Leopard Dodges the Bullitt in Monohull Line Honours

Oct 26 2023

In the thrilling saga of the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race, the battle for monohull line honours between the impressive Farr 100 Leopard 3 and the sleek Wally 93 Bullitt has come to a spectacular conclusion. As the clock struck 0152 CEST on a cloudy, moonlit night, it was the Chris Sherlock skippered Leopard 3 that emerged victorious, gliding into Marsamxett Harbour, leaving Bullitt in its wake. The story of this enthralling race-long duel concluded with Leopard 3’s waterline length proving to be the decisive factor as it sailed through the Egadi Islands, off northwest Sicily, transforming a 30-minute lead into a more comfortable one hour and 50 minutes.

Speaking of this victory, Sherlock expressed his joy, “We are really pleased to have won the line honours in the Rolex Middle Sea Race for a second time. It’s been a difficult 12 months getting the boat up and ready after the last win. So, to do it again against such esteemed competition like Lucky and Bullitt is really pleasing.” The owner of Leopard 3 also celebrated a second consecutive win with the boat, highlighting the significance of the location and the challenging course. “It is a great feeling because this is a magnificent location and course. We did not have a lot of problems, so all credit to the team because we have worked very hard on the boat since last year.”

As the monohull line honours winner savors its triumph, the race continues to unfold. All other class prizes are still up for grabs, and the highly coveted overall prize is yet to be decided.

In IRC 2, Max Klink’s Swiss Botin 52 Caro and Chris Sheehan’s American Judel/Vrolijk 52 Warrior Won are leading the way. The crews are navigating through challenges and looking to maintain their advantage as they approach the final stretch of the race. The battle for class honours is fierce, and the final outcome remains uncertain.

In the lower order classes, the race fleet is spread between Lampedusa in the south and Palermo in the north. The ever-changing wind conditions and challenges presented by the course require strategic and precise navigation. As the race unfolds, it’s clear that staying in phase with the changing wind patterns will be critical for those seeking success.

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Wally 93 Bullitt Wins the 44th Edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race

Oct 26 2023

In a thrilling finale to the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Italian yacht Wally 93 Bullitt, skippered by Andrea Recordati, emerged victorious. The race concluded in dramatic fashion as the Bullitt crossed the final line at 8:51 and 35 seconds on a Thursday evening.

The confirmation of their win came moments after the Red Ruby arrived in Ta’ Xbiex, 24 seconds beyond the required making it mathematically impossible for any remaining yachts to surpass Bullitt’s remarkable performance.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club officially declared Bullitt and its skilled crew the winners, a decision met with widespread admiration in the sailing community. Andrea Recordati, the skipper, expressed his satisfaction, stating that his initial goal when entering the Rolex Middle Sea Race was to secure victory in his class. His aspirations not only materialised but surpassed all expectations.

Recordati attributed their success to the unwavering dedication and professionalism of his exceptional team. He praised their unyielding spirit and commitment, highlighting their collective effort as the driving force behind Bullitt’s triumph. The victory not only signifies individual prowess but also underscores the power of teamwork, strategy, and endurance in the world of competitive sailing.

The triumph of Bullitt in the 44th Rolex Middle Sea Race not only adds another glorious chapter to the yacht’s legacy but also stands as a testament to the skill and determination of its crew. As the sailing community celebrates this extraordinary achievement, Recordati and his team have undoubtedly set a new standard for excellence in the world of yacht racing, inspiring future generations of sailors to reach for the stars and conquer the open seas with unwavering resolve.

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Photo Source: RMYC / Alex Turnbull (Left) / Kurt Arrigo (Right)

Third Country Nationals will have to pass proficiency tests to work in Malta

Oct 26 2023

In a significant step towards enhancing the quality of employment in Malta’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry, a groundbreaking initiative was unveiled at a press conference addressed by Ministers Byron Camilleri and Clayton Bartolo. The program, named the “Gateway to Quality Employment in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry,” is set to usher in a new era of professionalism and skill development for individuals seeking opportunities in this sector.

The primary purpose is to ensure that individuals aspiring to work in Malta’s hospitality and tourism industry possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to provide top-quality service.

The program’s implementation involves the collaborative efforts of three key entities: the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), and Identita’.

Through its Training School, ITS provides and administers the training and assessments required for the program. MTA is responsible for issuing the Skills Cards, which play a crucial role in this initiative. This entity manages and issues Single Work Permits, an essential component of the program.

Individuals who wish to participate in the program will need to pay for the mandatory training courses and assessments. The fees are €450 for the online course and €125 for in-person assessments held in Malta. Upon successful completion of the program, ITS will issue official certificates to applicants who pass all mandatory assessments, which they can then upload along with other required documentation as requested by Identita’.

The program is divided into two distinct stages. Stage One involves online training and assessments. Applicants are required to complete various assessments, including an online English Proficiency Test, Basic Customer Care, Basic Maltese Tourism Product, Basic Hospitality English, and specific job family Skills Assessments in departments such as Front Office, Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, and Kitchen. Additional job families are planned to be gradually added. Stage Two comprises in-person interviews and practical skills assessments, tailored to the applicant’s chosen occupation within operational departments like Front Office, Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, and Kitchen.

Applicants who successfully complete Stage One should notify the ITS Training School at least three weeks before their arrival in Malta. An appointment for the assessment will be scheduled within the first 3 working days from their arrival.

This program applies to new Third Country Nationals (TCNs) seeking employment in Malta’s hospitality and tourism industry. Over time, it will gradually encompass all employees within the industry.

By January 2025, the program will be fully rolled out for all new employees, including Maltese and EU citizens, using different criteria for EU nationals and Maltese Employees already employed in the industry.

Stakeholders within the industry have an opportunity to participate in a public consultation period for the program, which will run from October 26, 2023, to November 16, 2023. This engagement allows stakeholders to provide valuable input and feedback on [email protected].

Applicants with previous training and certifications will find that their existing skills and knowledge can enhance their qualifications. However, for this program, only the official ITS training and assessment will be recognised.

For students from the EU or Malta seeking summer placements in the industry, the MTA will issue temporary cards for periods of three months.

Courses and assessments are free for Maltese and EU citizens.

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Better Wages & Conditions for 2,000 Police Officers in New Agreement

Oct 26 2023

In a significant stride toward recognising the invaluable service of law enforcement personnel, the Malta Police Force has recently entered into a pioneering sectoral agreement that promises better salaries, improved conditions, and enhanced legal protections for over 2,000 police officers.

Minister Byron Camilleri took to Facebook to welcome the new agreement, stating that they will remain committed to maintaining the Police Force as an important pillar in our country’s security, mostly amongst Maltese & Gozitan communities.

This groundbreaking agreement marks a substantial improvement in the lives of police officers. Among the notable benefits are substantial salary increases and allowances, aiming to acknowledge the challenging and demanding nature of their work. Additionally, the agreement explicitly recognises the diverse range of scenarios that police officers encounter daily. To address this, legal protections have been bolstered, ensuring that officers are shielded in their duties and responsibilities.

This significant achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of two unions: the Police Officers Union and the Malta Police Union. Both unions played instrumental roles in negotiating and finalising this historic agreement.

This development not only marks an essential step toward recognising and rewarding the unwavering dedication of Malta’s law enforcement personnel but also strengthens the foundation of a safer, more secure community.

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