The MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta delivered one of its most technically demanding days on Saturday, as sailors were tested by light and highly variable conditions following a night of rain.

As wind strength remained light and prone to frequent shifts throughout the day, success hinged less on outright speed and more on tactical awareness, patience and, above all, consistency.  Across the board, the emphasis was firmly on minimising errors.  All results at this stage remain provisional and are subject to change pending the resolution of protests lodged during the day.

Optimist Beginners

Changes at the top of the leaderboard continued, with Lea Salikova (SUI) steadily climbing into first place after nine races. She is closely followed by Thomas Zapucioiu (MLT) and Liam John Gaskell (MLT), both of whom have featured consistently in the top three since the opening day of the regatta on Thursday. With three races remaining and only narrow margins separating the leading trio, everything remains to be decided, leaving the fight for top honours wide open until the very end.

Optimist Senior

One of the day’s surprise outcomes saw regatta favourite  Carl Bigersson slip down the leaderboard after retiring from the final race, paving the way for Mihael Zobec to consolidate his hold on first place. Malta Young Sailors Club’s Sebastian Micheli Demajo surged into second position, with Andrea Demurtas close behind in third. While Zobec appears well placed to secure overall victory, just a single point separates Micheli Demajo and Demurtas, setting up a finely balanced contest for the remaining podium places.

Europa Cup – ILCA Fleets

Two races were completed for the ILCA fleets, with a single final race scheduled for Sunday. In the ILCA 4 fleet, Tiago Cheng De Villemor Salgado (HKG) retained top billing. Host club sailor Timothy De Cesare climbed into second place, just one point ahead of Oleksandr Bolsunovskyi (CYP). Malta’s Emily Fenech sits a further four points adrift but remains in contention for a potential overall podium finish heading into the final race.

No changes were recorded among the top three in the ILCA 6 Class. Carys Attwell (GBR)continues to lead the standings, holding a two-point advantage over Pietro Colazzo (ITA), who in turn enjoys an 11-point cushion over Malta’s Timmy Vassallo. With just one point separating Vassallo from fourth-placed Leo Gosling (SUI), Sunday’s final race promises a closely fought battle.

The ILCA 7 fleet delivered a surprise at the top of the leaderboard, with Tomek Vaccaro (MDA) moving into first place and displacing Fiachra McDonnell (IRL), who had held the lead since the opening day of the regatta. Just two points separate the pair, setting the stage for a decisive showdown on the water on Sunday morning. Jeremy Moutout (MON) currently occupies third place.

Attention now turns to the final day of racing, which will see three final races for the Optimist fleet and one final race for the ILCA fleet, setting the stage for a decisive conclusion to the MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta.

The 25th MAPFRE Euromed International Regatta is supported by MAPFRE and VisitMalta, with S&D Yachts / Rooster, F. Busuttil & Sons Marketing, and Victor Azzopardi Jewellers — the event’s Official Timekeeper — also backing the regatta.  Further support is being provided by Mellieħa Local Council, the Malta Sailing Federation, SportMalta, and Yachting Malta.