Clubs & Rowers Taking Part In Victory Regatta Presented

The rowers, crews and clubs that continue to preserve one of Malta’s most distinctive sporting traditions were celebrated during a special evening held at the Grand Harbour, two days before the traditional Victory Day Regatta.

The event saw the presentation of the eight participating clubs and the crews that will compete in this year’s edition, highlighting the dedication of those who work throughout the year to keep the centuries-old tradition alive.

The initiative was aimed at recognising not only the athletes taking part in the races, but also the coaches, volunteers, officials, families and club members whose commitment and sacrifices contribute to the success of the Regatta.

Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, who presided over the event, said the Regatta represents much more than a sporting competition.

He described it as a tradition closely linked to Malta’s history and identity, while also emphasising the athletic demands behind it, including months of preparation, physical strength, teamwork, coordination and discipline.

“The Regatta is a tradition woven into our identity, but above all it is the people behind it who bring it to life. There are the rowers who spend months training, the coaches, officials, volunteers and families who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that this tradition remains strong,” Minister Camilleri said.

He added that the evening was an opportunity to recognise the commitment and dedication shown throughout the year, while stressing the importance of continuing to raise the profile of the Regatta as a sport and ensuring that it continues attracting new generations of rowers without losing its unique character.

The crews representing Birżebbuġa, Bormla, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett, Isla, Siġġiewi and Birgu were presented during the evening. The clubs will compete using traditional Regatta boats, including kajjikki, boats used for the pass race, frejgatini and medal boats.

The event forms part of wider efforts to increase the visibility of the Regatta and strengthen its role as both a sporting and national event. Held twice a year on Freedom Day and Victory Day, the Regatta remains one of the most anticipated events on Malta’s sporting calendar and continues to attract strong support from communities connected to the participating clubs.

The presentation also followed a number of initiatives announced in recent days aimed at further supporting the competition and the clubs involved. Strengthening the Regatta was included among the Government’s electoral commitments, with measures beginning to be implemented during the first 100 days of the current legislature.

Among the initiatives announced is the provision of a new Regatta boat for each of the eight participating clubs, alongside additional measures aimed at supporting rowers, improving club resources and strengthening the organisation of the competition.

Minister Camilleri said this support reflects the realities faced by clubs, including the financial costs and dedication required to maintain boats and continue participating in the sport. He stressed that the aim is to provide the necessary assistance while preserving the distinctive identity and traditions that make the Regatta unique.

Meanwhile, Regatta Organising Committee Chairman Kevin Borg explained that changes have been introduced to the sequence of races for the September edition. The women’s race will now take place as the penultimate race, with the programme structured so that the three shields will be decided during the final three races.

Mr Borg said the changes followed consideration of technical and operational factors, with the aim of creating a more efficient programme.

He explained that the new sequence allows more time for the weighing process, which is an important part of the competition, while also making it easier for crews to change between races, particularly for rowers competing in more than one event.

This year’s edition will also see stronger visual and technological monitoring systems during races, aimed at reducing uncertainty over results in competitions that are often decided by very small margins.

Minister Camilleri wished all participants success and called for the passion and rivalry that characterise the Regatta to continue being guided by respect and sporting spirit.

He stressed that respect between clubs and rowers should remain central, both in moments of victory and defeat.

The Victory Day Regatta will take place on 8 September in the Grand Harbour as part of the official celebrations marking Malta’s national Victory Day.

#MaltaDaily