The BOV Gozo Weekend is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s autumn calendar, with 25 boats already registered and more than a week still to go before racing begins. Supported once again by Bank of Valletta, the event blends competitive sailing with a destination format and a social programme that keeps crews coming back year after year.
Entries are spread across three classes: IRC Racer, IRC Cruiser and RMYC Club Class. For many crews, the weekend offers a welcome chance to regroup and get back on the water following the demands of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, while others will be stepping into the fleet for the first time this season.
In the IRC Racers Class, all eyes will be on Calypso 3.0. Skippered by Seb Ripard, Calypso claimed overall victory last year and returns with ambitions of securing a third consecutive title. A strong roster of confirmed entries ensures the crew will face stiff competition throughout the weekend.
The RMYC Club Class features a blend of fresh faces and familiar names. Among the returning competitors is RMYC Committee Member Aaron Gatt Floridia, who this year brings his own yacht, Otra Vez. Aaron raced aboard Nenya last year, winning the class in the process, and will be eager to carry that momentum into this edition of the event.
As always, the BOV Gozo Weekend is as much about the experience ashore as it is on the water. The social programme extends a warm welcome to crews’ families and friends. Saturday racing is followed by happy hour on the pontoons, complete with pastizzi and beer. The traditional fenkata also features on the programme and is open to everyone, including those not competing but spending the weekend in Gozo.
The weekend wraps up on Sunday with the passage race back to Malta, followed by the prize giving ceremony.
