Valletta Grand Harbour provides perfect backdrop for open water swimming championships curtain raiser

The historic fortifications surrounding the iconic Valletta Grand Harbour provided the perfect back drop for Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club when the curtain was raised for its busy summer of sport schedule.

The National Open Water Swimming Championship, kicked off with the 2-kilometre race, held over two 1 kilometre loops. The course in the harbour proved to be challenging due to the inclement weather conditions. Strong winds and swells of nearly two metres resulted in quite a few number of swimmers registering slower times than their norm.

Winner of the 2017 Open Water Season, Dylan Cachia led the way to win the first race of the season in a time of 26 minutes, 26 seconds. Cachia was followed closely by Andre Camilleri who, despite being in the Under 14 category, is showing he can give top athletes a good challenge. Camilleri followed Cachia 20 seconds later. Third placed was Andrew Sultana in a time of 28 minutes 37 seconds.

In the Females’ category, Sarah Demicoli, the favourite, did not disappoint, taking her first win in at time of 29:35 and taking fourth overall position. Demicoli was followed by Maya Schembri Rodgers in a time of 32:14. Third place on the podium was taken by Susana Novis Santos in 33:18.

“7th June is the traditional date for our Club to kick off its summer season with the Open Water Swimming Championships. This year Malta is celebrating Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture and Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club is proud to be part of these nationwide celebrations and of the Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2018 programme,” explained Euchar Camilleri, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club Secretary General. “This event was a great opportunity to showcase Maltese open water swimming and a unique experience for the participating swimmers”.

The second race of the National Open Water Swimming Championships will take place next Wednesday at 6.30pm in Salina, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.

The championships are being supported by Garmin Malta.