Birgu Regatta Club Files Protest Over Disqualification in Freedom Day Regatta 2026

The Birgu Regatta Club has formally filed a protest regarding the disqualification of its boat in the Open Category Medal Race during the Freedom Day Regatta 2026.

The protest challenges the decision and highlights serious concerns over the communication and conduct of race officials.

The protest was rejected on the grounds that it was not submitted within ten minutes of the race. The club maintains that the disqualification was issued because their boat allegedly received outside assistance.

According to the club, the assistance came from a judges’ dinghy, raising questions about how this could be interpreted as gaining an unfair advantage.

The club also questioned the authority of the organising committee chairperson, Kevin Borg, in ordering the disqualification and whether this influenced the chief judge.

During the race, Birgu’s crew received instructions to alter course near Isla, which they followed. They completed the race in third place, believing they had earned the points.

Later, a second disqualification was issued, citing the boat’s entry onto Isla’s course. The club highlighted the inconsistency between public reports, officials’ explanations, and the lack of clarity on which rule was violated.

Birgu Regatta Club has requested official recordings and clarification of the exact rule broken, but these have not been provided. The club argued that it was impossible to submit a timely protest due to conflicting information and confusion.

They also raised concerns about a separate investigation initiated by the chief judge with AIMS, questioning impartiality. The club has informed members, supporters, and the public of the situation and reserves the right to take further action.

#MaltaDaily