[IN PICTURES] Victory Day regatta: Bormla claim aggregate shield

People gathered at the Valletta waterfront to follow the day's races

Bormla have claimed this year’s 8 September regatta, winning seven of the first eight races in the Open and ‘B’ Categories.

This is the 18th aggregate shield that Bormla has won.

As the races kicked off in Grand Harbour, Bormla won the first race in the major category, ‘tal-midalji’, with Birzebbugia and Marsa coming in second and third respectively.

Bormla then went on to win the second race in the open category – that for the ‘frejgatini’ – ahead of Isla and Birzebbugia.

In the third race, ‘tal-pass’, Bormla edged ahead once ahead, with Marsamxett coming in second, followed by Birgu.

The club also won the fourth race, ‘tal-kajjiki’, ahead of Isla and Marsa.

In the B category, open to youths and other rowers who had not qualified for the main category, Bormla won the first race, ‘tal-pass’, with Birzebbugia coming in second, followed by Marsamxett.

The second race, ‘tal-kajjiki’, saw the same placing.

The third race, ‘tal-midalji’ was also won by Bormla, followed by Isla and Kalkara.

Isla replied to Bormla’s challenge by winning the fourth race, ‘tal-frejgatini’, which saw Birzebbugia edge Bormla for second place.

President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at this morning's wreath laying ceremony

Victory Day commemorates the Great Siege of Malta by the Turkish Empire in 1565 which ended in 1565, the siege of Valletta by the French in 1800 and the siege of Malta during the second world war.

It also coincides with the feast of the Nativity, which is celebrated in Senglea, Naxxar and Mellieha in Malta, and Xaghra in Gozo.

The president this morning took part in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the foot of the Great Siege Monument in Valletta, together with her husband Edgar Preca.