Marsa wins Freedom Day regatta

Marsa yesterday won the open competition in the Freedom Day Regatta held in Grand Harbour.

The Marsa oarsmen amassed a total of 70 points to win the Open Shield. Senglea came second with 44 points and Marsamxett third with 32.

The Under-23 Shield was won by Marsamxett with 68 points. Senglea were second with 48 points and Cospicua third with 40 points.

The winners of the Open and Under-23 shields in last year's regatta were Senglea and Marsamxett respectively.

Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsamxett, Marsa and Senglea take part in the regatta.

In the 10 races starting from Valletta and finishing at Senglea creek yesterday, the oarsmen had to row into a moderate wind blowing from the southwest.

The change in the weather from the continuous drizzle in the morning to sunshine in the afternoon encouraged many to line up along the quays at Vittoriosa, Senglea and Valletta and other vantage points to watch the races, some of which were keenly contested. As the afternoon wore on, the crowds became thicker and the support for the various teams more vociferous.

Some spectators, especially those standing on the Vittoriosa quay, could not help recalling the tragedy of 19-year-old Josianne Cesare and her two-year-old son Gianluca who drowned when their car rolled into the sea during the regatta on March 31 two years ago. Since then, barriers have been installed at the water's edge.

No incidents were reported yesterday.

The full results were as follows: Under 23 - Race 1: Dghajjes C tal-Pass - Senglea (6.05 minutes), Marsamxett, Cospicua; Race 3: Kajjikki - Marsamxett (7.55 minutes), Kalkara, Marsa; Race 5: Dghajjes A tal-Midalji - Senglea (5.40 minutes), Marsamxett, Cospicua; Race 7: Frejgatini - Cospicua (8.09 minutes), Marsamxett, Kalkara; Race 9: Dghajjes B tal-Pass - Marsamxett (6.21 minutes), Cospicua, Senglea.

Open - Race 2: Dghajjes A tal-Midalji - Marsamxett (5.22 minutes), Senglea, Marsa; Race 4: Frejgatini - Marsa (7.53 minutes), Kalkara, Senglea; Race 6: Dghajjes C tal-Pass - Marsa (6.52 minutes), Marsamxett, Cospicua; Race 8: Kajjikki - Senglea (7.28 minutes), Marsa, Vittoriosa; Race 10: Dghajjes B tal-Pass - Marsa (6.02 minutes), Senglea, Vittoriosa.

Trophies were presented to the winners of the regatta by the parliamentary secretary for youth and sport Jesmond Mugliett.