“LIFE AT SEA IS BETTER”
Sir Francis Drake
Old hands and fresh faces
The Mediterranean is again set to host one of the world's most exciting and challenging offshore yacht races: the 2024 Rolex Middle Sea Race. With its iconic 606-nautical-mile course that takes sailors around Sicily, through the Strait of Messina, past the volcanic Aeolian and Egadi Islands, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa, and then back to Malta, this race continues to be the pinnacle of offshore racing.
BEHIND THE SAILS
Adrian Gauci Borda is a former Olympic-class sailor and current Rear Commodore (Sailing) at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. With three years on the committee, he shares his insights and aspirations for the club's future.
Error after error
Peter Valentino delves into the persistent challenges local sailing organisations face. With a critical eye, Valentino examines recent decisions and their repercussions, raising essential questions about the sport's future, uncovering the need for change and a renewed commitment to the integrity of the sailing community.
Navigating Life: An In-Depth Conversation with Chris Dougall, the Sailor Who Made Waves
In a captivating interview with Chris Dougall, Peter Valentino delves into this renowned sailor's remarkable life and sailing career. From his early days at sea to his experiences at prestigious events like the America's Cup, Chris shares his journey and insights, offering readers a unique glimpse into his world.
Navigating the rules of sailing: Lessons from a recent controversy
In sailing, everyone must follow the rules and regulations to ensure the competition is fair and everyone stays safe. However, even with clear instructions from the organising authority, miscommunication and misinterpretation can still occur, leading to controversy and heated disputes. Peter Valentino looks at a recent incident that happened during a sailing race. When one sailor decided to follow the rules to the letter, the whole fleet was disqualified.
The importance of proper certification for sailing officials
Peter Valentino discusses the newly appointed David Dalli of the Malta Sailing Federation's efforts to structure and implement courses for race officials and the need for appropriate certification. Given the complexity of sailing and the potential for mistakes to cause collisions and protests, he believes a training course for race officers and mark layers should be prioritised.
4 WINTER YACHT TRIPS TO TAKE BEFORE YOU DIE
Here are four gorgeous winter sailing destinations that you can start planning for.
PETE’S ROUND-UP
I started to write this piece approximately a week before the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, wrote a bit during the race itself, and I completed the last bit in the week after that. I think I've now heard it all, weighed it all out, and voila—a bit from the past and more from the current. Peter Valentino continues.
KNOT IN MY NAME
Peter Valentino questions the rather complex rules of the Round Malta Race.
GOING WEST
Peter Valentino interviews Victor Felice – an avid Maltese sailor with many nautical miles and a US yachting school under his belt.
PREPPING FOR A LONG-HAUL TRIP
We know you’re dying to embark on a voyage of a lifetime, but first thing’s first, don’t get caught unprepared. Let Skipper guide you towards securing plain sailing on your next nautical cruise.