The Royal Malta Yacht Club has successfully concluded another edition of the Dock Shop Marzamemi Weekend, its popular offshore passage race to the Sicilian fishing village of Marzamemi and back. A competitive fleet of IRC and RMYC Club Class yachts took part in the event, with several newcomers making their debut in the Club Class category.

The opening leg to Sicily provided stronger winds than forecast, resulting in competitive racing across the channel. As the fleet approached Capo Passero, shifting conditions created a tactical battle for positions before the finish.

In the IRC fleet, Ton Ton La Ferla, skippered by Jonathan Gambin, crossed the line first ahead of Kixx Me (Luis Azzopardi) and Jubatus (Sean Borg), with the same order reflected on corrected time. In the Club Class, Forever 25, sailed by Martin and Alexandra Kunath, finished ahead of Battleaxe (Jacques Savona) and Game Changer (Edmund Glaister), with corrected times mirroring the finishing order.

Away from the racing, competitors enjoyed a lay day in Marzamemi, where the fleet was warmly welcomed by the Marzamemi Yacht Club. The event once again highlighted the social side of the regatta, with sailors enjoying the hospitality ashore as much as the action on the water.

The return leg to Malta proved significantly more challenging. Light and inconsistent winds, coupled with a prolonged calm patch, made for a frustrating passage that required constant tactical adjustments and sail changes. The difficult conditions ultimately forced the entire Club Class fleet to retire.

Only two IRC yachts, Jubatus and Kixx Me, managed to complete the course. Jubatus, sailed by a short-handed but determined crew, claimed line honours and secured the overall Dock Shop Marzamemi Weekend trophy.

Reflecting on the event, Jubatus skipper Sean Borg described it as “a proper summer regatta,” adding that the lay day was “as much fun as the racing.” Kixx Me skipper Luis Azzopardi said the return leg tested both the crew’s patience and ability to keep the boat moving in near-flat conditions.

A prize-giving ceremony was held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club on 13 June, where participants and organisers celebrated another successful edition of the event.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club thanked title sponsor Dock Shop for its continued support, as well as race management volunteers Michelle Caruana, Neity Maddock, Alana Meadows, Mark Napier and Piero Picone for their contribution both in Malta and Sicily.

Attention now turns to the North Sails Twilight Series, the next event on the club’s racing calendar, which gets underway on 17 June.