Great conditions make for perfect sailing in the RMYC Round Islands Offshore Race

The annual Round Islands Offshore Race organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club is often seen as prelude to the forthcoming Rolex Middle Sea Race, giving crews the opportunity for some longer distance racing.

Part of the fleet taking part in the Royal Malta Yacht Club's Round the Islands Race
Part of the fleet taking part in the Royal Malta Yacht Club's Round the Islands Race

Veteran sailor Jamie Sammut, racing on his Solaris One 42 Unica won the IRC Racer 1 Class.  “We had a very good start to the race, as it was downwind all the way to Munxar, closely followed by August Rush behind us. A good shift enabled us to get a bit of a lead. A steady 11 knots North West wind meant that we were able to go on a tactical beat all the way to San Dimitri point in Gozo. From there it was downwind to the Fairway buoy and a beat to the finish line”, said Jamie Sammut,  “This race was a perfect opportunity for us to hone our skills in preparation for our third participation together in the forthcoming Rolex Middle Sea Race”
 
In preparation for possible changes in weather conditions the Race Committee prepared two courses one slightly longer than the other.  In view of the light winds that were expected in the afternoon, Race Committee opted to go for the shorter, 65 nautical mile course.  Starting from Marsamxett Harbour, crews headed towards Munxar, passing by the Valletta Fairway buoy and proceeded to Benghajsa before heading back North towards St. Paul’s Bay Tuna pens onto Gozo past Comino and back to the finish in Marsamxett Harbour.
 
“The constant wind shifts that prevailed, particularly between Bahar ic-Caghaq and Ras il-Qala on the way up, ensured that it was a very tactical and active race”, commented Mark Vassallo, winner of IRC Racer Class 2. “Downwind just as tricky with less wind on the rhumb line from Xlendi to Cirkewwa but more breeze on both sides of it. Once we rounded Ahrax, it was then an easy fast broad reach to Fairway Buoy in 10 to 15 knots of Westerly with a magical sunset!!”
 
A Prize Giving ceremony will be held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club on Friday 2nd October at 8pm onwards.  The Royal Malta Yacht Club is grateful towards all the volunteers that contribute their time and expertise towards the organisation of such Races.
 
Results and further information can be found on www.rmyc.org