Start scheduled for Friday
...if conditions are suitable
The Malta-Sicily Windsurf Race is considered by many as one of the most successful stories in Maltese sport in the 1980s and 90s.
Despite a modest start in 1984, when only two Maltese and two other Sicilian sailors faced the daring challenge, during its 10-year span the event grew in stature reaching a pinnacle in 1991 when 13 competitors, all hailing from different countries, took part in this 'classic on the Mediterranean scene'.
Today, 20 years after the inaugural edition, Wilfred Sultana, the mastermind behind the creation of the 93km race, has taken the initiative of organising another Malta-Sicily windsurf crossing to renew memories of the historical race.
Yesterday, Sultana and his organising committee, involving some well-known personalities in water sports, met the media for the official launching of the commemoration race at the Casino di Venezia in Vittoriosa.
Sultana confirmed press reports that four sailors had accepted to take part. Peter Bonello and Paul Ellul, regarded as seasoned veterans of the race, having tasted success in 1985 and 1987, will be joined up by Andrew Wilson, who took part in the 1994 edition. He is replacing Jean Paul Fleri Soler, unavailable due to coaching duties with the Malta Sailing Federation.
Gabor Vagi, an American windsurfer of Hungarian descent, will symbolically represent foreign participation in the race.
Sultana said that it was unfortunate that two-time Pozzallo Race winner Fleri Soler had to pull out but that would not delete the sterling contribution he gave.
"Fleri Soler is a myth in the history of the Pozzallo Race having won it in 1984 and 1988. He is also the race record holder, after covering the distance in five hours, 56 minutes and 36 seconds during the first edition," Sultana said.
The weather is a determining factor in windsurfing. Organisers were closely monitoring weather forecasts for the weekend. So far, Friday has been penciled to be the ideal day for the start of the race which takes off at 9 a.m. from Tignè Point.
"This decision is not final though," Sultana remarked.
"Weather conditions can vary dramatically. We will make our decision after Thursday's technical meeting."
Roland Darmanin Kissaun, Support Fleet Coordinator of the race, said the organising committee was putting the safety of the windsurfers on top of their agenda.
He added the support fleet will be made up of seven vessels, including 'Rockline', the yacht which escorted Bonello and Ellul on the first-ever windsurf crossing between Sicily and Malta in 1982.
The other three escorting vessels are 'Aviva', 'Princess Serena' and 'Cloud IX'.
The 55-footer Onir will be the race's 'floating' headquarters while Mavana II will serve as medical and stand-up boat. Madonna della Vittoria is the transportation vessel.
The Malta-Sicily Windsurf Race - 20 Years After also serves as a platform to help generate funds for ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija.
"This is a gesture of solidarity by all involved in this race to an institution extending invaluable service to the Maltese society. I have seen with my own eyes the huge funds needed to run this organisation and I hope that this event will help with some much needed financial help," Sultana remarked.
Donations can be sent via SMS on 50617513 - Lm1; 50618027 - Lm2; and 50618844 - Lm3.
The Malta-Sicily Windsurf Race - 20 Years After is being sponsored by Bank of Valletta, Globalair Travel, S&D Yachts Ltd, Casino di Venezia and H2 Only.