Birgu Regatta Committee Challenges Disqualification Decision After Category A Race

The Birgu Regatta Committee has issued a formal statement following several questions raised about the disqualification of its Category A crew during today’s medal race. According to the committee, the incident began moments before the start, when the Birgu boat required a screwdriver to tighten a loosened front fitting. The tool was handed to the crew by officials on the judges’ boat during the five‑minute countdown, allowing the rowers to address the issue before the race began.

The committee states that, unbeknownst to the crew, the chief judge and other officials decided to disqualify the Birgu boat seconds before the start. However, the rowers were never informed of this decision and proceeded to compete as normal. The club maintains that it has not been shown which rule was allegedly breached.

As the race approached the Isla point, the chief judge again ordered the Birgu boat’s disqualification, this time claiming the crew had come too close to Isla’s medal boat. The committee contests this decision as well, arguing that the established protocol for disqualification was not followed and that the crew received no communication at any stage.

The club also clarified that the Birgu boat slowed in the final stretch only because it had taken on significant water, not because it was aware of any sanction. The committee reserves the right to take all necessary steps to defend its position.

#MaltaDaily