Royal Malta Yacht Club sailors Katrina Micallef and Tomek Vaccaro produced impressive performances at the 2026 Shanghai Cup, with both securing third-place finishes in the ILCA 6 class.

The international invitational regatta, now in its third edition, was held over the weekend and continues to grow in stature as a showcase event aimed at promoting sailing in the Shanghai region. The competition attracts leading sailors from around the world alongside some of China’s top athletes.

Entry to the event is by invitation based on sporting achievements, and this year’s line-up featured several high-profile competitors, including Poland’s seven-time ILCA 6 world champion Marcin Rudawski, Mozambique’s two-time Olympian Deizy Nhaquile, Britain’s current ILCA 6 men’s number one Jonathan Emmett, and four-time Canadian national champion Victoria Coady.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club has been represented at the Shanghai Cup since the inaugural edition, with Lara Merten competing in 2024 and Tomek Vaccaro in 2025. This year, Vaccaro returned and was joined by Katrina Micallef.

The regatta has quickly built a reputation for both its sporting level and unique presentation, highlighted this year by an opening ceremony featuring a live orchestra, a sailing boat parade and a drone display projecting participating nations across the night sky.

Racing took place on a purpose-built circular lake in the heart of Shanghai, surrounded by skyscrapers and creating a rare stadium-style atmosphere for the sport.

Weather conditions throughout the event were mainly light to moderate. Vaccaro made an excellent start to the regatta and led the standings after the second day of racing. However, penalties including a U-flag disqualification and a yellow flag affected his challenge for the title, although he still finished in third place overall.

Micallef faced a tougher opening to the competition and initially had to fight her way into the top ten. She responded strongly in the latter stages of the regatta, including claiming victory in one race, to climb to eighth overall and earn the bronze medal in the women’s fleet.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club said the event continues to provide its sailors with valuable experience in a high-level international environment and thanked the organisers of the Shanghai Cup for once again extending an invitation to Maltese competitors.