Maltese yacht in international regatta

A Maltese yacht, the Maltese Falcon, will later this week be representing Malta in a series of prestigious international offshore regattas in various localities in the Mediterranean.

The route will see the Maltese Falcon visiting affluent yacht clubs situated in Punta Ala, St Tropez, Valencia and Palma Majorca. Apart from the excitement of participating in these renowned regattas, the aim of this project is to promote Malta as a yachting destination and hub in the centre Mediterranean. In fact, throughout these races the Maltese Falcon will be flying a tailor-made red main sail with the Maltese crest imprinted on it.

This was announced by Royal Malta Yacht Club Commodore, Arthur Podesta’ during a press conference that saw the project launched to the media.

Mr Podesta' added, "The Maltese Falcon will be participating in a number of high profile regattas, which, due to their prestige and international flavour, are expected to be given ample European television, newspaper and magazine coverage.

"The yacht will be skippered by some of the most able helmsmen in the local yachting scene including, Alfie Manduca, Christian Ripard and Matthew Gatt. Each skipper will have his own crew and will be responsible to helm in different races in the series. Most round robin races are inland and are expected to be viewed by residents of these up market locations.

"The boat will return to port every evening flying the Maltese maritime flag, while the crew will have the opportunity to promote Malta during a number of social events associated with such races."

Mr Podesta’ adds, "Over the past years there has been no overseas publicity for the local yachting scene due to the lack of berthing facilities, however this is set to change with the development of projects like the Porto Maso, Cottonera and Midi and participating in these races will help boost such publicity. This is due to the fact that the Maltese Falcon will be racing with some of the most elegant racing and cruising yachts owned by elite members of the yachting world. This will help to boost up market to tourism for the benefit of Malta.

The first race in the series will be the Mediterranean IMS Championship to be held between the 2 and 9 June at Punta Ala, on the coast of the Italian Tuscan region.