Moment of reflection

Twenty years ago, exactly on October 2, 1982, the first Sicily-Malta Windsurf Crossing was organised. The protagonists were two Maltese surfers, Peter Bonello and Paul Ellul, one escort vessel, the 'Rockline', skippered by Jeff Poulton, and crewed by the organiser, Wilfred Sultana, and two or three helping hands. The escort vessel was then made available and sponsored by Roland Darmanin Kissaun of S&D Yachts Ltd.

The success of this event, 54.3 nautical miles in distance, covered in 9 hours 31 minutes, filled the organisers with enthusiasm and imagination to further develop the idea. On April 14, 1984, the first Malta-Sicily Windsurf Race was held and was contested by four surfers, two Maltese (Bonello and Jean Paul Fleri Soler) and two Sicilians (Franco Civello and Alberto Paladino) with a supporting fleet of some 10 boats.

Fleri Soler won the race in 5:56.35, establishing a record time, which was never beaten.

The event grew both in importance and in its competitive level thereby gaining the deserved 'International' status and establishing itself as "the longest single stage windsurf race in the world".

One particular edition, that of 1989, was contested by ten competitors hailing from ten different countries - Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Malta.

On that occasion a supporting fleet of more than 25 boats was involved. The winner was Bruce Kendall (New Zealand) who prior to his participation in the 'Pozzallo Race' attained the highest possible sports recognition - a gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

One of the prime aspects, which contributed to the success of this race, held for 10 years between 1984 and 1994, was the enthusiastic support extended by various skippers, and by other keen collaborators, making up the 'Maltese yachting community'.

Today, a number of those dear 'seafaring enthusiasts' have passed away. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first ever windsurf crossing from Sicily to Malta, the organisers of the race are planning to hold a remembrance service in homage of the deceased skippers, officials, helpers and crew members who had in no small way contributed to the ongoing success of the race.

With this in mind, all those who were involved in the event and who are aware of colleagues who have passed away are kindly requested to provide the names of the deceased ones to Wilfred Sultana on fax number 21-318465 or by e-mail on anatlus@maltanet.net.

Notice and details of the proposed remembrance service will be given in due course.