The Malta National Offshore Sailing Team, Viva Malta, made a perfect start to international racing by winning all major titles at the Roma Per Tutti race.
After months of preparation and careful crew selection, the team competed for the first time together and achieved an outstanding result. Sailing the Cookson 50 Viva Malta, they took first place overall, winning Line Honours, IRC Overall and ORC Overall.
The race started on Saturday, 12 April 2026, from Riva di Traiano and covered 540 nautical miles in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Conditions were very challenging throughout. At the start, strong southerly winds helped push the boats forward, but soon the crew faced winds of up to 38 knots and waves between 4 and 6 metres. Some teams had to retire, but the Maltese crew stayed steady and continued.
Near Lipari, the wind changed direction, allowing Viva Malta to sail faster on the return journey towards Rome. This part of the race lasted around 20 hours.
In the final 60 miles, the team faced thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain. Despite this, they stayed focused and crossed the finish line first.
The crew worked very well together, showing strong teamwork and determination. Their result reflects not only speed, but also skill and resilience.
Co-skipper Zach Zammit said it was an honour to represent Malta. He thanked the sailing clubs, the Malta Sailing Federation, their families, and Ramon Sant Hill for preparing the boat.
Co-skipper Saul Vassallo said the team performed exceptionally well despite facing very difficult conditions, including storms and rough seas. He added that the team was delighted with the result.
For Boat Captain Ramon Sant Hill, the race was special. He had previously won the same race in 2009 and described this victory as a proud moment.
The team included co-skippers Zach Zammit and Saul Vassallo, Boat Captain Ramon Sant Hill, and crew members Isaac Vassallo, Nick Debono Drury, Alex Siegler, Shaun Miggiani, Karl Miggiani, Jake Satariano, Gregory Mifsud Orlando, Patrice Pace and Pascal Pace.
The team is supported by Sport Malta and the Malta Sailing Federation.
Federation President Michael Mifsud called the win a historic moment for Maltese sailing and said it marks the start of a promising international campaign.
Viva Malta will next compete on 8 May in the Regata dei Tre Golfi in the Bay of Naples.
