Maltese Boats Shine in Rolex Middle Sea Race

Oct 27 2023

Over the 44 editions of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, overall victory has been taken by Maltese boats on nine occasions. In the modern history of the race, celebrated local crews have won their class on countless occasions. The Royal Malta Yacht Club actively encourages new sailors, young and old, to take up the challenge of the 606 nautical mile course. For the 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race, 76 Maltese nationals took part in the race.

The top boat after IRC time correction is Sebastian Ripard’s J/99 Calypso, raced double-handed with Sam Pizzuto. Runner-up in the category is Jamie Sammut’s Solaris 42 Unica. Third after IRC time correction and winner of IRC 4 is the Podesta Family’s First 45 Elusive 2. Congratulations to Lee Satariano’s HH42 Artie, 6th in a high calibre fleet in IRC 3. Artie’s skipper Christian Ripard was taking part in his 33rd Rolex Middle Sea Race, equalling the late great Arthur Podesta’s tally of races.

Entries from the Royal Malta Yacht Club with past experience in the race included the Jarhead Young Sailors Foundation, with crew as young as sixteen and which finished the race on J/109 JYS Jan skippered by Claudio Bugeja. Jonathan Gambin’s Dufour 44 Ton Ton Laferla also celebrated finishing the Rolex Middle Sea Race once again. Maltese boats taking part in their first race included Horst Huelsey & Jonathan Camilleri Bowman racing J/112 OpenPayd Befree, and Simon Xuereb’s Dufour 40 Spirit of the Winds. Royal Malta Yacht Club member, Stefan Debattista has competed in many races, but this was his first race as an owner with IMX 40 Geisha. Noel Grech has taken part previously, but this was a first for his all-Gozitan crew on First 40.7 Gozo Dream.

Sebastian Ripard and Sam Pizzuto, Calypso, were fifth overall in IRC out of 91 boats, second in IRC Double-Handed, and third in IRC 6.

“We are super happy with our result, especially considering this was the first double-handed race that either myself or Sam did!” commented Seb Ripard. “I’m surprised that we managed to find the right pace from the get-go. We slipped into a good watch routine and found the right balance between pushing ourselves and the boat hard and getting enough rest to last the distance and make the right decisions when they needed to be taken. Finally, very proud to be the top Maltese boat – that’s always a nice achievement when racing on home waters!” Sebastian’s wife Carla gave birth to their second child Nico shortly before the race. “Unfortunately I’m fresh out of brownie points! My wife, although always super supportive – but now nursing a new-born, just can’t understand why people would choose to be sleep deprived! So the watch system might need to continue for a few more weeks yet!”

Jamie Sammut and Unica were in a fierce battle with five boats in IRC 5. Teams from Slovenia, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, and Malta all held the lead during the race. The class was eventually won by the jubilant Slovenian team on Maks Vrecko’s Karpo, second

was Frans van Cappelle’s Dutch team on Moana. Jamie Sammut’s Unica won a huge fight for the final podium position against two JPK 1180s Garm and Cocody.

Aaron, Christoph and Maya have continued the tradition of a Podesta competing in every race since their late Father Arthur Podesta first competed in 1968. Twice a winner of the race overall, in 2019 and 2020, Elusive 2 won IRC 4 this year. “We didn’t have navigation instruments for most of the race, so we sailed ‘old school’ feeling the wind,” explained Christoph Podesta. “During the day it was not so bad, but at night it was overcast, and it became very difficult to hold a course and to keep the sails trimmed. However, we are very happy with our performance in a very competitive class. I have to say, we still miss our father dearly, but he is with us. That is especially true in the way that we sail the boat; he taught us everything. I am glad to say that the oldest of our children, Aaron’s son George, loves coming sailing with us. Maybe in the future we will race with a team that are all Podestas!”

Noel Grech started dreaming about entering an all-Gozitan team for the race in the late 90s along with his friends. This year, after a huge effort, that fantasy became a reality. Gozo Dream completed the 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race in just under five days.

“We are a bit tired; the whole project took a lot of work, but we are elated to be the first Gozo team to participate in this prestigious race and the feeling has exceeded our expectations. We have really put sailing in Gozo on the map for generations to come,” commented Noel Grech. “It was a tough race as usual and we are really pleased to have got through it. It was a relief to start the race and, also, when we finished it. We have had messages from people as far away as Australia, the United States as well as Great Britain. I hope that this will be the first of many races to come for a Gozo team, I hope that this year’s race is the tip of the iceberg for sailing in Gozo.”

The Rolex Middle Sea Race Prize Giving will take place tomorrow Saturday, 28 October in the impressive Mediterranean Conference Centre, which dates back to the 16th century. Maltese teams will be filled with pride as they are called up to the main stage to receive their awards and, undoubtedly, will receive a huge ovation from the international audience gathered in the spectacular auditorium.

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Eddie Fresco drops “DejaVu / Running for Miles” Music Video

Oct 27 2023

Eddie Fresco is making waves with the release of the music video for “DejaVu / Running for Miles.”

This music video marks the final chapter of the ‘Days in the Sun’ EP, a project that has already seen remarkable success with around 100,000 streams within its first three weeks of release.

“DejaVu / Running for Miles” is not just a catchy tune; it’s a captivating visual journey that delves into the realms of nostalgia and memory. In the music video, Eddie takes us on a poignant trip down memory lane, where he reminisces about the moments he shared with past partners. The video artfully captures these memories, creating a sense of déjà vu as Eddie relives these experiences.

The power of the music video lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions and resonate with viewers. Eddie Fresco’s storytelling through both his lyrics and visuals is a testament to his artistry and creativity.

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MP Randolph De Battista Advocates for Peace, Justice, and Inclusivity in Angola

Oct 27 2023

Luanda, Angola recently played host to the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where politicians from across the globe gathered to deliberate on pivotal issues. Among those who took the stage during this prestigious event was Maltese MP Randolph De Battista, who addressed the assembly in a compelling speech.

The IPU Assembly, held between October 23 and 27, focused its debates on the theme of “action by parliaments for peace, justice, and strong institutions.” This theme is in line with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising the importance of people’s trust in institutions and their capacity to meet the needs of all individuals equitably and sustainably.

In his address during the Young Parliamentarians segment in the general debate, MP De Battista emphasised a fundamental aspect of leadership: that leaders exist to serve all people. For trust to be fostered in our institutions, people must feel a sense of belonging. MP De Battista pointed to an event that took place last month in the Maltese Parliament, where LGBTIQ+ parliamentarians from various corners of the world came together to discuss the importance of a more equal and just representation.

Moreover, MP De Battista echoed a call made by Mr. Jerry Buttimer, President of the Irish Senate, for the IPU to intensify its efforts in promoting and defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ parliamentarians. As part of Intersex Awareness Day, MP De Battista also commended Dimakatso and Sharon Rose, two intersex youths from South Africa. These remarkable individuals shared their experiences through a new film titled “WHO I AM NOT,” contributing to the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion.

The Maltese MP underlined the need for global peace by emphasizing the importance of reducing the prevalence of weapons and weapon financing in the world. Addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East, he called for a stronger commitment to ensuring that both the people of Palestine and Israel can coexist without fear of violence and intimidation.

In a heartfelt conclusion to his speech, MP De Battista made a compelling appeal for mutual respect. He acknowledged that achieving world peace may seem utopian in the current climate; nevertheless, he urged everyone to direct their efforts toward this noble goal. De Battista encouraged politicians to focus on fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than seeking to determine a victor. Such a stance, he argued, would ultimately lead to a world in which innocent people, humanity, and the world as a whole do not suffer the consequences of division and conflict.

The Maltese parliamentary delegation to the 147th IPU Assembly, led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, also included MP Robert Cutajar. Together, they represented Malta on the global stage, advocating for the values of peace, justice, and inclusivity.

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“The Ability To Develop And Retain Our Charm” Before & After Photos Resurface Online

Oct 27 2023

Preserving the Past and Building the Future!

This architectural marvel of Karl Sammut Alessi is an extension over an existing three-story façade, carefully designed to seamlessly blend with the historic surroundings. Nestled within a bustling district of high-rise buildings, where extensions often disregard the original structures and Malta’s rich architectural heritage, this building extension stands out as a beacon of innovation and respect for the past.

What sets this building apart is its deep reverence for the original structure. Instead of overpowering it, this extension gracefully integrates with the existing facade, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional architecture of Malta. The result is a breathtaking elevation that captivates the viewer and demonstrates that the marriage of past and present can be truly magnificent.

One of the most notable features of this building is its intelligent use of traditional materials, elements, and motifs. It doesn’t merely replicate the past; it reinterprets it through a modern lens. This approach adds a unique character to the building, making it a testament to the island’s rich heritage and its commitment to a promising future.

Located in the heart of Sliema, a thriving hub of development and activity, this building extension maintains a sense of respect for its surroundings. While the district boasts high-rise buildings and contemporary developments, this structure stands out by not relying on wide glazed voids that often mar the streetscape. Instead, it seeks to enhance the urban fabric while preserving the essence of the area.

One of the most commendable aspects of this project is the restoration of the underlying facade. Rather than neglecting or overshadowing the original building, it has been lovingly restored, allowing the past and present to coexist harmoniously. This is in stark contrast to numerous other buildings where extensions have been carried out with little regard for the streetscape, contributing little to the overall aesthetics of the area.

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