Lively Start To 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race

Oct 20 2024

The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race started from Grand Harbour, Valletta, with 112 entrants experiencing lively conditions, aided by a strong southeasterly breeze.

By early evening, the fleet was on its way to Capo Passero, Sicily, with tactical decisions already proving crucial. At 16:00 CEST, Black Jack 100 led the race after overtaking Marvic 40, which had held off the larger yachts longer than expected.

Among the Class40s, Influence2 took an early lead before retiring, leaving Lucente to continue ahead. In IRC 6, South Kensington led, while Maltese boats JYS Jan and Janissah also made strong starts. In the IRC 5 class, Karpo from Slovenia held the top spot, followed by Lann Ael 3.

As wind gusts exceeded 20 knots, Elusive 2 excelled in the IRC 4 class, while Vineta led in the fifth start, closely followed by X-Day and Soleag. In IRC 3, Artie III moved into the class lead by evening.

The final start saw Bullitt take the early lead, but Black Jack later overtook, dominating both on the water and in IRC 1. Scallywag and Lucky also pushed forward as the leading boats headed north.

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Photo Source: Rolex | Kurt Arrigo, RMYC / Andrea Azzopardi

Memorial For Liam Payne To Be Held In Valletta

Oct 20 2024

A memorial gathering is being held in Valletta next week in honour of late One Direction member Liam Payne.

The event, set for the 26th – 27th of October at Triton Fountain, Valletta, is set to honour the memory of the late singer, mourned by both thousands of fans around the world and celebrities in the industry.

Created by Maya Caruana, the memorial has attracted the attention of many locals who intend to attend. The event is set to raise funds for the Richmond Foundation.

‘Those of you who wish to donate in person can do so by looking out for me, however those who can’t make it but still wanting to donate can do so via Revolut on 79419676 or via BOV Mobile on 99030619’, wrote Maya.

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Lad Goes Crazy As His Horse Wins Race

Oct 20 2024

Two Maltese horse keepers have been making the rounds online with their videos recently, with a particular lad named Norton featuring in many of the TikTok videos and often as the victim of many pranks.

@shaunmicallef1995

#this #is #what #happens #when #our #horse #wins #a #race #norton #rega #ghamila #funny #malta

♬ original sound – Shaun Micallef

This week, however, Norton was not the victim at all as he could be seen celebrating after his horse wins a race at the Marsa Horse Racing Track.

Norton could be seen celebrating by jumping into the air as his horse rushes through the finish line.

Congratulations Norton!

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Source: shaunmicallef1995 TikTok

Sociologist Urges For Social Media Impact Discussion

Oct 20 2024

Sociologist Michael Briguglio advocated for an evidence-based discussion on the impact of social media, emphasising the need for inclusive policymaking that considered perspectives from all demographics, including children and the elderly.

Speaking with The Malta Independent, he highlighted the dangers of social media, especially for the youngest members of society, who were susceptible to fake news, misinformation, inappropriate content, and addiction.

Briguglio referred to concerning data: a recent Eurostat study showed that 76% of Maltese used social media, compared to the EU average of 59%.

In Malta, 47% of 11-year-olds and 54% of 15-year-olds spent over two hours daily on screens. A WHO study ranked Maltese adolescents second-highest for problematic social media use out of 44 countries, with 18% of youths showing signs of addiction.

The problem was even more pronounced among 13-year-old girls (28%) and 15-year-old girls (24%), with boys reporting lower figures.

Briguglio, while unsure about restricting social media use, compared the idea to sugar taxes on unhealthy foods, suggesting a balanced approach.

He warned against over-regulation, noting social media’s benefits like connectivity and knowledge access. However, he stressed the importance of media literacy and lifelong education to help people manage the risks of social media.

Briguglio also highlighted the need to support Maltese content creators, encouraging the promotion of Maltese language and culture in an increasingly globalised, Americanized digital landscape.

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