Day two of the MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta and the Europa Cup, hosted by the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC) in Mellieħa, presented competitors with challenging conditions as unstable and shifty winds dominated racing across the fleets.
Light and inconsistent breeze, heavily influenced by passing rain clouds, made race management and on-water decision-making particularly demanding. Wind shifts and fluctuating pressure were a constant feature throughout the day, testing sailors’ adaptability, patience and tactical awareness.
Optimist Class
The Optimist fleet, in particular, faced a stop-start programme, with several general recalls contributing to delays as the fleet worked to achieve clean starts under difficult conditions. Despite these interruptions, racing was eventually completed, with sailors required to remain fully focused in ever-changing conditions.
The Optimist Beginners’ Class completed two races, with changes at the top of the standings following a competitive day on the water. Malta Young Sailors Club’s Liam John Gaskell (MLT), who finished second on the opening day, moved into first place overall. Lea Salikova (SUI) climbed to second from fourth on day one, while MYSC team mate Thomas Zapucioiu (MLT) slipped to third.
Meanwhile, the Optimist Class completed three races, with the top of the leaderboard dominated by Mihael Zobec (SLO), Carl Bigersson (DEN) and Andrea Demurtas (ITA). All three arrive in Mellieħa following strong performances at the 2025 Optimist World Championships, with Bigersson finishing third overall, Zobec claiming second place, and Demurtas placing 13th. From the Maltese contingent, Matthias Spiteri from Malta Young Sailors Club enjoyed a positive run of results ending the day in 5th place, while Royal Malta Yacht Club sailor Ethan Kodjazliev delivered a standout performance by securing victory in the second race of the day and placing 6th overall.
Europa Cup / ILCA Class
Three races were completed across the ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 Classes.
In ILCA 4, the top of the leaderboard was reshuffled, with Tiago Cheng De Villemor Salgado (HKG) the only sailor to hold his position, moving into first overall. He is followed by hosting Club’s Thomas Wilson (MLT) and followed by Oleksandr Bolsunovskyi (CYP).
The ILCA 6 Class saw movement within the standings, although Carys Attwell (GBR) retained the lead. Pietro Colazzo (ITA) moved up to second place, while Malta’s Timmy Vassallo climbed to third, one point behind Colazzo.
The ILCA 7 standings remained unchanged, with Fiachra McDonnell (IRL) continuing to lead the fleet by two points. Hubert Roszyk (POL) and Jeremy Moutout (MON) are level on points in second and third places at the end of the second day.
With rain forecast to persist into the night, tomorrow is set to present another demanding day on the water, with an easterly wind predicted. Racing is scheduled to get underway at 11.00am.
The 25th MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta is supported by MAPFRE and VisitMalta, with S&D Yachts / Rooster, F. Busuttil & Sons Marketing, and Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, the event’s Official Timekeeper, also backing the regatta. Further support is being provided by Mellieħa Local Council, the Malta Sailing Federation, SportMalta, and Yachting Malta.
