Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/238322
22 Sport maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 8 JANUARY 2014 FORMULA 1 Schumacher's wife asks media to leave doctors and family in peace CORINNA Schumacher, wife of seven-times F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, has called on the media to leave doctors to treat her husband in peace. "Please support us in our common fight with Michael," she said in a statement. "It is important to me that you leave the doctors and the hospital alone so that they can work in peace. "Please have faith in their statements and leave the hospital. Please can you also leave our family in peace." Mrs Schumacher's statement came after a statement from the hospital on Monday in which they confirmed that the legendary driver is stable, but remains in a lifethreatening, critical condition. The hospital statement added that neither the doctors nor the hospital would issue any further statements for the time being, but French authorities investigating the incident have said they will hold a press conference in Albertville on Wednesday morning to discuss their findings so far. The retired seven-times Formula One world champion slammed his head on a rock while skiing offpiste on December 27. Schumacher has been in an induced coma since then and has undergone two operations in Grenoble. The medical team and the German's management repeated on Monday their call to respect his privacy and said they would not send any more statements nor hold any news conference until further notice. Last week his agent Sabine Kehm urged journalists to stay away from Schumacher after security guards said they intercepted a reporter disguised as a priest who was trying to get into his room. "The patient's privacy requires that we do not disclose any details about his treatment and that's why we do not plan any news conference nor written statements for now," said the medical team and Schumacher's management. "We ask you again, insistently, to ... stick to the information provided by the medical team in charge or his management because they are the only valid ones." Corinna Schumacher While Schumacher is battling for his life after suffering severe internal bleeding on the skull, French authorities are investigating the accident that took place in the Alps resort of Meribel. The Annecy prosecutor on Monday said he will hold a news conference on Wednesday. Schumacher, who turned 45 on Friday, is the most successful Formula One driver of all time with importance for cruising. Boating simply for enjoying sailing characterise the MCC events which are family friendly having participants accompanied by their families and friends. There is a world of difference, for both sail and power, between racing and cruising. Quite apart from the physical differences between boats designed for competitive racing and cruising, there is a fundamental difference in outlook. Cruising folk enjoy the adventure and fun of cruising to new destinations at their own pace, and facing the innumerable challenges as well as the copious rewards of such ventures. Speed as such does not come into it; rather seamanship and seaworthiness are the criteria. Without doubt racing boats are, on the whole much faster, they have to be of their very nature. However, cruising boats are far more comfortable, and therefore tend to be heavier and often slower. Today the original concept and objectives of the Malta Cruising Club are still adhered to. The Illustration Presentation on Cruising is a popular activity organized by the Malta Cruising Club where members who have had exciting and colourful cruising trips share their experience with other members of the Club. Two of the recent well patronised Presentations were that given by Alexander d'Agata who gave an exhaustive description of his Cruising voyage in Sardinia and that delivered by Vladimir Apukov, a Russian mem- 91 race victories. He left the sport last year after a disappointing three-year comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006. SAILING Cruising is Fun! WILFRED SULTANA BEING islanders, where the sea is practically within walking distance from any location, referring to our affinity to water activities is possibly the same connotation as to when referring to fish and the sea. Well, maybe I am going slightly overboard in my comparison but definitely within sight. The local sport scene is well endowed with prime nautical events that enjoy a highly regarded recognition on the international calendar. Manifestations which present exciting contest to both local and foreign participants but above-all highlight our attractions and facilities resulting in valuable press and television promotion opportunities which give our Island an identity in the trendy world of sport-tourism. Behind such successful endeavors are a dedicated breed of sailing 'administrators' who are definitely contributing to the enhancement of the sport, giving excellent opportunities to local sailing enthusiasts and putting Malta in the elite market of yachting. In 2005 a new sailing club was setup. This addition sailing initiative had a specific orientation as it was meant to be a cruising club to cater for both Sail and Power boats. An enthusiastic gathering of some 40 'sailors' answered the call for a first meeting where the introduction of the proposed concept and objectives, the presentation of a Club statute, the enrollment of those present as members, the election of a provisional committee and the confirmation of the entity's name were all discussed and agreed upon – a fervent response which lead to the establishing of The Malta Cruising Club. The mentor behind the idea was Prof Anthony de Bono, a retired surgeon by profession and a keen sailing fanatic by spirit. Prof de Bono still features in today's Club Com- mittee as Honorary Commodore. But why setting up another club and what will the Malta Cruising Club (MCC) proposed to do that was not being done by already established sailing clubs? The reasoning at the time of 'foundation' was that - There was no club that specifically catered for cruising rather than racing; the MCC is unique in this regard. The MCC concentrates exclusively on all matters pertaining to cruising: this includes a number of cruises both local and in the central Mediterranean; there are events to help those with less experience by cruising in company and also rendezvous cruises. These activities are supported by a series of talks and discussions during the off season of practical ber of the Club who resides in Malta, who shared his moments of interest, charm and revelation too with his Presentation entitled "Pantelleria through the Eyes of a Russian". "Cruising in company events is most popular with our members who keenly participate in initiatives like the traditional Easter Gozo Weekend and the newly introduced Weekend Cruise to Pozzallo. Here Club members, their families and friends cheerfully endorse one of the Club's main concepts and objectives namely having a Club that caters specifically for cruising people", observed Malta Cruising Club Commodore Roland Darmanin Kissaun. Yes, sailing is serene and exciting but above all, "Cruising is Fun!"