This season (2014) has marked the start of a collaboration between Swieqi Overseas Rugby Club and the Royal Malta yacht Club (RMYC) which has seen us hosting a shared Whiskey tasting event at their venue on the Ta’ Xbiex Seafront last April. The event has certainly sparked interest in sailing amoungst our members with no fewer than 29 members, with ages ranging from 22 to 33 and Nationalities including: Maltese, French, British, Dutch, Swedish, and New Zealanders, having signed up to become members of the RMYC.
A number of Overseas RUFC members also took part in the 2 latest regattas:
Gewiss Marzamemi Regatta 2014 (1/5/2014 – 5/5/2014)
The 2014 edition of this great event saw one of the highest number of entries with an impressive fleet comprising around 400 participants on no fewer than 47 yachts tanging from 35ft to over 60ft.
Thursday’s leg (Malta to Marzamemi) started with light to moderate conditions with winds picking up towards Marzamemi. Friday followed with a friendly rowing regatta while a large number of participants opted to rent a car and visit neighbouring towns such as Siracusa, or even Catania to savour some good Sicilian food and countryside before returning for a night of partying at a local bar with a large number of participants. A short inshore race followed on Saturday morning with two Overseas RUFC members finishing on both the 2nd (s/y Inspiration) and 3rd (s/y Mawimbi) position yachts. In the evening was the RMYC yacht club dinner in the piazza followed by a blues jazz trio. Finally, Sunday saw commenced with a 07:00 skippers meeting during which the RMYC Race Officer issued a cancellation for the day’s return race to Malta due to severe weather conditions. While a handful of boats opted to leave anyway, the majority remained in Marzamemi to enjot the food and return the following day with lighter conditions albeit with missing crew that returned to Malta by ferry due to other commitments.
Crewsaver Weekend Regatta 2014 (20/5/2014 – 22/05/2014)
The Crewsaver Regatta is an event for al sailors, young and old, with different courses for each class. Round the Cans for the Racers, easier Coastal Races for the Cruisers and courses for the younger Dinghy Sailors. Each Class had their own challenge with courses laid according to the relevant conditions on the day. The weekend was also used for the launch of the RMYC sailing school for anyone over the age of 14 years.
The weekend saw races on Friday followed by a free “Bucket of Beer” to start off the “Happy Hour” for each boat and a wine tasting event hosted at the club.
Saturday was followed by several races for each class and a pig night, also known as “majjalata”, in the evening.
Unfortuantely Sunday’s morning races were cancelled due to poor weather conditions however the crews were present at the yacht club for lunch and drinks followed by the prizegiving.
Upcoming Events
Anyone interested in joining the yacht club and taking part in races should contact us on [email protected] It is a great experience and a good way to keep active and fit during the closed rugby season.
The race schedule is available on the RMYC website.
- Sat 7th June: Round the Islands Race
- 27th-29th June: Citadel Ragusa Regatta 2014
- 12th-13th July: Malta Syracuse Race 2014