The first day of racing at the MAPFRE Middle Sea 19th Euromed Regatta, organised by the Malta Young Sailors Club, saw 187 young sailors compete in two races in Mellieħa Bay in perfect weather conditions.

The biggest fleet of the competition are in the Optimist class (Open and Cadet) and here, Hungary’s Soma Kis-Szölgyémi is leading the way ahead of Pierre Jully, of Switzerland, and Edo Filk, of Croatia. Malta’s Richard Schultheis came in fourth place having placed eighth in the first race and fourth in the second. Maltese sailors are dominating the Optimist Novice division, which is contested by 26 participants. Nicolay Bartolo, of Birżebbuġa Sailing Club placed first while Malta Young Sailors Club’s Andre Azzopardi was second. Vanja Ramm, of Ericsson Royal Malta Yacht Club completed the podium.

18 sailors have registered to take part in the Laser 4.7 class with 15-year-old Saul Vassallo ending on top after winning the final race of Day One.

Andrey Verdyh, of Ukraine TST Odessa, is currently second with Ireland’s Alana Coakly in third place.

The Laser Standard division attracted 11 participants with Sweden’s Jacob Kiells on top ahead of Malta’s Karl Miggiani who attained two second places on the day. Hamza Al-Ali, the UAE, is currently in third place.

Zachary Zammit, of the Malta Young Sailors, is in the driving seat in the Laser Radial division. He leads Nethra Kumana, of Ukraine, with Ahmed Alhammadi of the UAE Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club just behind. 

Racing will resume this morning, starting at 10am, when, depending on weather conditions, three races are scheduled to take place.

There are two separate race areas in Mellieħa Bay for Laser and Optimist Classes.

Races are being held under the direction of Race Officers Peter Dimech (Optimist Class) and Roula Galani from Turkey (Laser Class).

For further information please visit - http://euromed.maltayoungsailors.com .