Different approach

The local sailing calendar is well endowed with various events of different magnitude. This year the programme is not only proving interesting but it has already brought about a great sense of satisfaction.

Here I am referring to the gallant performance given by our young sailors in the recent Games of the Small States of Europe. Prosit boys.

Next month, a good number of the local yachting fraternity will be sailing south to the Tunisian coast to take part in a major boating attraction, an event that can only be described as 'a breeze of fresh air'.

For this event, 'The Phoenician Experience', offers the opportunity where it can be given a different approach focusing more on the element of fun and relaxation rather than giving great thought to the daring challenge which competitive racing brings about.

Besides, it is extremely interesting, as it is the one and only opportunity for sailing and motor yachts to participate collectively. But what really makes this rally different from any other event?

The prime difference results from the fact that because of their varied specifications and design, competing yachts are not judged by their fast performance but the accuracy of their estimated time for the trip including the five way points, which are announced to the participants at the final briefing.

"Besides the fun of cruising in company, there is the element of safety for those who would be venturing so far from their homeport for the first time. This also gives newcomers the opportunity to practise their seamanship and put into practice their navigation knowledge and skill", remarked Roland Darmanin Kissaun, chairman of the organising committee.

Furthermore, a rally of this calibre is more than a maritime activity. It is an appealing tourism oriented manifestation and much more an opportunity where people of different nationalities and cultures join in a pleasant environment where new friendships are established and old ones strengthened.

These are the characteristics, which have drawn upon the event the recognition, and encouragement of various distinctive authorities from both Malta and Tunisia.

One of the main 'instigators' for the revival of this Malta-Tunisia yachting venture was Abdessalem Hetira, Ambassador of Tunisia.

"We were aware of the success of the past three rallies," he said.

"Besides, such initiatives further enhance the excellent willingness of collaboration that prevails at different levels between the Maltese and Tunisian societies. This fact is certainly recognised by both sides, as 'The Phoenician Experience' has been endowed with the distinguished patronage of both the Maltese and Tunisian Ministers of Tourism - Francis Zammit Dimech and Mondher Zenadi."

The spirit of collaboration was evident in the positive response of the Tunisian National Tourism Office, Tunisian carrier Tuninter and other competent institutions.

'The Phoenician Experience' will present participants with more than just an eight-day 650 km Mediterranean seafaring adventure - from Malta to Lampedusa, Monastir, El Kantaoui and Hammamet. It will give participants and their families, who will be joining them in Yasmine Hammamet, the opportunity to visit and enjoy some of the 'treasures' of Tunisia.

Since the event's announcement, a number of family members and friends of competitors, showed interest to join the racing community in Tunisia. This enthusiasm encouraged the organisers who, in collaboration with Tuninter, secured an attractive package with the five-Star Yasmine Beach Resort, only a five-minute walk from the Marina, established as Race Headquarters.

More information on this package as well as on the event, may be obtained from www.maltatunisiarally.com.

'The Phoenician Experience' sets off on Wednesday, July 9 with the sailing entries, while power yachts leave the next day. The course will be Malta-Lampedusa, Lampedusa-Monastir, Monastir-El-Kantaoui and finally El-Kantaoui-Yasmine Hammamet, with all participants expected to reach their final Tunisian destination on July 13. The presentation of prizes will be held on July 14.

This will be the last official function, following which participants and their families will be free to enjoy a few days of leisure before 'the experience' comes to an end on July 17.

Meanwhile, boats are being fine-tuned and yachtsmen geared-up for a cool and relaxing 'experience'.