The 2024 edition of the Paymix Pro Ragusa Regatta, hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, brought together a competitive fleet of racers and cruisers for the first offshore challenge of the season. Despite the demanding conditions, the weekend offered a blend of intense racing and vibrant social activities, setting the tone for what promises to be a strong sailing calendar year.
Race Officer Martin Azzopardi got the event underway from Marsamxett, sending the fleet off to Ragusa under light to moderate west-northwesterly winds. The fleet was divided into IRC and RMYC Cruisers classes to ensure balanced competition. The favourable start allowed crews to make solid progress across the channel and complete the route to Sicily in good time.
Leading the charge was Jonathan Gambin’s Ton Ton Laferla Insurance, the first to cross the finish line in Ragusa. Close behind were Matthew Miceli Demajo’s Code Zero and Stefan Debattista’s Geisha. After ratings were applied, the final standings in the IRC classes confirmed the same finishing order, reflecting the tight and consistent performances across the fleet.
In the RMYC Cruisers Class, Escape, skippered by Georges Bonello Du Puis, took top honours, ahead of Peter Delia’s Cru and Dimm, led by Kevin Pisani Zammit.
Beyond the racing, the Ragusa weekend upheld its reputation for delivering a memorable social scene. Friday night’s BBQ at La Ola Beach drew a large crowd, with sailors and supporters unwinding by the sea. On Saturday, a Padel Tournament added a sporting twist to the off-water programme. The event featured 12 teams, equally split between Maltese and Italian participants. Jonathan and Janna Camilleri Bowman represented Malta with distinction, reaching the final and finishing second.
The return leg to Malta on Sunday proved far more demanding. A strong current and barely-there breezes turned the race into a test of endurance and decision-making. Race Officer Mark Napier, assisted by Michelle Caruana, managed a carefully timed start, but progress was slow. In the end, only Ton Ton Laferla Insurance managed to complete the crossing, reaching the finish just over an hour before the midnight deadline.
“We’re honoured to have sailed Ton Ton alongside such skilled teams in this year’s Paymix Pro Ragusa Regatta,” said skipper Jonathan Gambin. “Thanks to our crew’s steady focus and the support of our sponsors, Laferla Insurance Brokers, we navigated well and are grateful for the experience and shared sportsmanship.”
The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, attended by representatives from Finance Incorporated Limited, the fintech firm behind the Paymix Pro brand. CEO Cenk Kahraman expressed pride in supporting the event, noting, “Sponsoring the Paymix Pro Ragusa Regatta was a natural fit for us. As a company providing seamless business payments to the yachting industry, we are proud to support an event that brings the sailing community together through friendly competition.”
Royal Malta Yacht Club Vice Commodore David Cremona presented the prizes to the winning teams, while Commodore Mark Napier praised the event’s successful blend of competitive sailing and social camaraderie. “This is exactly what these regattas are all about,” he commented.
Paymix Pro Ragusa Regatta – Key Results
Ton Ton Laferla Insurance (Jonathan Gambin) – 1st IRC Overall and IRC Class 1
Spirit of the Winds (Simon Xuereb) – 1st IRC Class 2
Code Zero (Matthew Miceli Demajo) – 1st IRC Cruisers
Pippus (David Anastasi/Maya Podesta) – 2nd IRC Cruisers
Janissah (Mario Debono) – 3rd IRC Cruisers
Escape (Georges Bonello Du Puis) – 1st RMYC Cruisers
Cru (Peter Delia) – 2nd RMYC Cruisers
Dimm (Kevin Pisani Zammit) – 3rd RMYC Cruisers
The next event on the RMYC Sailing Calendar is the Marzamemi Weekend Regatta, scheduled for 6–8 June.
