Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541318
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 14 NOVEMBER 2025 SPORT Calypso triumphs at 2025 BOV Gozo autumn Regatta THE 2025 edition of the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta con- cluded in spectacular fashion, with Sebastian Ripard's Calypso emerging as the overall and IRC Class 1 winner after three days of exhilarating racing and shift- ing weather conditions. This is Calypso's second overall con- secutive win in the now estab- lished race in the RMYC racing calendar Organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and proudly spon- sored by Bank of Valletta, the regatta saw a record number of 24 entries with strong compe- tition across 4 different class- es. The event kicked off with a passage race from Marsamxett to Mġarr Harbour, followed by tactical "round-the-cans" racing in the Gozo-Comino Channel, and culminated in a final coastal race back to Malta. Race direc- tion was in the hands of Martin Azzopardi. Calypso (Farr 30), skippered by Sebastian Ripard, emerged as the overall winner in the IRC Racers division, with a to- tal of just 7 points across three races. Calypso's agility and tac- tical precision were especially evident in Saturday's light wind round-the-cans race, where she claimed first place, building on a solid third-place finish in Fri- day's passage race and a strong second in Sunday's final leg. Elusive 2 (Beneteau First 45), helmed by Maya Podesta, se- cured second overall with 9 points, having dominated the opening race and maintained consistent form throughout the weekend. Vivace (Reflex 38), co-skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Degabri- ele, took third place overall with 10 points, leading the IRC2 divi- sion with steady performances across all three races. IRC1 In Friday's passage race, Elu- sive 2 (Beneteau First 45) took the win followed by Ton Ton Laferla (Dufour 44) in second place and Calypso (Farr 30) in third. Saturday's round-the-cans race was marked by very light wind conditions, where Ca- lypso's smaller size and agility proved decisive. Sebastian Ri- pard's crew capitalised on the conditions to secure first place overall in IRC1, edging out Elu- sive 2, which finished second. Geisha (IMX40) followed in third, while several larger yachts struggled to maintain momen- tum in the fading breeze. Sean Borg's Jubatus light- weight design proved crucial in the race back to Malta, on Sun- day. The Cape 31's lightweight and planing hull saw them back in Marsamxett with a consid- erable lead over second placed Calypso with Ton Ton Laferla taking third spot. IRC2 In IRC2, Vivace (Reflex 38) led the fleet with consistent top three finishes across all rac- es, securing third place overall in the IRC Racers class. Anton Calleja's L'Artista (J/99) and the Jarhead Young Sailor's Jarhead (J/109), skippered by Gary Mer- ciecabattled closely for podium positions, both ending the se- ries tied on points. IRC Cruisers The IRC Cruisers division saw a close contest among three standout yachts. Mak- ing its debut, Seven (Grand Soleil 46), skippered by Mario Debono, led the division in the opening passage race on cor- rected time. Inspiration (Sun Fast 40.2), helmed by Godwin Zammit, responded with a win in the round-the-cans race, showcasing excellent light wind handling. Christine Stanschus' Chapeau (Beneteau Oceanis 46), finished in third place. RMYC Cruisers The RMYC Cruisers division delivered a competitive series with standout performanc- es from Nenya (Hanse 458), Forever25 (First 45), and Kira (Beneteau 57). Nenya, helmed by Edward Gatt Floridia, won the Class, having two wins and a second place in the class. Mar- tin Kunath's Forever 25, fin- ished in second placed followed by Gino Cutajar' Kira, who maintained steady form across all races The division showcased the spirit of club racing, with a mix of seasoned sailors and newer crews navigating changing con- ditions with determination. The prize-giving ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club marked a fitting conclusion to the BOV Gozo Regatta 2025. Stefan Abela, Manager CSR at Bank of Valletta, and Mark Napier, Commodore of the RMYC, presented trophies to the winners of each category, celebrating their achievements in front of fellow sailors and supporters. The prestigious BOV Gozo Regatta Overall Tro- phy was presented to the Calyp- so crew, skippered by Sebastian Ripard, in recognition of the crew's outstanding performance across all three races. The cer- emony reflected the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion that defined the regatta. Calypso, skippered by Sebastian Ripard, emerged as the overall winner in the IRC Racers division, with a total of just 7 points across three races