spinnaker - Royal Malta Yacht Club

RC44 VALLETTA CUP
RACE ROUND UP
THE NOTARIAL ARCHIVES
A spectacular first
for the Maltese Islands
Results from April to
December 2014
A priceless treasure
yet to be discovered
PAGE 24 >
PAGE 26 >
PAGE 44 >
spinnaker
The official Royal Malta Yacht Club publication
issue 1
SPRING 2015
COVER STORY >
Rolex
Middle Sea Race
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
contents
8
ECONOMY
16
J70 REGATTA
50
AFM
48
MARINE BIO
54
RECIPES
4
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
welcome to the
new spinnaker
After what was a bit of a disappointment in not being able to issue Spinnaker for a number
of months, we are pleased to be back on track with a new layout and even more engaging
content. Spinnaker’s absence was not due to lack of efforts from Francesca Vincenti who
undertook editorial duties in the past. In fact quite a lot of what you are reading in this
edition was made possible through Francesca’s efforts, so a big thank you goes to her!
The Royal Malta Yacht Club has recently entrusted Kite Group with the production and
publishing of Spinnaker magazine. As you can see the editorial and creative teams at the RMYC
and Kite Group have put their heads together to present you with a fresh design and bring a
broader range of content to the magazine. This is in line with our strategy to reach out to a wider
audience.
Back to business.
I am sure you will find our resume from April of last year’s intense racing calendar interesting.
2014 was full of varied races, both in local and international waters. RMYC also had its first
participation in the ‘’Etchells Invitational Championships’, where David Anastasi led a team
of four club members to an international fleet racing event in Cowes on the popular Etchells
22. The highlights of the record breaking 35th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race are also
featured in this edition. As a side note, we are pleased to report that entries are being received
for this year’s edition, one of them being Comanche, a maxi which will be skippered by the
renowned Ken Read.
From what we have seen so far 2015 promises to be yet another exciting year for the Club.
With a calendar full of racing activities we have already seen the Club undertake two important
race series – the Match Racing Series and the Winter Series as well as the J70 Regatta and the
International Yacht Paint Gozo Weekend Regatta.
The inaugural RC44 Valletta Cup, organised by Yachting Events Ltd. and held under the auspices
of the RMYC, saw some of the world’s top international businessmen and sailing greats such as
Cameron Appleton, Dean Barker, Vasco Vascotto and Iain Percy, descend upon Malta for five
days of spectacular racing. Needless to say the Club was buzzing with activity throughout the
event.
Club members have just returned from the successful International Yacht Paint Marzamemi
Regatta which was held in the first weekend of May and which is an appointment few care
to miss. We will be featuring this race in our next edition. In the coming months we will also
be hosting the RLR Weekend Regatta, J70 Med Cup, the Citadel Ragusa Weekend and the
Syracuse – Malta Race. Whilst sailing is our passion, we felt we should include some other
interesting content, which is not directly related to sailing. For example, did you know what a
wealth of historic information the Notarial archives have to offer? In Grey Decks, Men in Blue,
Lieutenant Keith Caruana explains the role of the Armed Forces Maritime Squadron and their
importance, be it to save lives or carrying out enforcement exercises, whilst well known Marine
Biologist Prof. Alan Deidun writes about Malta’s approach to addressing the jellyfish problem.
Some people underestimate what Wealth Management is all about, so we have that covered
too!
As always we are happy to receive your feedback, suggestions or ideas on how we can
improve. So if you feel like sharing any ideas please drop me a line on maria@rmyc.org
That’s enough from me, I hope that you will enjoy this new issue of Spinnaker.
Maria Vella-Galea
Editor
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Commodore’s
message
Spinnaker is back in a new and better form after a short break last year. The past year was
an extraordinarily eventful year for the Club. The programme of Regattas and social events
all proceeded in their customary sequence taking off hesitantly with a short Winter series
alongside the Match racing programme. It was the thoroughly enjoyable International
Yacht Paint Gozo Regatta that got the Club races going though and this was followed by
the Gewiss Marzamemi Weekend, the Crewsaver Regatta, the Citadel Ragusa Weekend and
the Malta-Syracuse race.
But it was not all racing at the RMYC as the shore based members had plenty of entertainment
at the parties and other evening activities that happen every now and then at the Club and for
the more leisurely sailors the summer cruise took seven boats on a nine day trip along the south
coast of Sicily.
The RMYC Sailing School started to operate from the Club using four RS Visions with the aim of
introducing new people to sailing. The Club is committed to seeing this initiative which it sees
as an essential aspect of any yacht club grow and the school will now be run in association with
Sailcoach.
Then the opportunity came about for the Club to take over the restaurant that operated in
the building. After a call for proposals a new caterer was appointed and the restaurant was
refurbished just in time for the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The race turned out to be the biggest ever with an impressive fleet of 122 boats at the start. It
was quite an eventful race too as the light winds of the first days were followed by near extreme
conditions. Many retired but for those that finished it was a tough but exhilarating ride back.
Congratulations go to Lee Satariano and his crew on Artie who were overall winners for the
second time.
After a very enjoyable weekend for the Bank of Valletta Gozo Regatta the last two events were
the Raymarine Double Handed Figure of Eight Race and the Medcomms Round Malta Race.
The year ended with the Christmas Drinks party, the Boxing Day Fun Race with its annual
collection towards the L-Istrina Fund and the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Party.
The Club has agreed to participate in a new joint initiative with Projects Malta which is being
called Yachting Malta. Intended to focus on promoting yachting in Malta, the Club was invited to
join in this project in recognition of its activities related to yachting and its success in organising
events at an international level.
This year is expected to see the initiatives of the previous year develop and start to operate
regularly.
The racing programme is now getting into gear. After the Winter series, the first Match Racing
Series and the International Yacht Paint Gozo Regatta, the bulk of racing keelboats looked
forward to the Annual first of May Regatta to Marzamemi, which this year was sponsored by
International Yacht Paint. This will be followed by the RLR Regatta, the Round the Islands race
and the Citadel Ragusa weekend at the end of June. Here I must strongly encourage our racers
to participate in the races held in Ragusa as this is a perfect opportunity to sail against new
crews and promote inter Club competition. The Malta-Syracuse Race which this year starts in
Syracuse will be the last race before the summer break and the RMYC Summer Cruise.
We look forward to your participation in another year of racing and other Club activities.
Godwin Zammit
Commodore
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Publisher’s
message
It is an honour to present you with Kite Group’s first take on Spinnaker. Our engagement
with the Royal Malta Yacht Club has brought about a transformation to the magazine on a
number of levels.
As an integrated communications company with an expertise in publishing, content and brand
management we are putting back the prestige Spinnaker deserves. Apart from the new and
fresh design, we are also investing in new content to offer you a complete magazine. We will
also be increasing distribution channels to reach to a wider audience.
As publishers, we seek to integrate our work with the digital arena. For this reason we are also
proud to launch the new Spinnaker portal. By accessing www.spinnakermalta.com, readers can
access the articles online as well as watch videos and any other additional material. The idea
of the portal is to give life to Spinnaker beyond the magazine as well as giving new channels for
our esteemed advertisers.
Kite Group aims to set new standards for Spinnaker. By bringing our expertise to the table, we
are confident that Spinnaker will re-establish itself as a reference point for any yachting and
sailing enthusiast.
Cover photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
Whilst welcoming you to our first edition, we look forward to sharing this journey with you.
JP Fabri
Publsiher
Editor
Maria Vella-Galea
maria@rmyc.org
Consulting Editor
JP Fabri
jpfabri@kitegroup.com.mt
Design & Art Direction
Nicholas Cutajar
Printing
Print-It
Distribution
Spinnaker is the official
publication of the Royal Malta
Yacht Club and is distributed
to all RMYC members, boat
and yacht importers, marine
outlets, boats berthed at local
marinas, ministries, embassies
and leading organisations.
Spinnaker is published
for the RMYC by
Kite Group,
296 Naxxar Road,
B’Kara, Malta.
For information regarding
promotion and advertising
please call on
(+356) 9940 8746 or email on
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in
Spinnaker are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but
the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.
Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration. © 2015 Kite Group. All rights reserved.
7
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Malta’s economy
in numbers
Did you ever get asked a question about Malta’s economy in a conversation and didn’t know the figures?
It happens to us so frequently that we decided to compile a list of facts and figures for easy referencing.
GDP
Shipping
+5.2% growth
+3.5% in real terms
EU GDP growth 1.3%
GDP per capita €18,840 up from €17,914 in 2013
handled by Malta Freeport
€7.6bn
Unemployment rate
MT 5.9% EU 9.8%
Employment growth
MT 3.9% EU 1.0%
FDI
€9.6 bn 70%
of which is financial & insurance activities
Financial sector
26 banks
registered in Malta
2.75 million TEUs
1946 ship calls
at Malta Freeport
6,505 ships
on Malta register
1st in EU, 7th in the world
International rankings
1st for best climate and
3rd for quality of life
out of 192 countries, International Living
10th best place
to retire out of 192, International Living
10th soundest
banking system
620
out of 144 countries, World Economic Forum
Tourism
47th most
competitive
country
investment funds
1.7 mn tourists
in 2014 +7.8%
303
cruise liner calls
Tourists spent
€1.5bn +6.1%
8
out of 144 countries, World Economic Forum
issue 1 SPRING 2015
spinnaker
An economic
pillar
The yachting industry is considered as one of Malta’s economic pillars with potential to grow further. SPINNAKER
speaks to the Hon. Chris Cardona, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business to get his views on this
sector and its prospects.
Honourable Minister, what is your Government’s vision
for the yachting sector in Malta?
The Yachting industry is high on our list of priorities and
Government is very committed to enhance and expand
the prospects for this industry mainly on the basis of a 3
pronged approach:
•
The development of new yachting events of an international caliber to complement the Rolex Middle Sea Race
•
Assisting in the development of a Super Yacht Industry to Malta through the attraction of these yachts to Malta for Tourism, Servicing and Refitting
•
Work on a joint effort to provide more infrastructure and resources for yachts in Malta.
For this industry to prosper we need to make a concerted
effort and this is why we have opted to consolidate this
within the realm of Yachting Malta - the PPP that we
set-up in conjunction with the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
The Government’s representatives on the board are
members from Transport Malta, the Ministry for Tourism, the
Secretariat for Sport, and the PPP coordinating body.
The Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small
Business is providing all the necessary support to further
consolidate the success of this initiative – principally
because we truly believe in the success of this industry.
The recently established Yachting Malta is a new PPP
focused on marketing Malta as a premier destination. What are your motivations behind this?
As indicated earlier the scope of Yachting Malta is to
combine the knowledge and interest of all stakeholders
(Private and Government) so as to develop the blueprint for
a vision and growth strategy for this industry. I am informed
that the Board of Yachting Malta is currently working and
having discussions with the stakeholders in the industry so
as to develop the approach required to develop Malta as a
high quality destination for yachting.
What economic impact does yachting have on Malta?
The yachting industry has a strong multiplier effect on the
Maltese economy with expenditure being channeled to
various sectors of the Maltese economy. One of the tasks
of Yachting Malta shall be that of consolidating all research
in this area and to provide and collate data relating to the
performance of this industry. Indeed, we currently do not
have a dedicated source of information or data for this
sector.
Do you see that there is potential for attracting
investment, even foreign, in yachting in Malta?
The feedback we have, even through Transport Malta, is
that there is significant interest by foreign investors. The
government is now looking at the projects with which we
could turn this interest into reality. Government is also
looking at developing the infrastructure further and at
creating new opportunities in this sector.
What role do you see the Royal Malta Yacht Club play in
all this?
The Royal Malta Yacht Club has the knowledge and
experience of the sector and as such is one of the most
important stakeholders in the sector. They can assist us to
develop the sector further on the basis of the Joint venture
that Government has created on the basis of Yachting
Malta.
Photo: RC44 Class / Martinez Studio.es
9
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yacht
ing
malta
– making Malta a yachting destination
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The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Government have partnered up in a new public-private partnership: Yachting Malta
Ltd. The agreement signed recently with Projects Malta Ltd, the government’s new PPP coordinator saw the setting up of
this joint partnership.
With the sole objective of promoting Malta for Yacht Racing, Leisure Yachting, Yacht related events and Super Yachts,
Yachting Malta promises to make Malta a yachting destination.
T
his was announced by Prime Minister Joseph
Muscat during a signing ceremony held at the
RMYC premises in Ta’ Xbiex. In the presence
of several yachtsmen and important yachting
stakeholders, Dr Muscat said that the agreement was the
fruit of several months of discussion.
“With an outstanding and successful track record, The
Royal Malta Yacht Club is truly the perfect partner to team
with,” insisted Muscat.
He emphasized the importance of yachting to local
industry, not just simply as a pleasurable pursuit but as
an asset to the maritime sector, an excellent contributor
to the economy and an important job creator. Yachting
Malta is the brainchild of PPP Minister Dr Konrad Mizzi and
Parliamantery Secretary Chris Agius, who worked with
other Ministers and agencies to make this a reality.
Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht
Club, expressed his satisfaction in the confidence the
government has in the Club. He reiterated the absolute
commitment of the Royal Malta Yacht Club to making Malta
a truly unique destination.
During the well-attended signing ceremony the core
services of Yachting Malta were listed. These include:
i.
Identify and attract to Malta high profile yachting
events including regattas, boat shows, conferences and
other activities related to yachting.
ii.
Establish an experienced team to carry out the
marketing, promotion of Malta as a yachting destination as
well as to assist with the promotion, advertising, financing,
administration, logistics and coordination of events
including liaising with government entities as necessary
and also to create synergies with other sectors to maximize
the multiplier effect on the economy;
iii.
Foster and promote sailing and associated
international activities with emphasis on the young. This
includes the promotion of education and training in the
fundamentals of sailing, racing, and water safety. In doing
so, a spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation, and a
sense of self-fulfillment within the framework of competitive
sailing is cultivated; and;
iv.
Set out a twenty four (24) month rolling business
plan with the scope of promoting and developing Malta as
a yachting sporting tourism destination.
The official signing of the joint venture agreement was
done by Godwin Zammit and Anna Rossi on behalf of The
Royal Malta Yacht Club and Adrian Said and William Wait on
behalf of Projects Malta Ltd.
Fact Box:
Yachting Malta’s shareholding shall be as follows:
51% Projects Malta Ltd
49% Royal Malta Yacht Club
Financing:
The Government of Malta through PML shall provide an
annual subvention of €210,000.
The Board of Directors of YML shall present annual
budgets incorporating revenues from other nongovernmental sources including sponsorships from events
that result from the activities originating from the objectives
set out by YML.
YML shall develop new revenue generating products and
services to ensure viability and sustainability on the basis
of a business plan that shall be put together by the Board
of Directors of YML.
Others:
RMYC shall appoint the Chairman of YML for the first two
(2) years ending in December 2016. PML shall appoint the
Chairman in the second (2nd), two (2) year term in January
2017.
The first Chairman shall be Mr. Godwin Zammit – Royal
Malta Yacht Club Commodore.
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COVER STORY >
remarkable
race
Record entry for a
2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race 1
22 yachts from 24 nationalities ranging in size from
9.5 to 30.5 metres gathered at the start of the Rolex
Middle Sea Race 2014. Twenty-three more yachts
than the previous record set in 2013. “Having a larger
fleet and different nationalities is satisfying, because it
means that the popularity of the race is not only increasing
in numbers but extending to many places,” enthused
Godwin Zammit, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club,
organisers of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race was first run in 1968 and
Rolex has been the title sponsor since 2002. On Saturday
18 October, the cannons of Valletta’s Saluting Battery
overlooking Grand Harbour marked the start of the 2014
race under a clear sky, a subtle southerly breeze and the
watchful gaze of a sizeable crowd.
According to Francesco de Angelis, tactician on defending
champion B2 from Italy: “The difficulty of this race is that
you never know what the wind is going to do. It’s a long
one, with a lot of corners, and the scenario is always
12
changing. You know the wind you will start with, but you
don’t know what you will find along the way. It is never
easy.”
For Tom Addis, navigator on the 100-ft Maxi Esimit Europa 2:
“The thing about this course is that you get all angles. There
is always something extreme - it is never an easy 10-15
knots of wind race!” Addis took line honours at 2009 Rolex
Sydney Hobart with this same boat when it was Neville
Crichton’s Alfa Romeo. Other than the similar length of their
racecourses, and that both are sponsored by Rolex, there
are very little similarities between both races.” It would soon
become clear that the Mediterranean had decided to argue
with Addis’ opinion.
The wind at the start was a light southerly. The first night at
sea saw the fleet struggling to make ground towards the
Strait of Messina. Concentration, attentive trimming, correct
sail selection, precise helming and minimizing unnecessary
movements were the key to getting anything out of the
conditions.
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
The 35th Rolex Middle Sea Race was one to remember. Not only for international fleet that,
for the third year in a row, set a record number of entries, but for the array of conditions
that the yachts faced. From no wind to too much; from flat calm to turbulent seas; from going
nowhere to flying fast & furious: the 608-nm mythical racecourse offered everything. The
worthy winner had to conquer the elements as well as the competition. Exceptional challenges
bring out the best in exceptional characters. Step forward Lee Satariano and the crew of the
Maltese J/122 Artie, winner of the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Twenty-four hours into the race, and only the leader had
passed through the Strait. The Jochen Schümann-skippered
line honours favourite Esimit Europa 2 covered just 215nm in the first complete day of racing. By noon she was
10-nm from Stromboli struggling to make six knots. Rán,
Shockwave and B2, the next yachts on the course, were still
tacking the Strait, some 30 miles behind.
“The first night of this race is a very tricky and tactical
affair,” explained Ian Moore, navigator on Italian Cookson
50 Mascalzone Latino, one of the faster entries. “You go
straight for the corner of Sicily but as soon as you have
got there you begin thinking how do I enter the Strait?”
Vincenzo Onorato’s boat would be the fifth to pass into the
Tyrrhenian Sea.
Some twenty-four hours later and Esimit Europa 2 had
still yet to pass the halfway point. Most of the fleet was
wallowing 100 nautical miles astern. The second night
proved another opportunity for crews to hone their ability
to deal with little or no wind. As more yachts rounded
Photo: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
Stromboli, some diverted north in the search of breeze.
The fact remained that everyone was barely moving. Esimit
Europa’s hopes of overturning the 47 hour, 55 minute and 3
second race record (set by American Maxi Rambler in 2007)
evaporated in the still heat.
Esimit Europa 2 used the building breeze to confirm her
status as favourite for line honours, finally crossing the finish
line in Malta’s Marsamxett Harbour at 22:47.05 CEST on
Tuesday night. The Slovenian Maxi completed the course
in 3 days, 10 hours, 42 minutes and 5 seconds. This fourth
line honours win, following victories in 2010, 2011 and 2012,
setting a new record for the Rolex Middle Sea Race: some
compensation for failing to better the course record.
Two hours later, Niklas Zennström’s Rán arrived in Malta
and was later declared winner of IRC One. “All you can
do is try to win your class and hope that the weather is in
your favour,” commented Swedish owner and skipper. “As
always, Team Rán prepared the boat and raced to a very
high standard, so we can be happy with our performance.”
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Photos: Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
After three quiet nights, a dramatic change in conditions
occurred late on the fifth day. The wind built progressively
from the northwest. Storm force winds began to sweep
the course and the face of the race changed, just as most
yachts were reaching the exposed westernmost point at
Favignana.
GYR Scarlet Oyster reported 48 knots of wind just before
retiring with a broken rudder. The German crew on the 48-ft
Sjambok reported a massive gust of 60 knots. Grey Goose
sent photographic evidence of its instruments recording 50
knots. With the hours of darkness exceeding daylight it was
a long and difficult night.
Proof of the extraordinarily treacherous conditions lies in
the eventual number of retirees – 71 – and the litany of
damage reported by the fleet, even close to the finish. “The
pin of our keel failed just as we left the Comino channel”,
reported Portuguese skipper Diogo Caiolla, on the Swiss
42-ft prototype Kuka-Light. French yacht Teasing Machine
lost her mast 20 miles from the line.
For those still racing the building wind also brought
opportunity. The race conditions now favoured a small
boat. Which one would depend upon a combination of
seamanship, tactics and nerve. Artie’s Sebastian Ripard
offered an insight into the dilemma: “We have wind gusting
over 40 knots and 30-foot waves. The game plan has been
a mixture of pushing as hard as we can but also protecting
the boat, so we have been taking it a bit easier in the big
gusts of over 40 knots and then going for it when the wind
speed drops a little.”
As crews reached the finish line, their faces were a mix of
elation, exhaustion, relief and above all a huge sense of
achievement.
Lee Satariano’s J/122 Artie crossed the line at 00:45 CET
on Thursday, after 4 days, 13 hours, 35 minutes and 05
second of racing. Her nearest rival in class would finish 8
hours behind on both elapsed and corrected time. Later
that morning, with several yachts still racing, the Royal Malta
Yacht Club made an official announcement declaring the
Maltese team could not be beaten and had won the race
overall.
An overwhelmed Satariano commented: “I can’t believe
it. To win such a prestigious race, one of the highest level
offshore races in the world, being a local boat and a local
team is a great achievement.” Behind the delight was the
knowledge of a job well done: “Having had the opportunity
to reflect on the race, even more important than winning
was the achievement of actually finishing. It was a very,
very tough race.” This is the second title for Artie in three
years, after victory in 2011, and the seventh Maltese victory
in 35 editions. Fittingly, in the year when a record 122 boats
started the race, it was 12.2m yacht that won.”
The Prize Giving ceremony was a true occasion. Not only
was it an opportunity to praise the victors as they received
the Rolex Middle Sea Race trophy and Rolex timepiece in
recognition of their huge achievement, but it was also a
chance to acknowledge the herculean determination and
perseverance of everyone who had participated.
The 36th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on
17 October 2015 and so far 24 entries have already been
received, including that of Robertissima III who makes a
welcome return to the race after a year’s absence and the
new maxi Comanche, who will be skippered by renowned
sailor Ken Read.
Lee Satariano, skipper of team Artie, the J/122 boat which
won the 2014 edition of the Race, together with co-skippers
Christian and Sebastian Ripard and the crew plan on
returning to the race in October. “Team Artie plans on being
in the Valletta Grand Harbour for the start of this prestigious
race and preparatory works are already ongoing on the
boat. Team Artie’s participation in this race has been very
successful so far with two wins and one second placing,
however the level of competition increases each year which
makes it more challenging for all. Nevertheless we look
forward to being part of the Race in October”, continued
Satariano.
www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
15
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spinnaker
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J70 Regatta
Royal Malta Yacht Club
words by
Sebastian Ripard
A
fter a long winter of training
the J70 fleet finally put
their new found skills to
the test with a two day
regatta held at the Royal Malta Yacht
Club, scheduled for the 21st and 22nd
March. Winter had been long, cold,
considerably wet and even windier.
The local J70 teams had risen to the
challenge of the elements and spent
many weekends out on the water
sharpening their skills. The weekend
Regatta was a welcomed opportunity
for teams to go up against each other,
head to head in a one-design fleet
where all that separates one team
from the other are the sailors.
With the spring season about to start
and the Middlesea J70 Med Cup
looming closer, all teams were keen
to show their mettle. The conditions
on the Saturday where ominous to
say the least, Force 7-8 with a strong
sea blowing from the South East – a
wise decision was made to postpone
Saturday’s races. Sunday morning
9am and the 5 strong fleet were out
on the start line. The wind was still
blowing fresh in the morning and
Team Globe Ground showed their
dominance winning the first two races
with Team Middlesea right behind
followed closely by Team Gaba, Team
Otra Vez and Team Comanche.
As the morning progressed, the
wind shifted round from the South
East to the South South West. Now
blowing out of the harbour, the racing
conditions were lighter and flukier.
These conditions put a lot of pressure
on the tactician, since it is all about
sniffing out the wind and routing
your team along the windiest path
around the course. The third race
saw Middlesea lead the pack on the
first leg followed by Artie, Otra Vez,
Globe Ground and Comanche. Benji
Borg, tactician on Globe Ground used
some black magic on the second
beat to leapfrog Globe Ground
over the entire pack and round the
second windward mark in the lead.
Unfortunately his luck ran out as
Globe Ground parked in a windless
hole allowing Middlesea, Artie and
Otra Vez to sail past them and finish
in that order.
With Globe Ground and Middlesea
on equal points, it was the last race
to count. Middlesea had a great
start and led the race throughout,
Globe Ground trailed seconds
behind followed by Artie, Otra Vez
and Comanche. The final results saw
Middlesea placed first overall, Globe
Ground second and Artie third.
It was a great day for Team Middlesea
with smiles all round. Middlesea
Assistant General Manager Fernando
Docampo, had been participating
with his team for the first two races
and was thrilled by the close quarter
racing, however, come the afternoon
he was even more thrilled to see his
team take the top podium position.
“Winning this Regatta is a good start
for the team, with the Med Cup close
around the corner the competition is
very hot”, commented Fernando.
More J70 action to come as April
brings the start to the Spring Season,
a season that will climax with the
Middlesea J70 Med Cup 4-7th June.
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The International
Yacht Paint Gozo
Regatta
Serious fun, camaraderie,
and sailing is what the
International Yacht Paint
Gozo Regatta was all about.
A
popular event after the
long winter haulage, the
International Yacht Paint Gozo
Regatta started off on a Friday
afternoon with boats in the IRC Racing
category taking part in two windward /
leeward races in a good north westerly
breeze while the IRC cruisers sailed from
the start off Sliema to the Ghallis Cardinal
mark and back to finish Sliema.
setting the scene for what was a relaxed
evening, where sailors exchanged notes
on the day’s race and friends absorbed
the atmosphere. On Saturday crews were
welcomed at the Mgarr pontoon with an
ice cold beer, just before heading to the
idyllic setting at Country Terrace in Mgarr,
where crews congregated to enjoy the
sunset and dine in the company of family
and friends.
Saturday’s programme consisted of two
Coastal Races. The first race started
from 1nm off Sliema coast with a short
windward leg to Tigne point and finishing
off in Mellieha. The second race of the
day started off in Mellieha and saw boats
racing around Comino and finishing off in
Gozo. The breeze held right through the
day providing boats with some excellent
racing conditions.
International Yacht Paint through its long
standing distributors, Mac Med Limited,
have returned to sponsor this spring’s
edition of the Gozo Regatta Weekend
organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club.
On the sponsorship, Mac Med’s Andrew
Magri Overend said, “We are thrilled
that International Paint have decided
to sponsor this event and are sure that
the programme that has been devised
will provide an exciting opportunity for
all participants. It is a pleasure to be
working again with the team at the Royal
Malta Yacht Club via our sponsorship of
this event since we are keen to see as
many young people as possible take up
the sport of sailing. This collaboration
again reflects International Yacht
Paint’s commitment to the sport whilst
it continues to consolidate its leading
position as the premium Yacht paint
brand that they are.”
On Sunday two coastal races were held.
The first race took place around a large
triangular course set between Gozo and
Malta. The second race was a passage
race from Mgarr and finishing at Ghallis,
rather than at the RMYC in Marsamxett
due to a declining wind forecast.
Social events play a very important part
in the sailing scene and the weekend
social calendar kicked off with a wine
and cheese party held in the Club’s
terrace, saxophonist trio made up
of Graham, Stephen and Michelle
performed a wide variety of tunes
18
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
About International Yacht Paint
International Yacht Paint knows that keeping one’s yacht in pristine
condition places colossal demands on paint systems used. Not only
do they have to perform technically in a huge range of applications
but their formulations need to be optimised to take into account the
requirements of different climatic environments worldwide.
International has been manufacturing world-leading antifouling and
protective paint systems for yachts for over a hundred years. Its
long standing reputation as a huge investor in R&D is backed by an
equally respected global team of Technical Support personnel.
The strength of International Paint in the antifouling product sector
is considerable and has been its backbone since its beginnings.
To many professionals, International Paint is the antifouling paint
Company. Products such as Micron® 77 demonstrate this very
well. Three years after its launch locally, it continues to remain the
benchmark for long term fouling protection thanks to its patented
Biolux® SPC technology. This is designed to react with seawater to
produce a controlled release of biocide, while the surface dissolves
away at a controlled rate by design, working even when the yacht is
stationary.
International Yacht Paint also supported the highly popular
Marzamemi Regatta which is the first offshore race of the season and
which took place on the first weekend of May.
What crews
had to say
about the Race
“The light and fluky wind conditions
provided for a very challenging
weekend, especially on Sunday, with
the second race of the day being
particularly challenging. Nevertheless
we performed well and would like to
thank the sponsors and organisers for
a great event”.
Matthew Farrugia,
racing on Lightning winner of IRC Racer 2
Class
“It was a great weekend... good
sailing, excellently planned race
course as well as great company.
Although thoroughly enjoyable, it
would have been even better had
there been even more boats. Overall,
the level of organisation has improved
drastically”.
Sandro Musu,
winner of IRC Cruisers Class on Aziza
“We enjoyed a weekend of very
pleasant sailing conditions. The mix
of windward, leeward and coastal
races was just right and although we
were short-crewed, we sailed well and
worked hard to put in good results”.
Aaron Gatt Floridia,
sailing on Otra Vez, overall winners of the
IRC Racer Class
19
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Medcomms
Coastal Race
First Race for 2015 for Royal Malta Yacht Club
A
n attractive scene was to be enjoyed at
Marsamxett Harbour when boats taking part in
the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s first race for 2015
hoisted their spinnakers for what was described
as an almost perfect race due to the relatively constant
wind.
Starting in Marsamxett Harbour, fourteen boats racing in
three different classes sailed towards the Valletta Harbour
Fairway Buoy heading towards the tuna pens situated off
St. Paul’s Bay and sailing towards and around the Island of
Comino and heading back to the Tuna Pens and the Valletta
Fairway Buoy before finishing off in Marsamxett Harbour.
Participating boats were split into three classes - IRC Racer
1 Class, IRC Racer 2 Class and IRC Cruiser Class. Whilst
weather conditions were generally good, a few boats
broached on the downwind leg and although no serious
damage was reported, four boats were forced to retire from
the race.
With a reasonable good wind varying between 14 -22 knots,
it was upwind all the way to Comino with a lot of tacking up
along the coast of Malta. Wind was fluky which meant that it
was changing directions varying approximately 20 degrees.
Most boats took advantage of the wind shifts. Tacking
away from the coast meant that boats experienced higher
waves which tend to slow the boats down so many opted to
stay close to land, tackling smaller waves. However higher
waves were inevitable upon reaching the St. Paul’s Bay fish
farms. Spinnakers were once again hoisted close to the
Cominotto Cardinal Buoy and kept up all the way down to
the Fairway Buoy, where it was a close reach to the finish.
20
IRC Racer 1 Class
First Place Elusive BOV Second Place TonTon IRC Racer 2 Class
First Place Lightning Second Place Sailaway Third Place Time Out IRC Cruiser Class
First Place Xplane Second Place Puddleduck Third Place Aziza Arthur Podesta
Jonathan Gambin/
Matthew Scicluna
Alfie Manduca/
Matthew Farrugia
Ray Schembri
Mario Sant
Sean Borg
Chris Selvagi
Sandro Musu’
The 2015 Medcomms Coastal Race Prize Giving ceremony
was held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in the presence of
Mark Gaglione, Medcomms Malta representative.
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Fleet Flavour!
RMYC represented AT the 2014 ETCHELLS
INVITATIONAL REGATTA IN COWES
With preparations going underway to select this year’s team for the forthcoming event in August, Mark Vassallo, mainsheet
trimmer of the team representing our Club during last year’s event, shares his experience with Spinnaker. T
he moment we won the prize to participate in the Etchells
International Invitational Cup, we knew we had a tall order
for the next couple of months. Our team had a total of
seven weeks to prepare itself to race in a fleet of twenty
identical Etchells 22s keeping in mind the drawback that, since
there are no Etchells locally, the first time we’d set sail on this boat
would be the day we arrive in Cowes, twenty four hours before we
start racing. Another challenge was to sail ‘4 up’ bearing in mind
the tight weight limit of 285 kilos, an average per person of 72.5
kilos!
Immediately we set to work, and by the first week we had laid out a
plan which included a) regular ‘on the water’ training on the RMYC
H-Boats to perfect our boat handling skills, b) debrief sessions
which included watching and analysing a number of videos
showing how the Etchells 22 is meant to be sailed to go fast, c) a
daily exercise program to increase our fitness to enable us to hike
out harder and longer, d) a strict weight loss program, e) learning to
understand the weather patterns and the tidal effects of the Solent. There was one thing we didn’t plan for however - our crew included
avid laser sailors and club members Karl Miggiani and Tom Bonello
Ghio, both aged 16 who, in spite of the daily exercise and weight
loss programme, kept gaining weight along with their height! And
up to a week before travelling to Cowes we were still 20 kilos
over the limit. At that point we had no option but to resort to more
drastic measures that required limiting our food intake to bare
necessary while drink more than four litres of water each day,
and increasing the daily exercise programme. 24 hours before
the official weigh in at the Royal Thames Yacht Club we then had
to stop any kind of intake both liquid and solid! Once in Cowes,
12 hours before the weigh in, we were still 5 kilos over but after
two 6km runs (1 of which in broad daylight wearing thermals) we
weighed in at 283.5 kilos, just 1.5 kg below the weight limit, making
us one of the heaviest teams and therefore giving us the best
righting moment potential.
Thereafter it was all about regaining our energies and acquainting
ourselves with the Solent and the Etchells 22. On the other hand,
the weather forecast, at least for the first couple of days racing,
looked encouraging with light to medium winds, high temperatures
and bright sunshine, just what we are used to in our beautiful
Mediterranean. After a few tips and tricks from local guru Graham
Sunderland and Etchells world Champion and Australian Olympic
Sailor Andrew Palfry, and just one afternoon sailing on the Etchells
for our very first time we felt ready to race!
Day 1
All teams were down at the dock early that morning to discover
their boats and to unwrap their brand new North Sails main, jib
and spinnaker which they would use throughout the regatta and
by 0930hrs all were underway to the race course, set just East of
Hill Head. At the start of Race 1, the principle race officer David
Campbell James immediately understood the level of anxiety and
excitement across the fleet.....three times he was forced to call a
General Recall until he hoisted a U flag...after which things calmed
down and racing got slowly underway. After mark 1 we understood
immediately that crew work and boat speed were quite a constant
throughout the fleet and that the major differences lied in the start,
tactics (of wind and tide) and finding a gap around the marks, as all
20 boats would round mark 1 no more than 30 seconds apart.
Day 2 and 3
Seven races were sailed over the two days in ideal weather
conditions. We had between 6 and20 knots throughout, with the
difference that we had yet another element other than the tide to
deal with....it was imperative to be on the right side of the course
when the sea breeze first kicks in....and this could hit anytime
between 1130hrs and 1600 hrs. But this part of the game we
didn’t manage as well as the more experienced locals; although
we improved our sailing the other world class teams, who were
also new to the Solent, improved too and therefore our 15th place
reflected all of this. It was simply a matter of ‘practice makes
perfect’. But on a positive note, we had improved our starts from
the previous day so that evening, at the Gala Dinner held at the
Royal Yacht Squadron, we discussed how to make sure our final
day’s racing would be better.
Day 4
Race 10 and 11 were sailed in 12 to 15 knots of Westerly gradient.
We had a good start to the first race reaching mark 1 in the top 5
but we struggled to find a gap and got a penalty in the process,
forcing the result a discard. The second race though, was different. We had the best start of the regatta, found good gaps around all
marks, read the tide and the wind as well and the top boats and
finished in 10th place, 30 seconds behind the winner.
All 20 teams followed one another across the Solent one last time
to moor at the dock at Shepards Boat Park where the prize giving
was held. The team from the Antigua Yacht Club (Jeremy Thorp)
claimed the top stop and the 140 year old Gertrude Cup. The
teams from the New York Yacht Club (Shannon Bush) and Houston
Yacht Club (Marvin Beckmann) followed closely in second and third
respectively. The Royal Malta Yacht Club team finished in a respectable
14thplace overall, just behind the Cannes Yacht Club and beating 6
other Yacht Clubs, a couple of which are local to the Solent.
And now, although all back to our own realities, we are sure that
this fantastic learning experience will remain with us for long. Certainly we understood the elements of an intense preparation to
sail competitively in an event of this type. But most of all we learnt
how to be positive and fight back on a punishing course where
we started as the clear underdogs in an unforgiving fleet of world
champions, Olympic medallists, America’s cup talent and many
professional sailors, where the slightest mistake is paid for dearly in
positions and the only way to learn is the hard way!
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Committee
of the Royal Malta Yacht Club for giving us this unforgettable
opportunity, to RMYC life member David Franks and his wife
Patricia for their invaluable support in Cowes and to Middle Sea
Insurance plc for our crew uniforms.
3 races were sailed that day and the RMYC team placed 7th and
15th in the first two and were 4th before the race was abandoned
due to the dying breeze. This put us in 10th place on the leader
board. This result put us in good spirit and eager to fight harder
especially on the start line, where we thought we were too
conservative on the first two occasions and nailed the third start
when we were more aggressive.
21
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
2015 Royal Malta Yacht
Club Match Racing
Winter Series comes to
a close
The final knock out series of the RMYC Match Racing Winter Series 2015
was held over Easter weekend and whilst seven teams registered to take part it
was six teams that eventually competed.
T
he Match Racing Winter
Series consisted of six
individual days of round robin
competitions between four
different teams on each day. Each
team raced each other an average
of ten times over the six days during
winter.
Teams were classified according to
the results of the individual race days
based on the percentage number of
wins. This classification determined
the teams’ seeding in the final knock
out series. The knockout series saw
bottom placed teams race against
their closest rivals to knock them out
of the competition and challenge the
better placed teams and give teams
a possibility to knock out the overall
leader to win the Series.
The first match between sixth and
fifth placed teams was won by Patrick
Vassallo. The second match against
Matthew Fleri Soler was also won
by Vassallo who knocked out Fleri
Soler to take fourth Place. In the third
match Kurt Camilleri Burlo’ earned the
right to challenge David Anastasi by
knocking out Vassallo.
The fourth match was a best of
five between Camilleri Burlo’ and
Anastasi. Camilleri Burlo’ won the first
match easily but Anastasi came back
22
to win the next three to knock out
Camilleri Burlo’.
The final was a best of five between
Anastasi and Ray Condachi’s team
of Matthew Scicluna, Zach Zammit
and Fabio Galea. Shifty conditions
made for a difficult and exciting race.
Anastasi’s team controlled the first
pre-start by crossing to the right
of Condachi who entered first on
starboard however the wind dropped
and Anastasi trailed behind Condachi
to lose the first match. The second
match saw Anastasi enter from
starboard and dominate Condachi
to win the start and the race by a
good margin. After changing boats
for the third and fourth match David
Anastasi’s team of Mark Vassallo,
Tom Bonello Ghio and Karl Miggiani
emerged the overall winners of the
2015 RMYC Match Racing Winter
Series.
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
It was a great
“
event where the
level improved
considerably as
we approached the
final.
”
Mark Vassallo, mainsheet and
spinnaker trimmer for Anastasi’s team
enthused - ‘It was a great event where
the level improved considerably as
we approached the final. Our team
work go sharper race after race. Tom
and Karl, the two youngest members
of our team did a great job with boat
handling and tactics. We all thank the
RMYC, the Race Committee and the
Umpires who voluntarily gave their
time to make this series a success”
Second placed Ray Condachi and
his team composed of Fabio Galea,
Zach Zammit and Matthew Scicluna,
echoed Vassallo’s sentiments.
“Notwithstanding we had two
members of the team dropping out
on some races we still managed to
find replacements and win all six
races in day six,” said Condachi. “The
final knockout day offered a very
tricky wind direction with many shifts
and sudden drops in wind strength.
Even though we had good starts, our
slight loss in boat speed cost us the
race. We need to brush up our team
work and will certainly be in a better
winning position in the next event”.
The winner of the 2015 RMYC Match
Racing Winter Series has qualified
for the selection event to choose
the team which will represent Malta
at the International Competition for
the Gertrude Cup to be held in the
UK this summer. Four other teams
will be chosen from other RMYC
competitions, with the final selection
event to be held between the 13th
and 14th June. The Royal Malta Yacht Club is grateful
towards the volunteers who gave
in their time, effort and expertise in
order to ensure the success of the
Match Racing Winter Series. Special
mention goes to Luca Lacitignola,
Brian Darmanin, Paul Ellul, Francesca
Vincenti and Peter Dimech.
23
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
RC44 Valletta Cup
A spectacular first for the Maltese Islands
The inaugural RC44 Valletta Cup saw some of the world’s top international businessmen and sailing
greats descend upon Malta for five days of spectacular racing.
T
he historic ‘City of Knights’
promised a sensational
start to the 2015 RC44
Championship Tour. The
Mediterranean venue did not
disappoint, providing big breeze
throughout the week that ensured the
RC44 Class owner-drivers and their
teams experienced maximum thrills.
The Players – The Who’s Who
of the RC44 Valletta Cup
From the outset, Team Aqua
who, under Chris Bake, last year
claimed its fourth consecutive RC44
Championship win and as overall Tour
leader, started the event as the boat
to beat. However Bake was unable
to compete at the RC44 Valletta Cup
and passed the helm over to Swede
Richard Goransson, who comes from
the Melges 32 and 20 classes where
he campaigns Inga from Sweden.
Gorannsson, whose strongest asset
going into the week was Team Aqua’s
permanent tactician, top match racer
Cameron Appleton, explained how he
felt about joining the Tour:
“Sailing the 32 and this – it is the
hardest thing that I’ve ever done in
my life, but I enjoy it immensely. I like
the one design concept, especially at
this level. It is so cool to be able to do
this with all these incredible sailors.”
With a number of crew changes since
the end of last season, there was no
doubt that it would be all to play for at
the RC44 Championship Tour seasonopener.
To name a few, Vladimir Prosikhin’s
Team Nika welcomed onboard new
tactician, former Emirates Team New
Zealand America’s Cup helm Dean
Barker to the team, making them a
force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, double Olympic gold
medallist and America’s Cup Team
Manager Iain Percy returned to
lead Artemis Racing alongside
owner Torbjorn Tornqvist with fellow
British Olympic gold medallist, Paul
24
Goodison, heading up Artemis Racing
Youth.
Following an extremely strong
first year in the Class, Nico Poon’s
Charisma was vying for a podium
position after finishing fourth in the
2014 Tour. America’s Cup tactician
Ray Davies joined the team in Malta,
giving Poons’ team had a distinct
competitive advantage.
John Bassadone’s Peninsula
Petroleum was starting the season
as favourite, having briefly displaced
Team Aqua from the top of the
leaderboard during 2014 and being
the only one of the frontrunners
to have retained their same crew,
including Italian tactician Vasco
Vascotto.
Bronenosec Sailing Team was
another one to watch, as a strong, up
and coming team owned by Vladimir
Liubomirov with Italian America’s Cup
sailor Michele Ivaldi calling tactics by
his side.
The Game – The Play By Play
As standard, the racing format for
RC44 events begins with a day of
match racing, followed by four days
of fleet racing on windward-leeward
courses.
The forecasted conditions for the
week were defined by gale force
winds and rolling seas, meaning that
Principal Race Officer Peter Reggio
had his work cut out for him to
ensure that racing was run safely and
efficiently.
Match Racing
Malta laid on possibly the best ever
beginning to a RC44 Championship
Tour, hosting a day of match racing
on the capital’s Grand Harbour with
the 500 year old Maltese capital of
Valletta on one side and the city’s
giant forts on the other.
A stunning day of racing saw six
flights run in a southeasterly breeze
of up to fifteen knots. As predicted,
the points were tight and at close
of play, four teams were left on four
wins.
Bronenosec Sailing Team and Team
Nika were the only two teams to
finish the day with just one loss, with
Vladimir Liubomirov’s Bronenosec
winning on count back and Team Nika
second.
The excitement did not end there.
The boat-on-boat nature of match
racing can make it an aggressive
sport and, despite it being the first
day of racing in the season, there was
a spectacular bout between Team
CEEREF and Artemis Racing Youth.
A pre-start collision saw Artemis
Racing Youth deemed to be in
the wrong. Then a tacking duel
immediately off the line ended when
Team CEEREF came in on port,
without rights, and unsuccessfully
attempted to duck Artemis Racing
Youth, stabbing her bow into the
Swedish boat’s hull. Artemis Racing
Youth continued and won the point
but was docked three points for the
two incidents, while Team CEEREF
was penalised two.
Fleet Racing
Fleet racing at the RC44 Valletta
Cup got off to a challenging start on
Malta’s east coast, the eleven crews
taking on some of the biggest waves
and most confused seas they have
ever encountered in their slender one
designs.
Each team had its moment of glory
over the course of the week, leading
races and posting wins. Though it was
Igor Lah’s Team CEEREF who took an
early lead after the first day, with two
race wins.
It was a relatively early start to
proceedings for the second day of
fleet racing, with racing underway
a full two hours ahead of schedule.
Two races were held before the
forecasted front of gale force winds
arrived. Katusha stood out as the top
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Photo: RC44 Class / Martinez Studio.es
performer of the day, winning both
races.
on board Vladimir Prosikhin’s Team
Nika.
The third day of fleet racing was no
different, and it wasn’t until 1400hrs
that the wind momentarily dipped
below the statutory 25 knots, allowing
the start gun to be fired. Even then a
mighty seaway was still running and
with the wind piping up mid-race, the
penultimate day of competition was
one that the fleet will remember for
some time, sailors returned to shore
soaked to the bone, but with Cheshire
cat grins.
Vladimir Liubomirov and Bronenosec
completed the RC44 Valletta Cup
podium, finishing two points behind
Team Nika. Please with the result,
Liubomirov was already looking
forward to the RC44s returning to
Malta. “We have to come back next
year. It is one of the best places we
have been to. The people are so
friendly. The hospitality is at a very
high level.”
With only one race contended,
Torbjörn Törnqvist’s Artemis Racing
led after a bouncy first beat. The
Swedish crew kept its cool, hoisting
the spinnaker without incident in
the big conditions; a feat that some
crews further back in the fleet didn’t
manage.
Artemis Racing led into the leeward
gate, but Nico Poons’ Charisma had
caught up, overhauling on a second
lively upwind to win the race. Poon’s
described the day’s racing “You start
a race like this, you survive. It may
have looked scary on the downwinds,
but I did feel like I had it perfectly
under control. As the breeze started
picking up more, we were a bit
uncomfortable, but only because we
were getting so wet.”
Conditions came good for the final
races of the RC44 Valletta Cup in
Malta with the wind well into the
20s and substantial waves once
again and the welcome addition of
Mediterranean sunshine.
Three races were successfully
completed before the fleet returned
to the Royal Malta Yacht Club early in
the afternoon and it was Nico Poons
and his Charisma team who put in
another consistent day to win the
RC44 Valletta Cup.
Davies beat his former Emirates Team
New Zealand skipper into second
place, Dean Barker calling the shots
RC44 Class Manager Bertrand Favre
explained why the RC44
Championship Tour visited Malta
and how the island fits into the Class
ethos: “We go to some beautiful venues,
some iconic venues and windy
venues as part of the concept of
the Class. But more important is
that we are looking for support from
the community who we want to get
involved. Here we have the support
from the community and that is
important to us.”
The RC44s’ first ever visit to Malta
came about through the initiative of
local organisers Yachting Events Ltd.
‘The RC44 Valletta Cup has been a
challenging yet an immensely positive
experience. What initially seemed a
mammoth task, eventually became
a reality and we are proud to have
hosted some of the world’s top sailors
and business men to our little island
and look forward to hosting it again
in 2016” said Niki Travers Tauss,
Director, Yachting Events Ltd. “ RC44 Valletta Cup Match
Racing Results
1. Bronenosec Sailing Team 4
2. Team Nika
4
3. Charisma
4
4. Peninsula Petroleum
4
5. Artemis Racing
3
6. Katusha
2
7. Team Aqua
2
8. Team CEEREF
2
9. RUS-7 Anywayanyday 2
10. MAG Racing
0
11. Artemis Racing Youth -2
RC44 Valletta Cup Fleet
Racing Results
1. Charisma 29
2. Team Nika
39
3. Bronenosec Sailing Team41
4. Team Aqua
43
5. Team CEEREF
50
6. Katusha
53
7. Peninsula Petroleum
57
8. RUS 7 - Anywayanyday 61
9. Artemis Racing
64
10. Artemis Racing Youth 72
11. MAG Racing
98
We have to come
“
back next year. It
is one of the best
places...
”
-Vladimir Liubomirov
The RC44 Valletta Cup was co-hosted
by the Ministry for Economy, Investment and Small Business, supported
by the Malta Tourism Authority and
Transport Malta with backing from
Suez Capital.
www.yachtingevents.com.mt
Photo: RC44 Class / Martinez Studio.es
25
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
2014
RACES
APRIL 2014
RMYC MATCH
RACING REGATTA
The RMYC Match Racing Regatta was
a selection race in preparation for
the first International Etchells Regatta
in Cowes, England. Four teams took part from the six who
originally requested invitations. One new team
however was made up of new RMYC member
Marco Sartori, an Italian match race veteran,
originally from Fralgia Vela in Garda with conational Riccardo Morganti, Englishman Iain
Muir and Otra Vez crew member Matthew
Tabone. The three experienced RMYC teams
showed their dominance from the start of
the round robin on Saturday. Held in testing
conditions with wind speeds reaching 25
knots with a few rain showers thrown in for
good measure, the three teams all tied in first
place, with the tie only being broken by RRS
C11.1b, which effectively gives priority to the
last race sailed between competitors, thus
Adrian Gauci Borda came out on top with
David Anastasi in second and Kurt Camilleri
Burlo’ in third.
The ranking of the round robin determined the
fixtures for the knock out series on Sunday
with Gauci Borda earning a place in the
final and, with second place for the Regatta
guaranteed, a place at the International
Etchells Invitational Regatta qualifier. Camilleri
Burlo’ beat Sartori convincingly 2 – 0 in the
best of three series to give him a chance to
challenge Anastasi for a place in the final. The first race went to Anastasi’s team and the
second to Camilleri Burlo’s opening the best
of five series. The third race saw the most
action so far, with Camilleri Burlo’ winning the
pre-start duel in the last ten seconds before
the gun, leaving Anastasi starting behind with
a penalty against. This resulted in 3 – 1 win for
Anastasi’s team who then went on to win 3 – 0
against Gauci Borda’s team.
The winning team was David Anastasi, Jan
Rossi, Mark Vassallo and Michael Anastasi.
26
MAY 2014
Crewsaver Regatta Paul Ellul
The Crewsaver Regatta saw a fleet of keel boats racing just off Sliema
Seafront, with a diverse range of craft, including the then recently
launched J-70 Class. Racing was close as light wind dominated the first
race of the regatta. Juno and Unica battled it out, switching leads, but
which ultimately saw Juno take the 1st place in the racer division. In the
Cruiser division, 1st place went to X-plane.
Saturday brought on a strong South East with very choppy seas,
causing some difficulty to the course laying team, but sheer
determination saw the course set allowing for 2 races to be sailed.
In the cruising class, Allegra dominated both races. Allegra is a
Beneteau 47.7 with a fairly novice crew to offshore racing, so this result
was a very rewarding one for the team, especially since the conditions
were not for the faint-hearted.
In the Optimist Class, the young sailors gave it their best, and results
with a three way tie with equal points for second place, awards went to;
Open Division
1st Craig Farrugia Vella
2nd Matthew Micallef
3rd Timo Bonnici
Novice Division
1st Saul Vassallo
2nd Katryna Vassallo
3rd Daniele Valletta
Cadet Division
1st (& 2nd Open) Richard
Schulteis,
2nd Luke Rausi
3rd Neil Farrugia Vella
Laser 4.7 Class
1st Greg Mifsud
2nd Rebecca Briffa
3rd Gary Mercieca
On Sunday, all racing was cancelled due to the rough seas which
made course laying virtually impossible. On a brighter note, the prize
giving provided for some very exciting prizes, which were Crew Saver
kit, making a nice surprise for sailors who would be able to use such
equipment during their sailing activities.
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Check out our FREE ADD-ONS*
JUNE 2014
Gewiss Marzamemi
Offshore Regatta
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THE CITADEL
RAGUSA REGATTA
*applicable on comprehensive yacht insurance policies,
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Paul Ellul
Early on Friday 27th June, a team of sailors left Malta bound
Citadel Insurance p.l.c. • Casa Borgo • 26 Market Street • Floriana FRN 1082 • Tel: 2557 9000 • Freephone 800 72322 • E-mail: info@citadelplc.com
Branches: Ħaż-Żebbuġ 21464873 • Il-Gżira 21332151 • Il-Mosta 21438880 • In-Naxxar 21419198 • Iż-Żejtun 21807779 • Paola 21806247 • San Ġwann 27330044 • Victoria, Gozo 21566660
for Marina
di Ragusa, Sicily, for the Citadel Ragusa Regatta
Tied Insurance Intermediaries: Malta • Gozo
The 2014 edition had one of the highest ever number
Citadel Insurance p.l.c. is a company authorised
to carry on general and
long year,
term business
of insurance
is regulated
by thecompeted
Malta Financial Services
week-end.
This
a fleet
ofand24
yachts
in Authority.
the
of entries, with around 400 participants in no fewer
Regatta,
with
a
total
of
144
participants.
The
Citadel
Ragusa
than 47 yachts ranging from 35’ up to over 60’ making
Regatta was organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and
this one of the most impressive fleets in recent years.
sponsored by Citadel Insurance plc for the second year
round. Citadel’s continuous support of this regatta is part of
May 1st Thursday – Light to moderate conditions made
the Company’s commitment to promote sporting events. The
great sailing conditions, if not easy ones for the diverse
Citadel Ragusa week-end included a series of inshore races
fleet. The approach to Marzamemi however brought
where all participants competed for the Trofeo Achille Boroli
out more of the experienced crews as the winds turned
Challenge and the Hyblea cup, organised by the Circoli Velici
rather strong. Line honours went to Unica skippered by
Iblei.
Jamie Sammut, followed by Juno skippered by Sonke
Stein and soon after August Rush skippered by Charles
Borg Barthet all arriving by the late afternoon. Unica
was also the overall winner on corrected time.
May 2nd Friday – A friendly rowing regatta was
planned for the event by the Yacht Club Marzamemi
in the afternoon in which five teams from the RMYC
took part in the small bay. This turned out to be a great
spectator and team building event.
Saturday 3rd May – A short inshore race held off the
bay of Marzamemi in which a few RMYC boats and
a local boat took part. Line honours went to Whistler
closely followed by Inspiration and Mawimbi.
Sunday 4th May – A skippers’ meeting was held at
the unholy hour of 07.00hrs. The RMYC Race Officer
promptly issued a cancellation for the day’s racing due
to the blustery conditions that morning.
Monday 5th May – The early risers slipped out at
03.30am, forming a long procession of yachts in very
light conditions on the 58 nautical mile cruise, with
motors humming away for the most part of the crossing.
However Neptune must have gotten bored and huffed
his annoyance, in so doing provided a welcome
moderate Westerly.
Citadel provides a comprehensive yacht insurance policy
which includes a number of innovative free add-ons.
Regulated by the MFSA, Citadel offers a full range of
insurance solutions including home, motor, life, business and
travel insurance.
CITADEL RAGUSA RESULTS
Racer 1
1st Juno – Sonke Stein
2nd Maltese Falcon II – Matthew Scicluna
3rd – August Rush – Charles Borg Barthet
Racer 2
1st Moondance – Nicky Fenech
2nd Lartista – Anton Calleja
3rd Inspiration – Godwin Zammit
Cruisers
1st Aziza – Sandro Musu
2nd Elusive – Arthur Podesta
3rd Xplane – Sean Borg
A number of social events were held throughout the
weekend and a prize giving reception was held at the
RMYC on the 9th May.
A big thank you goes to Stephen Ciantar of
Hydroelectric Ltd, sole agent for Gewiss Electrical
fittings.
27
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
2014
RACES
JULY 2014
54TH MALTA
SYRACUSE EDITION
COURSE RECORD
TUMBLES
Dreamer Tech, skippered by Massimo C.
Savoca was the first to cross the finish line
at Porto Piccolo in Syracuse clocking in at
8 hours 37 minutes and 22 seconds flat.
This was a clean hour plus record breaker
against Malta’s Strait Dealer who held the
previous record of 9 hours 42 minutes
and 25 seconds. It was Oil Tanking Juno
from the Royal Malta Yacht Club that
eventually registered an impressive result
on corrected time, winning the IRC class,
the ORC class & the Overall titles. The
race enjoyed a fresh West to North West
breeze that blessed the fleet that sailed
via the Malta Channel, allowing for the
leading boats to reach Capo Passero well
before sunset, on to a downward run to
round the second turning point at Murro
Del Porco, followed by a short leg towards
the much anticipated finish line.
In IRC Otra Vez, another local yacht
secured a respectable 2nd placing, while
in the ORC Class it was Escape, another
Maltese contender that clinched 3rd
place.
Dreamer Tech has set a mighty challenge
for future editions of this passage race
and any contender vying to break the
new record, will have to increase its boat
speed by several knots. However, should
the right conditions that might grace the
waters in future, this new record can
easily be slashed again.
The Prize Giving for the 54th Edition of
the Malta/Syracuse race was held at the
Lega Navale Di Siracusa the following day.
SEPTEMBER 2014
GO CLUB REGATTA Martin Meachen
The GO RMYC Regatta saw races being held over a three day period off the
Sliema front and the Club as the hub of activities.
Fifteen yachts lined up for the starter’s gun on Saturday afternoon with the
racers kicking off with the first of seven round the cans races and the cruiser
and double handed classes set off for a short coastal race around the St.
Pauls fish farms. At the day’s end crews were treated to wine tasting and
nibbles back at the club kindly laid on by Vivian Corp. There was no need
for Vino Veritas, after the first few races it was becoming evident that the
competition was shared by the two identical J122’s (Otra Vez and Artie) in IRC
A with XP-ACT laying claim to line honours. In IRC B it was still wide open, but
Windward staked its claim in the double handed class.
Day two and the breeze started to fill in anger which was to set the stage
for some close, fast and exciting round the cans racing for the racer classes
and a hard sail up and down the coast for the cruiser and double handed
classes. Again while XP-ACT dominated the line honours, Artie and Otra
Vez played cat and mouse round the course with Artie having the edge.The
race committee opted to add on a fourth race for the day, but with Otra Vez
abstaining, it was Artie that wrapped up proceedings having dominated the
class. It was a different story in class IRC B with the boys on Moondance
recovering well from the day before and themselves staking claim to their
class over the new look, newly named Lightning and the brand new Sailaway
on its maiden “Race” voyage. Windward closed the account in the Double
Handed and Cruiser classes.
Dinghy Racing
The RMYC also hosted the Optimist Class, with twenty seven dinghies hailing
from The Malta Young Sailors Club and Birzebbugia Sailing club taking part.
Sunday’s winds really tested the younger novices, most of whom managed to
cope with rather strong winds. In the Open class the lead changed between
Craig Farrugia Vella (BSC) and Victoria Schulteis (MYSC) with Farrugia Vella
gaining a two point advantage after discards. The Cadet class was dominated
by Richard Schulteis.
The Novice class saw seven newcomers to sailing battling it out over the four
races held on Sunday. Young Daniele Micallef Valletta dominated with three
first places.
The wind deserted the fleet on Monday 8th September, so no racing was
possible. The Regatta was decided on the basis of the four races sailed on
Sunday, this even allowed a discard of the sailor’s worst score.
A prize giving reception was later held at the Club.
28
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
NOVEMBER 2014
Oiltanking
Malta
Offshore
Race
This popular offshore race of
approximately 95 nautical miles
is always considered to be the
ideal shakedown race for crews
preparing for the Rolex Middle
Sea Race the following month.
The race followed a course
starting off from the Tigne/Valletta
Gunpost line, leaving the Valletta
fairway buoy to Starboard, the
Munxar Cardinal Mark to Port,
the Valletta Fairway buoy to Port,
the St. Paul’s Bay tuna pens to
Port, Gozo to Port, the Island of
Filfla to Port, the Island of Gozo
to Starboard, the Tuna Pens to
Starboard, the Valletta Fairway
buoy to Starboard, to finish at
original start line – Tigne/Valletta
Gunpost line.
The Race was won by Artie,
skippered by Lee Satariano on
a corrected time of 14 hours 57
minutes, 40 seconds.
Raymarine Double Handed Round
Malta and Gozo Race 2014
The Raymarine Figure of 8 Double Handed Round Malta Race is the longer of the
two short handed races in the RMYC calendar and now in its 21st year. It follows a
figure of eight course around the two islands passing through the Comino channels.
This shorthanded race has been popular since its inception and the trophy bears the
names of most of Malta’s best sailors.
This race attracted interest from crews wanting to test themselves short-handed on
a course which is approximately the length of the Malta-Syracuse race, at a time of
year when conditions can be very challenging. This edition saw ten boats out of the
sixteen starters successfully complete the course. The overall winner, whose names
have been added to the prestigious trophy, were Peter Valentino and Sebastian
Ripard, who competed on a J92, Pep, owned by Anton Valentino and Denis
Azzopardi. Line Honours was won by Jamie Sammut and Nick Sammut on Isomat
Unica, which also won IRC Class 1. The IRC Cruising Class was won by Chris Selvagi
and Andrew Selvagi racing on the Dufour 44 - Puddleduck. 2014 BOV Gozo Weekend
Regatta
The enthusiasm and excitement experienced during the
Middle Sea Race in October spilled into the month of
November with the number of entries taking part in the
BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta exceeding expectations.
The BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta consisted of a series of Races starting with a
passage Race on the Friday, a series of windward-leeward Races close to Gozo, two
short coastal Races for Cruising and Double Handed Classes on the Saturday and a
passage Race down to Malta on Sunday.
From the start of the race, recent Middle Sea Race participants, Isomat Unica and
Elusive II BOV raced close to each other and consistently swapped leads. Races on
Friday and Saturday ended up in a tie, thus making the final Race on Sunday decisive
for the two boats. After a determined performance by both boats, Isomat Unica,
skippered by Jamie Sammut, won the BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta on corrected
time.
In the Cruisers’ Class Stanley Borg’s XC 45 Xplane won the overall class followed by
Sandro Musu’s team on Aziza.
The J70’s class saw four out of the five locally based J70’s start the race on the
Friday. The overall class was won by Globe Ground, skippered by Sebastian Ripard in
what was a closely fought race.
Established also on the Royal Malta Yacht Club social calendar, the BOV Gozo
Weekend Regatta proves popular amongst families and friends of those taking part,
who descend upon Gozo to enjoy a good weekend of exciting racing and socialising.
A Prize Giving evening was held at the Royal Malta Club.
29
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
2014
RACES
NOVEMBER 2014
J70 Class in the BOV
Weekend Regatta
The J70 Class were out in force and of the five
J70’s in Malta only Lee Satariano’s Artie was
absent. Globe Ground, RLR, Otra Vez Jr and
Comanche Raider were anxious to get out on
the battlefield to pit their skills against each
other in this thrilling one design class.
DECEMBER 2014
Boxing Day Fun Race
A staple in the Club’s calendar, this fun event saw a good number of
boats taking part in the annual Boxing Day Fun Race in aid of L-Istrina.
Upon their return participants were welcomed with mulled wine and
mince pies to warm up after a cold December day on the water.
Donations collected from participants and contributions made by the
Club resulted in a total donation of €1,500 to L-Istrina.
The first race was a passage race to Gozo with
a windward start off Tigne Point and a mark
laid off Sliema Pitch to provide an exciting beat.
With positions changing constantly as the boats
beat up the coast it was RLR to finish 1st just
ahead of Globe Ground followed by Adrian
Gauci Borda on Comanche Raider and Martin
Meachen and his crew on Otra Vez Jr.
On the Saturday conditions were for a South
Easterly with again 15 knots of wind and
lumpy sea coming in from the South making
for some very difficult upwind/downwind racing.
Four races were held in testing conditions but
Globe Ground with Seb Ripard at the helm
proved to be the boat to beat and she came
away that day with three 1st’s and one 2nd. RLR
had three 2nd’s and a 3rd whilst Comanche
Raider held in tight with three 3rd’s and a 1st.
Otra Vez Jr were 4th in the first 3 races but
on the 3rd race had some gear failure which
prevented them from continuing the Regatta.
On the Sunday the wind softened to around
10 knots and shifted into the NW and course
was moved to Mellieha Bay where the boats
enjoyed two fantastic upwind/downwind races
in almost perfect conditions. John Ripard Jr
helming RLR came away with a 3rd and a 1st
whilst Globe Ground helmed on this day by
Benjamin Tabone secured a 2nd and a 3rd
and Adrian Gauci Borda’s crew on Comanche
Raider took a 1st and a 2nd.
The BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta ended with
Globe Ground and RLR tied on points with
the tie broken in favour of Globe Ground as
the overall winner. RLR came 2nd, Comanche
Raider and Otra Vez Jr came in 3rd and 4th
place respectively.
31
issue 1 SPRING 2015
spinnaker
Target: ARC Gran
Canaria via Cape Verde
one man’s start to a dream
Spinnaker met with Peter Spiteri-Gonzi, who is closer to
starting a long held dream - that of sailing across the Atlantic
and beyond.
F
or those not in the know, the ARC is a “must do” for
many sailors, and attracts over 200 boats and 1200
people every year to sail 2700 NM across the Atlantic
from Gran Canaria to Cape Verde to Saint Lucia.
More than just a boat race, the ARC is about friendships made
ashore in the two weeks of pre-departure activities continued
over the radio net at sea. It’s about arriving in Saint Lucia
knowing you have achieved something fantastic - crossing an
ocean on a small sailboat.
Peter has been involved with and worked on ships/boats for
the last twenty five years. His first skippered long distance
crossing was a 200 NM journey in a 28’ sailing boat to and
from Greece back in 2002. Peter has clocked in quite a few
miles over the years and feels that now is the right time to
undertake this adventure.
Peter will be starting his adventure towards the end of July
when he leaves Malta for Spain. Peter will be sailing on
Melipal, a Hallberg Rassy 352 sailing boat, sloop rigged with
central cockpit and motor. It has been fitted to host four crew
members and has undergone a major over haul and upgrade
to ensure the seaworthiness and comfort required for such a
voyage.
Peter is currently looking for two experienced crew members
to join him at the start of the race which leaves from Gran
Canaria or en route. Ideally one of these has an Offshore
Yachtmaster qualification which will facilitate the setting up of
shifts throughout the voyage.
If you are interested in being part of this adventure, or know of
qualified crews who might be interested, please drop a line to
Peter on psgonzi@gmail.com or the Editor on maria@rmyc.org
More information on Melipal can be obtained by visiting
www.melipal-at-sea.com
The Royal Malta Yacht Club will be keeping you updated of
Peter’s progress on its social media pages and of course on
Spinnaker.
33
spinnaker
34
issue 1 SPRING 2015
issue 1 SPRING 2015
spinnaker
Alex Mattei Brings his
Chef’pertise to the
Royal Malta Yacht Club
Following a call for interest to caterers, Artisan Foods Co. Ltd. were recently selected to provide a catering service to the
Royal Malta Yacht Club. This includes the operation of the Club’s restaurant, and the provision of a food service for
functions in other areas of the Club.
A
part from managing the Club’s Restaurant,
Artisan Foods took over the restaurant adjacent
to the Club, which has been totally refurbished
to a nautical theme and is known as The Galley.
The kitchen too was also totally refitted with the latest
equipment to provide greater efficiency, speed
of service, hygiene and food quality.
As befitting its name, the interior
of The Galley emulates a beach
house with good, natural light
and soft furnishings keeping
a casual and comfortable
atmosphere. The venue
offers indoor and outdoor
areas with ample nearby
parking.
Artisan Foods are
a well-established
company, also known
for outside catering
services branded as
Fifth Flavour, Brown &
Rye sandwich makers
and Da Vinci Bakery.
These brands allow the
company to offer a full ranges
of catering options both at the
RYMC and other outside venues. to accommodate different requirements. The Club’s kitchen
is run by Mark Camilleri, who is the executive chef at Artisan
Foods. Together with his team he is responsible for the
menu and its execution. The menu, for both the Club’s restaurant and
The Galley will be seasonal using local
fresh ingredients which include
premium meat, pasta dishes
and light snacks at lunch
time. Specials will change
regularly to provide an
exciting variety of food for
the regular diner. Fish,
meat and vegetarian
options will be
offered. Food will be
priced reasonably to
encourage regular
diners and meet all
budgets.
The Club sees this as
a great opportunity to
operate a successful,
restaurant and provide a
superior service to dining
members at the Club.
For reservations, please call
The Galley on (+356) 2131 8801.
Artisan Foods Co. Ltd. has a team
of chefs and the production capability
to produce both snack food to be served
throughout the day, an ‘a la carte’ dining to be served at
the restaurant and at the Club dining room for lunch and
dinners as well as catering for events in two price brackets
35
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
words by
David Anastasi
Rear Commodore - Sailing
T
he Royal Malta Yacht Club Sailing School opened its
doors to the public offering dinghy sailing courses
to youths and adults older than 14 years old. Rear
Commodore (Sailing) David Anastasi speaks of the
club’s brand new RS Vision boats.
We are committed to deliver sailing tuition of a high standard
to attract more people to our beautiful sport and pastime. I
believe that learning how to sail on dinghies is the only way to
learn how to sail properly. I feel that there is a gap in Maltese
sailing education. The Malta Young Sailors Club is doing an
admirable job teaching children from the ages of 7 to 14 on
Optimists and the Birzebbugia Sailing Club runs sailing courses
in both Optimists and RS Fevas. This means that if you have
not started sailing from an early age and are not small enough
there is little opportunity to learn how to sail properly.
Our target market is anyone from the ages of 14 to 60+;
anyone who has, at one time, looked at a sailing boat and
wondered how it can sail into the wind but never had the
opportunity to figure it out for themselves; or those who have
been on boats all their life and want to understand the finer
points of sailing which can only be learnt on a dinghy.
The RMYC have teamed up with Sailcoach, who come with
a wealth of experience and a track record, and am confident
that we have managed to put the right team together and this
initiative will help our club grow in popularity and attract new
sailing members.
I believe that this initiative will bear fruit in the years to come
with more crews keen to race in our IRC regattas, match racing
and the new J70 class; this may even lead us to setup dinghy
and youth sections of our club.
For more information visit the RMYC website: www.rmyc.org
or our new Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/RMYC.sailingschool
or contact us by email: sailingschool@rmyc.org
36
Meet the RMYC
Sailing School Team
Trevor Millar
Founder and Executive Director
Trevor’s innovative coaching style has landed
him a countless awards and honours over
the past 33 years, with his athletes winning
Olympic medals, European titles, World
number one rankings, ISAF Youth medals and
many World Cup and Europa Cup victories.
Trevor, originally from the small village of
Newtownards on the outskirts of Belfast began his prestigious
coaching career with the RYA where he was the National Laser
Coach with Team GBR for several years, enjoying successes at
World and European Championship levels. He later moved back to
his native Ireland where he set up the Irish Olympic Development
Sailing Team, and coached his squad of single and double handers
on the international stage. Renowned for his visionary approach
to coaching, Trevor later set up the SailCoach Foundation where
he has guided sailors from an array of different nations to 6
Olympic Games and countless World, European and World Cup
Championships with a plethora of silverware along the way. His
experience at the highest end of our sport is unique in today’s
age and his knowledge and medal winning formulae are of great
benefit to the young sailors presently in Team SailCoach.
Jon Cooper
Strength and
Conditioning Coach
Jon is a keen Laser sailor himself and
a qualified RYA dinghy and power boat
instructor from Leicester in the British
Midlands. His degree is in Applied Sport
Science (Water Sports & Outdoor Activities)
from Southampton Solent University, with this
he is brings a scientific approach to the job that will set him apart
from other Strength and Conditioning coaches in our sport. Before
joining SailCoach he spent the last year working for Crystal Palace
Football Club in London as well as becoming a Certified Strength
& Conditioning Specialist. We have tasked Jon with creating
fitness plans for all of our sailors, and then working with them on
an ongoing basis to reach and then maintain their personal fitness
goals. During competition, he will assist with pre-race warm-up and
post-race recovery.
issue 1 SPRING 2015
spinnaker
RMYC teams up
with International
Maritime Academy
In February 2015 the RMYC entered into
an agreement with the newly formed
International Maritime Academy to provide
both informal and accredited courses
from the RMYC.
“The company was set up in 2014 and is a fully accredited Royal
Yachting Association Training Centre as well as being Transport Malta
accredited thus being able to provide the local Nautical License.
We are very excited to have been able to reach an agreement
with the Royal Malta Yacht Club and look forward to developing
our relationship further” Ben Stuart, director of the International
Maritime Academy said. “As an Academy we decided to pursue
the RYA accreditation as a recent survey classified the RYA sailing
qualifications as the premiere sailing accreditation for excellence and
global reputation.”
The International Maritime Academy, as an RYA Training Centre will
be able to provide a number of RYA approved courses ranging from
Jet Ski to Yacht Master Ocean theory as well as RYA First Aid. The
Academy will also be able to offer courses leading to the Nautical
License as well as STCW 95 training.
A degree of flexibility is also available for those who do not wish or
are not in a position to spend days on a course but wish to benefit
from the suite of courses and talks available in more manageable
timeframes.
The Academy is also approved to provide International Certificates of
Competence.
RMYC Commodore Godwin Zammit commented that the Club is
very pleased with the relationship that has been formed with the
International Maritime Academy. “We have known Ben Stuart for many
years and we feel that the RMYC has found a partner which brings an
aspect to the Yacht Club which has been a challenge to achieve. We
hope that you come and visit the team at the Marina Office and learn
more about what they have to offer”
Members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club will be entitled to a 10%
discount on courses offered by the Academy, upon presentation of
their membership card.
The International Maritime Academy can be found online on www.imamalta.com alternatively contact Ben on +356 7920 0849
37
Exclusively availabe from:
Ripard Larvan & Ripard Limited
156 . Ta’ Xbiex Seafront . Gzira . GZR 1020
www.rlryachting.com
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Evinrude BRP ENGINES
For 2015, BRP revealed a new outboard engine that
produces up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions,
with 15% better fuel efficiency and 20% more torque than
leading four-stroke engines. The “G2 Engines”, are the next
generation of Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines with figures
that speak for themselves!
BRP’s Evinrude brand is an integral part of one of the most
innovative powersports companies in the world. Their
reputation for inventing and reinventing the playgrounds
we’re in dictates that a new era in outboard engine
technology and design would originate from BRP.
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboard engine delivers unrivaled
performance with best-in-class torque and fuel efficiency
and lowest total emissions. Available for the 2015 Summer,
the G2 range starts at 200 H.O. up to 300R.A.V.E. The new
E-TEC G2 engine offers the first and only customizable look,
the only clean rigging and fully integrated digital controls.
These innovations now allow consumers to choose the
absolute perfect combination of boat and engine by
selecting top and front panels, as well as accent colors that
match your boat.
BRP’s next generation of Evinrude E-TEC engines will
be backed by unmatched value with the industry’s best
engine warranty, least maintenance and best-in-class fuel
efficiency. BRP is the only engine offering 5-5-5: 5-year
engine warranty, 5-year corrosion warranty, and 500 hours
with no dealer-scheduled maintenance, allowing for the
most time on the water.
The company launched its first-generation Evinrude E-TEC
technology in 2003 and added to the line a broad spectrum
of horsepower options for any boating need. The innovative
technology has delivered on more power and torque while
achieving and surpassing the EPA’s clean air standards for
more than 10 years. BRP’s technological breakthroughs with
the Evinrude E-TEC technology have also allowed for fewer
dealer visits and less engine maintenance over time, giving
boaters more time on the water. G2 engines join other
Evinrude E-TEC product innovations like the new Pontoon
Series engines to provide best-in-class performance.
This engine stands alone, in the industry and on the
water. Until now, achieving these levels of performance
and integration was unheard of. Add to this the fact that
this engine produces, by far, the fewest emissions of any
outboard engine on the water, and it’s clear to see why the
new Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines will change the face of
boating.
BRP’s Evinrude engine line-up from 3.5 to 300 horsepower
offers customers superior value across a full range of
applications.
Engines are available from RLR Ltd, official Authorised
Distributors for the Maltese Islands.
For more information, contact info@rlryachting.com
Exclusively availabe from:
Ripard Larvan & Ripard Limite
156 . Ta’ Xbiex Seafront . Gzira . G
www.rlryachting.com
39
www.sdyachts.com
.
.
T: [+356] 2133 15 15 M: [+356] 9920 34 44 E: info@sdyachts.com
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
The World of
Wealth Management
Wealth Management is generally perceived as the offering of private banking services and
investment advice to wealthy individuals and their families. However, it is much more than that.
Here we speak to Aldo Scardino, Executive Head of Wealth Management at Bank of Valletta
to gain better insight into this world.
What do you understand by Wealth Management?
Wealth Management is intrinsically about the management
of close relationships with clients focused on the growth
and preservation of the clients’ wealth over time. Indeed,
these relationships are carried across generations with
many of our longstanding clients introducing Bank of
Valletta to their children so that we can help them grow
their own investments with a view of absorbing their future
bequests.
Managing a relationship starts with the profiling of
the client in order to be able to match appropriate
investment vehicles that are adequate for the individual,
his circumstances and objectives. All this is a result of a
disciplined and rigorous research process, structuring
appropriate and suitable investment proposals and
their prompt execution in the market, whilst monitoring
investments and the safekeeping of assets. All this is done
in the ambit of a long term personal relationship.
What does BOV Wealth Management offer as added value
to its clients?
Bank of Valletta’s ethos is ‘Know your client’. This principle
is fundamental for the team at BOV Wealth Management.
Thus, we can guarantee a truly personalised service
that is unique for every client. Our aim is to build a tailor
made portfolio of investments that fits our clients’ financial
needs, objectives and risk tolerance. This can only be
achieved when the financial advisor spends time and
effort to get to know the client and manage the portfolio
and the relationship. We will take the time to meet up with
every client ensuring we understand his/her preferences,
objectives and individual requirements. Meeting the clients
regularly helps us understand the level of risk sought, the
duration of the investment, income goals and any other
factors deemed important for the investment relationship to
succeed.
At BOV Wealth Management we are also geared to offer
tailored services to corporate and institutional clients, trusts
and ‘family offices’. The overseas sector is also a growing
sector with foreign clients representing the fastest growing
segment, as Malta is quickly establishing itself as an
international financial services centre of repute
Irrespective of the segment, clients will increasingly demand
that their advisors manage their wealth as professionally as
they would manage their own business, prompting advisors
to offer a broader and deeper range of financial products
and services, efficiently, at a competitive cost, and with
peace of mind.
The BOV Wealth Management outfit forms part of the
largest financial organisation in Malta, the origins of which
date back to 1809, and to this very date is one of the major
drivers of the Maltese economy. We offer the full suite of
financial services including personal and private banking,
investment management and fiduciary services. Thus, we
are in a position to help our clients take charge of, and
safeguard their financial future and throughout generations.
How do you see the business of wealth management
developing in the future?
Globalisation is increasingly shaping the investment focus
for high-net-worth individuals and is evolving from the
traditional focus on the European and North American
capital markets to a more varied investment universe
that not only includes more sophisticated and remote
investment instruments and asset classes, but also markets
such as Asia and the Middle East, which were previously
considered ‘exotic’ for most investors. This evolution
will accelerate at an unprecedented rate as the wave of
wealth transfer to younger generations takes hold. The
new generation of investors is more adventurous, more risk
tolerant, and internationally focused, whilst being also more
technologically confident.
Furthermore, our advisors do not work in silos, but have
the support of a thoroughly dedicated research team. This
team provides advisors with up-to-date information about
the financial markets and the various investment options
and trading strategies. Thus, we can ensure that our advice
is not only customised to the individual client, but is also
based on an in-depth understanding of the prevailing
market scenario.
At Bank of Valletta, we take pride in being the Bank of
choice for our market, including in the area of Wealth
Management. This requires constant investment in our
people and in our capabilities in order to be able to advise
on, trade, settle, monitor and keep custody of investment
instruments and products efficiently and effectively for our
customers.
Who are the typical Wealth Management clients?
Typically, the personal segment represents the core of the
BOV’s Wealth Management client base. When we refer
to personal clients, we are generally speaking of wealthy
families rather than wealthy individuals. This is the result of
longstanding relationships developed with our clients.
We want to tailor our relationship banking model to the
type of client interaction that will be expected of us in
the future. One thing will remain unchanged: the fact that
wealth management is fundamentally built on the concept
of relationship management. Bank of Valletta has strong
credentials in this respect.
Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1130
Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a credit institution authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority
43
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
The Notarial
Archives
a priceless treasure
yet to be discovered
The Notarial Archives in St Christopher Street, Valletta, house a veritable repository of more than 2km of shelving, or
some 20,000 registers, containing notarial records, some of which date back to the late fifteenth-century. These archives,
which hold amongst the oldest records in Malta, provide an uninterrupted 600 year old link with the past and are
commonly referred to by historians as the “collective memory of the Maltese nation”. Between the covers of the beautifully
bound registers lies a highly interesting, and mostly still undiscovered, social and economic history of Maltese private
and public life. Notaries, together with clergymen, formed that social group on whom the largely illiterate mass of the
population from all walks of life depended. Consequently these records contain a mass of detailed information that would
have otherwise been lost.
T
he Notary was a main public figure whose
services were required by people coming from
various strata of society, from the slave to the
Grand Master. Thus, notarial sources do not only
shed light on the story of great men who held important
positions, but also give voice to those who were always
silent in history – slaves, women, farmers, servants,
children and other people in the margins of society. These
deeds include, sales and exchanges of land, animals or
slaves, money loans, business and corsairing ventures and
investments, marine insurance contracts, bills of exchange
and commissions. Other binding agreements include
marriage contracts, wills, donations and dowries. Notaries
enjoyed the trust of practically all the population. Of course,
this trust was partially a forced one since illiteracy was rife
and most people were ignorant of legal terminology.
Amongst this important national collection are several,
sometimes unrelated, documents such as groups of
manuscript transcriptions of court proceedings, notarial
notes and loose leaf documents of a miscellaneous
nature. Dr Joan Abela, who is the President of the Notarial
Archives Resources Council (NARC), explains that all of
the documents are equally precious, however, due to their
extreme rarity some of the documents stand out from
others. The jewel in the Archive’s crown is Pietro Caxaro’s
Kantilena, which is the oldest poem written in late medieval
Maltese. This was composed sometime before Pietro’s
death in 1485 and represents the earliest documented effort
by a writer to transcribe in Roman characters the spoken
language of Malta in order to immortalize his thoughts and
feelings in a literary product.
Various historians have spent years of patient research
at the Notarial Archives, diligently opening up the
metaphorical window on Maltese socio-economic history.
Godfrey Wettinger studied registers that shed new light
on the topography and nomenclature of the Maltese
islands and on hitherto unexplored areas like Slavery and
the Jewish community in medieval Malta. Stanley Fiorini
44
transcribed the earliest extant notarial material that exists
in Malta, those of Notaries Paulo Bonello and Giacomo
Zabbara dating to 1467. He also brought to light information
about the Greek community which settled in the port
city of Birgu with the arrival of the Knights Hospitallers in
1530, and the resettlement of the island of Gozo after the
1551 Turkish incursion which saw the whole of the island’s
population being taken to slavery. Joan Abela analyzed
port activities and ancillary services in the pre-Siege period,
thus making a solid contribution to economic maritime
studies for the period 1500-1565. John Debono uncovered
activities of the harbour area in the second half of the
eighteenth century. His latest contribution is an important
work on art and artisans in Malta between 1650 and 1800.
University students have also presented a handsome
number of dissertations that provide in depth studies of
particular notarial registers, but the dearth and volume of
the repository is still largely untouched.
“The importance of researching sources such as notarial
acts, is that these are moulded by the spirit of time in
which they were written,” said Dr Abela. “They make an
impression upon the reader that volumes of secondhand
accounts can never transmit. They are the outcome of
the coming together of different parties, before a legal
representative, in a particular period that was regulated
by its own laws and customs. They therefore provide a
snapshot of the daily lives and activities of a diverse span of
the population.”
The repeated use of phrases and formulae in notarial acts
are the product of a mentality that had witnessed centuries
of social developments. A case in point is the use of the
phrase, como uno sacco de ossa, (like a sack of bones)
which was used in transactions concerning both slaves
and animals wherein the ‘commodity’ was sold tale quale,
that is with all its defects. Such phrases reflect a society
wherein the human aspect of a slave was totally ignored.
Other phrases such as, armato per andare al corso contra
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. The notarial archives in Valletta are a veritable mine of information to the researcher. 2. The will of the Maltese patriot Dun Mikiel Xerri which was drawn up
just a few hours before his execution. 3. The Archives at St Christopher Street are not just a simple collection of ‘Registers’ a large number of them are the only
extant copy of original deeds. 4. The Notary had to bind his volumes in parchment by law. As in this case parchment was often re-cycled from beautiful illuminated
manuscripts. 5. It was common practice to use the Name of God the calling of the Holy Spirit and various verses from the Scriptures at the beginning of each
calendar year. 6. Turkish letters found on board enemy ships which were scrutinized for spying purposes. Photo courtesy of Notarial Archives, Valletta.
infidelis, (armed to go corsairing against the infidel) refer
to the incessant religious struggle between Christians and
Ottomans, and al nome de dio bon viaggio a salvamento
amen (in the name of God may you have a safe trip amen)
refers to the perils awaiting mariners in the pirate infested
seas of the Mediterranean.
Patriarchal authority is particularly highlighted in marriage
contracts and testaments. They placed the father centre
stage, represented him as the administrator of the family
patrimony, and indicated relationships particularly in
reference to him. On the other hand women, despite
legal limitations on their right to act independently, also
possessed a certain degree of authority, especially in their
right to retain their dowry with the husband being deprived
of the right to alienate it without their permission.
The notary’s role in these arrangements was not to make
decisions for the family but to represent his clients’ choices
in a manner unassailable at law. He added payments to
the parish priest for funerary services, inserted words of
affection to explain bequests, stipulated that the widow
would only keep family property while she remained
unmarried, and required that all children inheriting be
legitimate. Thus, notaries were themselves responsible
for many of the provisions that historians often take as
evidence for general attitudes towards family relations and
gender roles.
giving us to save this invaluable paper heritage for posterity,
we appeal to students, graduates and historians to
consider them for their research. Their contribution to the
documentation of Maltese history would be priceless.”
The ongoing rehabilitation project at the Notarial Archives
is being spearheaded by NARC, which is a voluntary
organization that works incessantly to get funding from
private sponsorships in order to stop the deterioration
process which is fast destroying this precious collection.
Some of the manuscripts can be “adopted” by private
companies or individuals. “Adoption” entails sponsoring
the conservation treatment. The sponsorship schemes vary
from €100 to €50,000 and over. One can adopt a notary,
a volume or even just an item, so there is a possibility for
everyone to invest in the conservation of this. All work
shall be carried out under the supervision of a qualified
conservator and a periodical report is issued to record
progress.
Those interested may contact Dr Joan Abela at:
joanchabela@gmail.com
It is also to be remembered that many of these notaries had
been witnesses to some of the most turbulent episodes in
Maltese history, like the Turkish invasion of 1551, the Great
Siege of 1565, the French Revolution, recurrent famines and
other milestones in Maltese history.
“These in themselves are enough to illustrate the treasure
horde of information that such data would yield to the
meticulous researcher and scholar,” said Dr Abela. “And
while thanking our sponsors for the great push they’re
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spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Who I Met At The Bar
words by
FRANCESCA VINCENTI
We all do it. We all breeze in and out of the RMYC for one reason or another; for meetings, lunch, sailing lessons,
briefing, protest hearings, prize giving or simply to just hang out and say hello to a familiar face or two. But if you’re
anything like the rest of us, we sometimes just walk by people we don’t really know with just a nod of the head, or we
throw a casual smile at someone who’s become somewhat of a regular patron without so much as even knowing the
person’s name or life story. Who I Met At The Bar is a new corner feature that crosses the barriers of just a hello. We
get to know our fellow sailors or members. This month, we met up with Michael Lawrence. He’s not quite your idea of
Lawrence of Arabia, but he’s an adventurer & has been a hero to many whose lives he has touched, all the same.
How did you get into Sailing Mike?
I was 12 years old and lived in Plymouth. Some say that my
family are descended from Viking blood since they invaded
and occupied the shores there for centuries. My great
grandfather and grandfather both served simultaneously on
the HMS Fox and sailed with the East Indies Company. My
entire family come from a line of navy men, except for my
dad. I’ve raced the Fastnet, the Round Britain Race, crossed
the Atlantic and sailed the Cayman Islands too.
Were you racing the Fastnet during the infamous storm of
1974?
No, I was sitting cosy at the bar of the Plymouth Sound
yacht club when 200 or so yachts came in. It was a terrible
storm, a few lost their lives and many yachts were severely
damaged.
Do you have a favourite Sailing Story to share?
The best sailing experience I ever had was when I was
asked to join a 65ft catamaran called ‘Go Free’ across the
Atlantic. They had never sailed offshore before and took
me along for the experience that I had to offer and my
engineer skills. We were 4 crew in all and left from Malta
on 20 September 2011. We took the same course that
the ARC Race was taking, just a week ahead of them. We
were a great team and we were stocked up with adequate
food and drink It was marvelous to see humpback whales,
dolphins, sharks and all types of sea creatures up close.
Half way across the Atlantic it was so calm it was like a mill
pond, so we stopped, put on our snorkel gear and jumped
in. We didn’t see any fish then, but later while we fished
from the boat, yellowfin tuna and barracuda were abundant
and we even lost one of our catches to a large shark. That
was the end of us thinking about another snorkel I tell you!
What brought you to Malta and more importantly, what
keeps you here?
As the old cliché goes, I needed a change after a lifethreatening experience made me suggest to my wife Jill
that we sell off one of our houses, buy a yacht and sail
around the world. That was the intention. We bought our
yacht called ‘Fushion’ from Paros, in Greece; she’s a one
off Bruce Roberts’ design and was built in Athens. Roberts
is renowned for his design of steel yachts. Fushion was
just what we had envisioned and I fell in love with the boat
right away. I singlehandedly sailed her here in November
of 2007, so you can imagine the weather then! When I had
her on the hard at Manoel island, I made friends with a
local chap who offered me my first ever ‘hobza’. Over time,
I made more friends and soon enough Malta felt like home
away from home to me. Jill joined me when I laid my fist
moorings at Lazzarett and later we moved to Pieta. We’ve
got two dogs that are part of our crew – Blitz the three
legged Pirate and Ruben. Jill is constantly cleaning the
boat, what with the dog paws coming in and out. She fits
in perfectly with the local Maltese ladies who are so house
proud!
Who are you, when you are not at the bar or on the boat?
I’m a medic. Trained in nursing for emergency ambulance
and rescue. Our unit worked closely with the Mountain
Rescue team. I’ve seen a lot of things in my time. When
the Lockerbie disaster happened, I was one of the first
response units to arrive on the scene, as part of the large
Search and Rescue.
I also worked in collaboration with the RAF coastal rescue
division and it’s not a job for the faint hearted when you
have to deal with catastrophic accidents, to missing
children, but there were some happy endings which made
it all worthwhile. I once was able to locate a missing 12 year
old girl and found her alive and well in a private garden.
Naturally Social services get involved and follow up such
cases to determine the reasons why a child went missing
from home and ensure proper care, help and support.
I was also an avid mountaineer. It was my passion. I’ve
climbed every notable high mountain in the British isles and
in many ways, it was somewhat of a meditation for me that
helped me deal with the tougher aspects of my job.
On the social side of life, I had formed part of the committee
Caterpillar International Club in Leicester. Its a social and
sport club that organised events for charity, such as a fly
overs by the Red Arrows team, raft races down the river
Avon and other interesting things.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Yes. If the RYMC ever needs a hand organising social
events, I would be more than happy to help out.
47
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Malta’s approach to addressing the
jellyfish problem
Jellyfish, or better still, gelatinous plankton (since some gelatinous species are actually not jellyfish), have become an
indelible component of our seas, uninvited guests within bathing areas each summer. Such primitive creatures, which
are considered veritable living fossils since they first appeared over 600 million years ago (i.e. way before the dinosaurs),
are inflicting all sorts of socio-economic impacts on coastal zones around the world. The stings inflicted to bathers each
summer and the consequent impact on the touristic amenity of an area, are just the tip of the iceberg. Some gelatinous
species are capable of much worse. For instance, the nomadic jellyfish, a species native of the Indian Ocean which has
entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal in the early 1970’s and which can reach the size of a large football,
regularly shuts down electrical power stations in Israel by clogging the cooling water intake pipes, and closes down beaches
in view of its nasty sting. The warty comb jelly (also known as the sea walnut) has crippled the anchovy and sardine
fisheries in the Black Sea ever since its inadvertent introduction, through shipping, from North American waters.
I
t’s a given
that scientists
cannot be
everywhere
all the time….this
would be ideal
to monitor the
occurrence of
jellyfish blooms.
One way to
achieve such
ubiquity is through citizen science, which involves the
formal or informal training of the general public to collect
scientific data in the field on behalf of scientists. This
cost-effective protocol is very popular, being deployed
by scientists worldwide for different scopes, from the
monitoring of bird populations to those of jellyfish, or even
to alert scientists about the levels of atmospheric pollution
through their smart phone.
The Spot the Jellyfish campaign has been conducted
since 2010 by the Physical Oceanography Unit based at
the University of Malta, being led by the undersigned and
colleages within the same Institute, on the back of seed
funding received from the International Ocean Institiute
(IOI), an international NGO. Through financial support from
the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), a series of informative
seaside panels have been installed on the most popular
local beaches, soliciting the public to submit reports of any
jellyfish individuals they encounter whilst bathing. The ame
artwork as the seaside panel has been printed in the form
of posters and leaflets distributed amongst all local scuba
diving clubs and other stakeholders, including the Malta
48
National Aquarium.
All submitted reports can be viewed online as a summary
map on the same website which depicts jellyfish occurrence
and distribution on a spatial and temporal scale. The
campaign is supported by the Malta Tourism Authority
(MTA), Nature Trust (Malta), the EkoSkola network, BlueFlag,
Friends of the Earth and Sharklab, with numerous talks To
date, since its inception, almost 1,500 jellyfish reports have
been submitted by the public and ten species of gelatinous
plankton previously unknown from our waters have been
recorded, including stingers like the nomadic jellyfish, the
compass jellyfish and the stunning Hula skirt siphonophore,
but also a variety of non-stingers, including the blue button,
the crystal jellyfish and an array of comb jellies. Perhaps
the most charismatic of all jellyfish species is the by-thewind sailor, a veritable miniature living sailing boat which
normally blooms during summer.
A growing technological arsenal is supporting the scientific
effort to collect more information about jellyfish. A smart
phone app (MED JELLY) was launched in the summer of
2014, giving users indispensable information on how to
treat the stings of specific jellyfish species as well as useful
logistical information on every local beach, including list
of amenities present on the same beach, accessibility
and also local weather conditions. Users can also submit
reports of jellyfish encountered on local beaches, along
with accompanying photos, through the same application,
which is available for free download on both Android and
iPhone platforms. The MED JELLY smart phone app was
developed within the framework of the MED-JELLYRISK
project (funded under the ENPI-CBCMED framework), within
issue 1 SPRING 2015
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which the PO Unit is participating, with the assistance of the
Alert Group (www.jellyrisk.eu). Within the same project, a
jellyfish dispersion model is being developed by the same
University Institute, using the rationale behind an oil spill
mode, forecasting the trajectory being taken by a jellyfish
bloom once it’s spotted. In so doing, the model gives 3-4
days notice of the beaches where the bloom is most likely
to hit and thus providing coastal managers with welcome
foresight on the same issue.
The University’s participation within the MED-JELLYRISK
project has made possible the publication of a diverse array
of popular science tools, including waterproof factsheets
and sting treatment booklets, indispensable tools for the
beach buff in the advent of a jellyfish bloom. The treatment
advised on the published booklets is based on the latest
scientific evidence emerging within different studies and
is specific to each jellyfish species. This debunks the
myth that one-treatment-fits-all where jellyfish stings are
concerned, with a dose of vinegar being a panacea for
all sorts of stings, when in actual fact, the chemical might
even exacerbate matters for such stings, such as those of
the common mauve stinger species. One additional activity
aimed at shoring up coastal managers is the installation
of a MED-JELLYRISK anti-jellyfish net within a local bay,
slated in for the summer of 2015. The local socio-economic
impact of jellyfish blooms on the tourism industry is also
being assessed within the project, through the deployment
of a short questionnaire being distributed amongst tourists
visiting our shores.
Jellyfish sightings can also be reported online by visiting
an ad hoc campaign website - www.ioikids.net/jellyfsh - or
can also be submitted through an SMS on 7960 4109, or
by sending an email message to ioi-moc@um.edu.mt or to
alan.deidun@um.edu.mt. 49
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Grey Decks,
words by
Lieutenant Keith Caruana
Public Affairs Office, Armed Forces of Malta
Men in Blue
Photo: AFM
P
ositioned in the heart of the Mediterranean and
with a Search and Rescue Region stretching over
250,000 square kilometres, Malta’s Maritime
presence lays as one of the core functions of
its’ Armed Forces. Established in 1973 the Armed Forces
of Malta (AFM) is Malta’s military organisation tasked with
primary defence functions and safeguarding national
sovereignty and interest. Being an island state one cannot
rationally talk about the defence of national interest
without emphasising the essential presence and control of
Maltese waters. As Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan back in
1890 stated in his book ‘The Influence of Sea Power upon
History, 1660- 1763’, geo-political strategy of a nation should
always incorporate the natural equilibrium and symbiotic
relationship between commerce and a reliable naval
projection.
Malta is not only a maritime hub that made good use
of its natural harbours throughout its’ history, but as an
Independent Republic, the Maltese Archipelago was bound
to develop its own modest naval presence. Due to the
limitation of our resources and at times volatile scenarios
in the Mediterranean region, we had our fair share of
challenges and accomplishments. In the 70’s and 80’s the
Maltese economy was in its infancy and investment in Naval
hardware was always present but limited to second hand
patrol vessels donated by other states. Nonetheless the
versatility and resourcefulness of our men in blue working
in the workshops at the maritime squadron, always secured
constant operational capability out at sea, be it on Maritime
Law Enforcement duties or conducting essential Search and
Rescue missions. Same can be said for the AFM’s Air Wing
that at the time relied on donated helicopters and second
hand aircraft.
Background Photo: Bdr Justin Gatt / AFM Public Affairs Office
50
As time progressed, Maltese authorities recognised the
importance of a modern nation to have a modern Armed
Force with an adequate but credible Maritime Projection
capability. For the first time in its’ history, administratively,
the Maritime Squadron at Hay Wharf became an
independent ‘regiment’ and started to acquire brand new
vessels. Two Vittoria Class Search and Rescue Vessels
(Melita I & Melita II) built in 1998 by Vittoria Naval Shipyard,
Adria – Italy, were initially operated by the Civil Protection
Department. These were transferred to the AFM in May
1999. The versatile water jet powered vessels, proved
extremely trustworthy and serve as the workhorses of the
squadron especially during search and rescue operations
particularly in demanding weather conditions . Melita I and
Melita II underwent mid-life upgrade works between April
and July 2011. Recently, thanks to a coordinated effort by
AFM officers, the European Union funded the refurbishment
and improvement of these vessels extending their
operational lifetime for years to come.
A momentous time for Maritime Squadron personnel
was the acquisition of P51, an offshore patrol vessel
commissioned on the 18 November 2002. On the 7th of July
of 2004 her sister, P52 was also commissioned and started
to operate in Maltese Waters and beyond. Both Protector
class patrol boats were built by Bollinger Shipyards to US
Coast Guard specification. The US-donated vessels are
based on the hull of the Damen Stan Patrol 2600 in service
with the US Coast Guard and the Hong Kong police. This
vessel is capable of deploying a 5.5m RHIB by means
of a stern ramp, aft of vessel. The Offshore Capability of
the AFM was to be further enhanced by the purchase of
a brand new Offshore vessel with a displacement of 399
tonnes (full load).Financed through the 5th Italo-Maltese
Protocol. P61 was commissioned on the 3rd of November
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issue 1 SPRING 2015
Photo: Bdr Justin Gatt / AFM Public Affairs Office
Photo: Bdr Justin Gatt / AFM Public Affairs Office
2005. The contract included training and logistics. The
P61’s design is based on the ‘DICIOTTI’ (modified SAETTIA)
class vessels that are in service with the Italian Coast
Guard, however the AFM’s vessel was to be upgraded
and modified with a helicopter deck and stern ramp for
launching a 7 metre Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat.
Following the significant and relatively speedy investment
in the offshore capability the AFM at the time, the Force
was still relying on old vessels for its daily inshore
maritime operations and four new Austal Patrol Vessels
were therefore built to AFM’s specifications in Australia.
Concurrently the AFM’s Fixed Wing capability was further
enhanced with the purchase of two Maritime Patrol Aircraft,
the King Air B200. The above mentioned projects were
co-funded by the EU as the AFM took centre stage after
benefiting from the bulk of €84 million given to Malta
between 2007-2013 .
Planning and preparation to attain EU Funds remained key
throughout recent years as the AFM’s Maritime Squadron
received three Interceptor Vessels (P02, P03, P04). These
vessels are versatile and host specialised soldiers carrying
out Maritime Law Enforcement Operations. In the past
weeks one of these vessels just returned from a three
month deployment in Greece during Frontex Border Control
Operations in Lesvos. The AFM Maritime Squadron is also
home to two new Defender Class boats that were donated
by the US Embassy. One of these together with a Search
and Rescue Launch are permanently based in Gozo and
provide excellent round the clock service to the North
and West Coast of the Islands. In the meantime the AFM
embarked on the largest project in its history, the acquisition
of two brand new multi-engine AW 139 helicopters. The new
helicopters, costing some €15 million each, are fitted with
Photo: Bdr Justin Gatt / AFM Public Affairs Office
Photo: AFM
tailor made rescue equipment and have double the range
of the single-engined Alouettes currently in service. Further
plans are currently being scribbled, but we will go into this
in future editions.
The lines above provide a partial chronological overview
of the tangible investment the AFM has made but
unfortunately we rarely get the opportunity to unveil the
hard work of our soldiers and the return of such investment
back to the taxpayer. To do so it is opportune to let figures
speak once again. From 1994 to 2014 the AFM conducted
over 1000 rescue missions and saved 13781 lives. 1512 of
these were fellow seafarers and fishermen. These statistics
not only contribute to our professional portfolio but lay
sheer testimony of the personal qualities of our men and
women in uniform. For us these are not just numbers, they
are the fuel that drive human engine that steer our boats,
our Force, our motivation. Being of service towards the
nation, its’ people and those passing from our waters is not
just a job; It’s a way of life that is ingrained in the ethos of
our soldiers.
51
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Opportunities for learning
at the MCAST Maritime Institute
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
(MCAST) is the country’s leading Vocational Education and
Training Institution. Through its ten Institutes it offers over
one hundred and eighty-five full-time and two hundred and
seventy part-time training courses in a wide variety of fields.
The MCAST Maritime Institute provides high-quality training
and education in the Maritime sector. Besides the fulltime courses on offer, the Institute also provides a wide
range of part-time nautical courses. These range from
Basic Seamanship and Safe Boat handling to Yachtmaster
(Offshore) courses.
courses are delivered during evenings or on Saturdays at
a controlled pace in order to help candidates complete the
training programmes successfully.
For further information on the part-time courses offered
by the College kindly send an email to
shortcourses@mcast.edu.mt or call 2398 7116/103 or visit
our website http://shortcourses.mcast.edu.mt
The MCAST Maritime Institute is the leading maritime
training institution on the Maltese Islands. The full-time and
part-time courses lead to the attainment of the national and
international nautical licences required to establish a career
in the maritime industry. Key stakeholders in this sector
have, on several occasions, expressed their satisfaction at
the high level of preparedness shown by our graduates.
Employers are encouraged to recruit the students as the
training programmes they undertake focus on hands-on
experience. This is achieved through the institute’s sea- and
land-based facilities, including bridge and communication
simulators and extensive work placements, ranging from six
months to one year ocean-going experiences.
The part-time courses are particularly attractive to busy
adults who otherwise would not have the opportunity
to follow full-time courses during the day. The part-time
53
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Boat
Friendly
Recipes
There is nothing better than eating your own catch. Artisan Foods
(operators of The Galley Restaurant) have come up with simple delicious
recipes that can be prepared easily with a few fresh ingredients.
Agro Dolce Tuna Carpaccio
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 Kilo of Fresh Tuna –
remove the skin, trim excessively
fatty parts and bloody darker
flesh.
For the Dressing
Handful chopped parsley
1 Clove of Garlic grated
1 Teaspoon Chilli Flakes
2 Tablespoons of sugar
1 Tablespoon of white vinegar
Juice of 1 Lemon
300 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
54
Method
This is a simple dressing that makes any raw
fish or prawns taste delicious. Make sure
that your fish is very fresh maybe even just
caught. Do your best to slice it thinly. Serve
as a starter or as a platter to share.
Slice your fish thinly and place on a large flat
plate. Mix all the dressing ingredients well
until the sugar dissolves. Pour this over the
fish and allow to marinate for several hours
in the fridge before serving. Serve on bread
or with a fresh leaf salad.
issue 1 SPRING 2015
spinnaker
Spaghetti with Sea urchin roe Serves 4
Ingredients
1 jar of bought sea urchin roe or
about 30-40 sea urchins
Handful of parsley chopped
Juice and zest of ½ a lemon
1 Onion finely chopped
6 Tablespoons of olive oil
12 Cherry tomatoes halved
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
500g spaghetti
Method
Heat the olive oil in a medium sized frying pan and
add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until
transparent. You then add the halved tomatoes,
parsley, salt and pepper, and cook further until
the mixture is well blended at which point you
add the sea urchin roes. Squeeze the lemon juice
and sprinkle the zest onto the sauce, mix briskly
and add to the cooked, drained spaghetti. Serve
immediately.
55
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spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Luxury
essentials
Spinnaker gets a preview of the new Rolex models.
THE ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL - THE
QUINTESSENTIAL OYSTER
ROLEX PRESENTS NEW VERSIONS OF ITS
QUINTESSENTIAL OYSTER PERPETUAL MODEL,
INTRODUCING AN ENTIRELY NEW 39 MM SIZE AS WELL
AS EXCLUSIVE NEW DIALS FOR THE 26, 31 AND 34 MM
SIZES. CREATING AN ENTIRE FAMILY OF DIFFERENT SIZES
AND ATTRACTIVE DIAL COLOURS FOR A MODEL THAT
AFFORDS FULL ACCESS TO THE ROLEX LEGEND.
THE ROLEX YACHTMASTER - A CHIC, SPORTY AND
TECHNICAL WATCH
ROLEX IS INTRODUCING A NEW BLACK AND 18CT
EVEROSE GOLD VERSION OF ITS NAUTICAL OYSTER
PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER, FITTED EXCLUSIVELY WITH
THE INNOVATIVE OYSTERFLEX BRACELET DEVELOPED
AND PATENTED BY ROLEX. THIS TECHNICAL BRACELET
COMBINES IN A SINGULAR WAY THE ROBUSTNESS
AND RELIABILITY OF A METAL BRACELET WITH THE
FLEXIBILITY, COMFORT AND AESTHETICS OF AN
ELASTOMER STRAP.
This new Yacht-Master is offered in two sizes: 40 mm and a
new 37 mm diameter. Its Oyster case in 18ct Everose gold
includes a rotatable bezel fitted with a new Cerachrom
insert in black ceramic with polished raised numerals on
a matt background. This finish underscores the similar
contrast between the polished 18ct Everose gold watch
case and the matt black of the Oysterflex bracelet, dial and
Cerachrom insert.
The Oyster Perpetual is the purest expression of the Oyster
concept, having no other function than a reliable and
accurate time display. This watch is the direct descendant
of the original Oyster launched in 1926, the first waterproof
wristwatch in the world and the foundation on which Rolex
has built its reputation.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL O F WATERPROOFNESS
AND ROBUSTNESS
The Oyster Perpetual’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof
to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of
robustness and reliability. The characteristically shaped
middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly
corrosion-resistant 904L steel. The fluted case back
is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that
allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.
The winding crown, fitted with the Twinlock double
waterproofness system, screws down securely against the
case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire.
The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for
the high-precision movement.
Rolex watches are exclusively represented by Edwards Lowell Co. Ltd. and are available in Zachary Street, Valletta and
Spinola Bay St. Julians. For more information please call (+356) 2138 4503 or email info@elcol.com
57
spinnaker
issue 1 SPRING 2015
Racing Calendar 2015
RLR Weekend Regatta
22nd – 25th May
RLR Weekend Regatta will take place at the RMYC. The
Keelboat racing programme will see the J70, IRC Racer and
IRC Cruiser classes tackling a number of windward/leeward
as well as coastal races. A Dinghy racing programme is also
being prepared which promises to see quite a lot of activity at
the Club. A number of social events will be held on the Club’s
terrace in the evenings and will include a wine tasting evening
with live jazz music and a mouth-watering BBQ.
J70 Med Cup
5th – 7th June
The J70 Med Cup will take place for the first time in June and
will consist of a series of races held off the Sliema shore as
well as within Marsamxett harbour giving sailing enthusiasts
an opportunity to view competitive sailing at close range.
The event is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club in
collaboration with the J70 Association Malta.
Etchells International Selection Event
13th – 14th June
The RMYC has been invited to send a team to take part in the
International Invitational Etchells Regatta for the Gertrude Cup
in Cowes, England. A round robin will be sailed between all
registered teams on Saturday and a final knock out series will
be sailed on the Sunday.
Citadel Ragusa Weekend
27 – 29th June
The Citadel Ragusa Regatta organised by the Royal Malta
Yacht Club and sponsored by Citadel Insurance plc consists
of a passage race to Ragusa followed by a series of inshore
races where participants compete for the Trofeo Achille Boroli
Challenge and the Hyblea cup, organised by the Circoli Velici
Iblei.
Syracuse – Malta Race
11th – 12th July
Every year, this race, organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club
and the Lega Navale Italiana Sezione Siracusa, alternates start
lines. This year the race will start off in Syracuse. The growing
popularity of this race promises to be a well-attended event.
RMYC Summer Cruise
8th – 16th August
Following the successful cruises that took place in the past two
years, the Club is once again planning another cruise for the
forthcoming summer. Similar to previous years, the cruise will consist of just relaxing
cruising and plenty of good fun ashore. A welcome break from
the hectic racing calendar the Club has to offer. Go Summer Regatta
5th – 8th September
The Go Summer Regatta includes a series of windward/
leeward races for the racing classes and coastal races for the
cruiser classes. A double handed class will sail on the cruiser
courses. Berthing at the club pontoons will be free of charge
for all participants. A dinghy regatta is also being organized. A
number of social activities will be held on the Club’s terrace.
J70 Regatta
16 – 21st September
The J70 Regatta is a welcome opportunity for teams to go up
against each other, head to head in a one-design fleet where
all that separates one team from the other are the sailors.
Races generally consist of a series of windward / leeward
races. A lively social scene goes hand in hand with the racing.
58
Around Islands Offshore Regatta
26 – 27th September
A popular short offshore race of just under 95 nautical
miles, this race is the ideal shakedown race for crews
preparing for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Rolex Middle Sea – Coastal Race
14th October
The Rolex Middle Sea Coastal Race gives competitors the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with local waters. The
race follows one of four courses around Malta, Gozo, Comino
or Fifla.
Rolex Middle Sea Race
17th – 25th October
The flagship event of the RMYC the Rolex Middle Sea Race is
a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same
breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney - Hobart and
Newport-Bermuda as a “must do” race.
The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club
co-founded the race in 1968 and 2015 will be the 36th Edition
of this ever growing Race.
Dinghy National Championships
7th – 8th November
Organised by the Malta Sailing Federation, the Dinghy National
Championships movearound each year working with the three
local clubs, namely the Malta Young Sailors, Birzebbugia Sailing
Club and the RMYC . This year it is the turn of the RMYC to host
races which are open to Optimist, Laser and RS Feva Classes.
BOV Gozo Weekend
13th – 15th November
The Gozo Weekend has become a very popular event, where
family and friends join those racing for a great time to chill and
relax after the very hectic month of the Rolex Middle Sea Race
in October. Races usually include a passage race up and down
and round the cans and coastal races on Saturday.
2H Figure of 8 Race
28th – 29th November
The Figure of 8 Double Handed Round Malta Race is the
longer of the two shorthanded races in the RMYC calendar and
now in its 22nd year. It follows a figure of eight course around
the two islands passing through the Comino channels.
This shorthanded race has been popular since its inception
and the trophy bears the names of most of Malta’s best sailors.
Round Malta Race
12th December
RMYC. A fully crewed adventure round Malta in December
where unpredictable weather conditions make it an even more
interesting and challenging race which crews keep returning to
year in year out.
Boxing Day Fun Race
26th December
The Annual Fun Race in aid of L-Istrina will be held on Boxing
Day. A nominal entry fee per person on each participating
boat will be charged and the amount collected, together with
a donation from the Club will be donated to L-Istrina. After the
race, all those taking part are invited to the Clubhouse for a
glass of mulled wine and mince pies.
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