Its back to Malta for a couple of weeks, where I have had a penthouse apartment overlooking the marina for over ten years now. I am here to oversee a few minor repairs, and do some yachting, where I was also fortunate to be joined by Uliana, taking a break from her University studies in France. She’s been out with me on yachts before of course, when she was at junior school with her brother in Sri Lanka, we used to go out fishing. Now she’s older so it’s time to introduce her to some more serious sailing.
I chartered a 40 foot yacht for the day, leaving in what were mild winds from Valletta, and headed north, towards Gozo, taking it easy as I also put out a couple of fishing lines – as it turned out, successfully. Taking a lunch break south of Comino, I noticed the weather changing, so it was an about turn and a heading back home – a 6 knot current helping us on the way, but up against winds that had blown up to 30km. It was a bit of a rough trek back!
Meanwhile, the Rolex-sponsored Middle Sea race is an annual sailing event in Malta, and attracts a huge number of international competitors, including from as far away as Hong Kong. It is centred around the Royal Malta Yacht Club, who both organise and host the event, in addition to numerous social gatherings and parties.
Routes vary from year to year, however it is essentially a fast dash from Malta to Sicily, and circumnavigation around the island, then hell for leather back – all strictly under sail only. It is always held towards the end of October, where the changing weather tends to bring good winds. Sometimes these can fall rather flat, on other times they can be highly dangerous. 2024 was no exception: three yachts were de-masted, and scores sustained damage so severe they are now in dry dock being repaired. About 40% of the entire competing yachts had to retire and return home under power. A handful of crew members were hospitalised.
Years ago I qualified as an Ocean Skipper (in Thailand) and have participated in the Kings Cup races in Phuket on occasion. Now, I want to crew on the Middle Sea Race, so it’ll be back to sailing school for me next year for refresher courses and getting fit. It’s a serious event. As for Uliana, I asked what she would like as a present if she does well in her University finals. “I’d like to go on a yachting course!” Good girl!