Clean Sweep for Artie III
Satariano’s HH42 emerges clear winner of the 60th Malta – Syracuse Race
The 60th edition of the Malta – Syracuse Race, hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Lega Navale Italiana (Sezione Siracusa) on held on the 1st August. This was postponed from its usual date in mid-July due to health restrictions and was in the circumstances, a watereddown edition when compared to previous years.
Nevertheless, eighteen boats made it to the starting line – including Italian veterans Ottovolante and Malafemmena.
Malta was done proud with Nine Maltese boats making it to the starting line. The Maltese fleet included Alecto (Charles Cronin), Artie III (Lee Satariano), Comanche Raider III (Ramon Sant Hill), Elusive 2 (Aaron, Christoph & Maya Podesta), Inspiration (Godwin Zammit), Janissah (Mario Debono), Lartista (Anthony Camilleri), Maltese Falcon 2 (Jonathan Camilleri Bowman) and Otra Vez (Aaron Gatt Floridia).
Lee Satariano’s Artie III – made up of mostly Rolex Middle Sea Race seasoned sailors, made a clean sweep by winning, line honours, the race Overall in the ORC Category as well as in and the IRC Category which consisted of the Maltese fleet.
Commenting after the race, Satariano was very pleased with the overall result. He expressed his satisfaction at how the boat’s performance – a result of frequent training and race participation. Satariano explained that the crew is doing their utmost to compete in more of the offshore races in preparation for the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The fleet had a generally good breeze for most of the race, though winds became lighter as they approached Sicily. Despite their excellent performance and having finished well before second placed Ottovolante, the course record established in 2014 by Massimo Savoca’s Dreamer Tech - a time of 08:37:22, still eluded Artie III.
The second and third placed Maltese boats were Aaron Gatt Floridia’s Otra Vez, followed by the Podesta siblings’ Elusive 2. In the Cruiser Category, Godwin Zammit’s Inspiration was the first Maltese boat in this category, finishing in fourth place.
The youngest crew member of the Malta – Syracuse Fleet was Kristian Borg Nicolas, who formed part of the Maltese Falcon II crew. He was presented with a token of his participation by Lega Navale Italiana President, Antonino Amato.
Unfortunately, the scheduled Syracuse – Taormina Race was cancelled due to poor turnout.
“Despite the lower than usual numbers, due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of the Syracuse – Taormina Race, we are still extremely satisfied with the outcome and the results of the 60th edition of this classic race. Those who took part enjoyed the race and the enthusiasm could be felt.” explained Godwin Zammit, Commodore Royal Malta Yacht Club.
The Club extends its gratitude to all the volunteers undertaking Race Management duties as well as the Lega Navale Italiana and Yachting Malta for their support.
The Club is now focusing its attention to the Ramla Bay Resort Weekend Regatta which is scheduled to take place on the weekend of the 28th August. This Regatta had been hugely popular in previous years, and the interest in its revival this year promises to see a very good participation.
For more information on the Ramla Bay Resort Weekend Regatta please visit – www.rmyc.org.