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maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 APRIL 2019 21 SPORTS SAILING Lartista claims top billing at the PVIES Double Handed Round Malta Race THE PVIES Double Handed Race, hosted by the Royal Mal- ta Yacht Club and which took place recently, was dogged by very tricky conditions that saw a light start to the race. As the race progressed, par- ticularly when the fleet round- ed Aħrax point, it was tight and exciting action as most of the boats were swapping posi- tions, all throughout in an at- tempt to win the coveted tro- phy. The race course saw crews leave Marsamxett Harbour to take a southbound course to finish back in Marsamxett Harbour. The first boat to cross the finish line was Elusive II. IRC Class 1 Aaron Gatt Floridia and Brian Flahive, sailing on Otra Vez, emerged winners of the Class. It was an exciting finish for Otra Vez who despite being pipped to line honours by Elu- sive II, skippered by Aaron Po- desta and David Anastasi, by a just few seconds, managed to take top honours, on correct- ed time, in their Class. Aaron Gatt Floridia ex- pressed his satisfaction not at just the result but also the quality of sailing he and Fla- hive managed to produce on the day. IRC Class 2 Lartista duo, Anton Calleja and Renato Camilleri, who have been sailing together in double handed race for the past five years did not have an auspicious start to the race. Catching up with the big boats near Magħtab, the race seemed to have had a second start at that point. A good rating for Lartista together with Calleja and Camilleri's synergy resulted in them winning their Class and the overall race. Second in Class was the Jar- head Young Sailor's Founda- tion crew Fabio Galea and Karl Miggiani, who similarly to Lartista's crew have had a good number of years sailing together. A prize-giving evening was hosted at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in the presence of Janice Spiteri, representing Island Engineering Services, distributors of PVIES, Photo- voltaic Solar Installations and related services. Spiteri noted that PV|IES have been supporting this race for the past four years and was very pleased with the outcome of this year's race. Prizes were presented to the winners by Spiteri and Rear Commodore (Sailing) and Race Officer Peter Dimech who thanked the crews and the volunteers for their par- ticipation and dedication. The next race on the Royal Malta Yacht Club Race Calen- dar is the Citadel Marzamemi Weekend Regatta taking place this weekend. Further infor- mation be be found on www. rmyc.org Lartista

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