winds of six to seven knots, just sufficient for the fleet to complete two concluding races outside the harbour in slightly choppy conditions.
From the outset, Maltese sailors demonstrated their prowess, dominating the podium. Many of the winners established their lead on the first day and maintained it throughout the competition.
Birżebbuġa Sailing Club Commodore Mario Aquilina expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success, praising both the outstanding performance of Maltese sailors against international competitors and the regatta’s growing reputation in attracting foreign participants. Now in its fifth year, the competition continues to enhance Malta’s appeal as a premier sailing destination.
A prize-giving ceremony was held at the Clubhouse in the presence of the Honourable Dr Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Yachting Malta CEO Michael Mifsud, and Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri, along with Councillors Alexander Caruana and Darren Debono.
Birżebbuġa Sailing Club extended its sincere gratitude to Yachting Malta, Visit Malta, RLR Yachting, the Birżebbuġa Local Council, and the Malta Freeport Pilots for their invaluable support. The Club also recognised the dedication of the volunteers, Race Officials, and Jury members, whose tireless efforts ensured the regatta’s success.
The Yachting Malta BSC International Regatta was held under the auspices of the Malta Sailing Federation.
Yachting Malta BSC International Regatta Results:
ILCA 4
Open
1st: Timmy Vassallo (MYSC)
2nd: Jonas Micallef (RMYC)
3rd: Kaine Muscat (RMYC)
Females
1st: Emily Fenech (BSC)
2nd: Krista Spiteri (BSC)
3rd: Emma Shults (BSC)
ILCA 6
Open
1st: Tomek Vaccaro (RMYC)
2nd: Benjamin Vassallo (MYSC)
3rd: Poyraz Fidanboy (RMYC)
Females
1st: Katrina Micallef (RMYC)
2nd: Michela Mifsud (BSC)
3rd: Lacey Aquilina (BSC)
ILCA 7
1st: Matthew Flores (RMYC)
2nd: Shaun Aquilina (BSC)
Optimist Senior
Open
1st: Andrey Zhakov (BSC)
2nd: Isaac Azzopardi (BSC)
3rd: Matthias Spiteri (MYSC)
Females
1st: Sasha Nagrudnaia (BSC)
2nd: Samanta Axisa (RMYC)
3rd: Ella Demicoli (MYSC)
Optimist Novice
1st: Ben Spiteri Bailey (RMYC)
2nd: Yufan Li (RMYC)
3rd: Marko Kuvichkin (RMYC)
Optimist Cadet
1st: Timothy Vella (BSC)
2nd: Jean Sammut (VSC)
3rd: Matt Sillato (MYSC)
The event once again highlighted the skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship of Malta’s sailors while reinforcing the nation’s status as a leading venue for competitive sailing.
