The Royal Malta Yacht Club’s Quest Dinghy Regatta came to an exciting conclusion on Tuesday afternoon following a highly competitive series of races featuring twelve teams.

Competitors were divided into two groups during the qualifying phase, with each team contesting 12 races. The top three crews from each group progressed to the Final Round, while the remaining teams battled it out in the Consolation Round, ensuring a full programme of racing for all participants.

Ripards Secure Consolation Round Victory

The Consolation Round was won by the father-and-daughter duo Sebastian and Olivia Ripard, who produced a consistent performance across the final races. Keith and India Cutajar finished runners-up after another strong showing.

Camille Legroux and Sara Femenia Ribes claimed third place, narrowly ahead of Anouskha Vella and Sara Baldwin in a tightly contested standings battle.

Flahives Dominate Final Round

The Final Round featured six crews competing in three decisive races under difficult sailing conditions, with a light and unpredictable north-westerly breeze creating challenging racing around Manoel Island Creek.

Despite the tricky conditions, father-and-son pairing Brian and Danny Flahive delivered a flawless performance, winning all three races to comfortably secure overall victory and claim the regatta title.

Vinicius Degrave and Nicole Valentina Zemoz finished in second place, while Jake Aquilina and Michaela Gauci Borda secured third after an intense battle separated by just a single point.

Peter Micallef and Karen Xuereb ended the regatta in fourth place, followed by Claudio Bugeja and Timothy Degiorgio Ghersci in fifth. Luis Azzopardi and Paolo Farrugia completed the standings in sixth place.

Prize-Giving Ceremony

The prize presentation took place at the Royal Malta Yacht Club following the conclusion of racing, in the presence of Rear Commodore (Sailing) Adrian Gauci Borda and Committee Member Aaron Gatt Floridia.

The Club also thanked the volunteers who assisted in the organisation and smooth running of the regatta, including Michelle Caruana, Tania Bonnici, Tamara Pavlovic, Beatrice Steinbeck, Tania Steinbeck and Matthew Wallis.

Final Round Standings

1. Brian & Danny Flahive – 3 points
2. Vinicius Degrave & Nicole Valentina Zemoz – 8 points
3. Jake Aquilina & Michaela Gauci Borda – 9 points
4. Peter Micallef & Karen Xuereb – 10 points
5. Claudio Bugeja & Timothy Degiorgio Ghersci – 15 points
6. Luis Azzopardi & Paolo Farrugia – 19 points

Consolation Round Standings

1. Sebastian & Olivia Ripard – 7 points
2. Keith & India Cutajar – 7 points
3. Camille Legroux & Sara Femenia Ribes – 8 points
4. Anouskha Vella & Sara Baldwin – 8 points