Ref:  044-2009

The 49th edition of the Malta Syracuse Regatta, which attracts some of the best Maltese and Sicilian boats, was successfully held recently. This was the second time that Air Malta sponsored the event that saw the participation of 66 yachts that competed in the race between Siracusa and Malta. 

Every year this classic race organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Lega Navale Italiana Sezzione Siracusa  alternates start lines and this year terminated at the Marsamxett Harbour.

“Wolverine” was the overall winner in the ORC category as well as 1st in IRC Class B and winner of the Easy Perfection Trophy whilst Maltese yacht ‘Ton Ton’ won the IRC category A closely followed by the Italian boat ‘Nautilus 227’. Air Malta’s Maltese Falcon II yacht came in 3rd.

The prize giving ceremony was organised at the Grand Harbour Marina under Fort St Angelo. The prizes were awarded by Dr Brock Friesen, Air Malta Chief Officer Commercial and Georges Bonello DuPuis, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Speaking during the activity, Brock Friesen, Air Malta Chief Officer Commercial said, “Air Malta is trilled to be associated with Royal Malta Yacht Club. Through this sponsorship we are reaffirming Air Malta’s commitment to the yachting community. We believe that such events give added value to the Maltese tourism product. We are confident that assisting similar events helps to attract more visitors to our islands thus assisting the local tourism industry.

“Promoting sports' tourism is one of the strategies which we are pursuing to draw more people to our country. We are working hard to increase tourism arrivals especially during our lean periods and sports tourism including yachting is helping us in our activities”, continued Dr Friesen.

“This sponsorship is the latest addition to Air Malta’s sports related initiatives. We are also the proud sponsors of the Maltese Falcon II yacht with which we have extended our agreement this year. We believe that this yacht epitomises our Maltese identity perfectly promoting the Maltese cross wherever it sails”, concluded Air Malta’s Chief Officer Commercial.

Commenting about Air Malta’s involvement in this race Georges Bonello DuPuis added, “We are extremely pleased that Air Malta has taken over the role of title sponsor for one of our club’s most prestigious offshore races.  The RMYC runs a wide variety of racing throughout the year and with new destinations and sponsors, the 2009 season will provide action packed sailing along side the most comprehensive social calendar the club has ever been able to provide”.

Picture shows L to R: Jesmond Farrugia, Nikki Sammut, Dr. Brock Freisen – Air Malta Chief Officer Commercial, Saviour Camilleri Burlo – crew from Maltese S/Y “Ton Ton” during the prize giving ceremony.