The 2025 edition of the BOV Gozo Autumn Regatta concluded in spectacular fashion, with Sebastian Ripard’s Calypso emerging as the overall and IRC Class 1 winner after three days of exhilarating racing and shifting weather conditions. This is Calypso’s second overall consecutive win in the now established race in the RMYC racing calendar

Organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and proudly sponsored by Bank of Valletta, the regatta saw a record number of 24 entries with strong competition across 4 different classes. The event kicked off with a passage race from Marsamxett to Mġarr Harbour, followed by tactical “round-the-cans” racing in the Gozo-Comino Channel, and culminated in a final coastal race back to Malta. Race direction was in the hands of Martin Azzopardi.

Calypso (Farr 30), skippered by Sebastian Ripard, emerged as the overall winner in the IRC Racers division, with a total of just 7 points across three races. Calypso’s agility and tactical precision were especially evident in Saturday’s light wind round-the-cans race, where she claimed first place, building on a solid third-place finish in Friday’s passage race and a strong second in Sunday’s final leg.

Elusive 2 (Beneteau First 45), helmed by Maya Podesta, secured second overall with 9 points, having dominated the opening race and maintained consistent form throughout the weekend. Vivace (Reflex 38), co-skippered by Andrew Agius Delicata and Matthew Degabriele, took third place overall with 10 points, leading the IRC2 division with steady performances across all three races.

IRC1
In Friday’s passage race, Elusive 2 (Beneteau First 45) took the win followed by Ton Ton Laferla (Dufour 44) in second place and Calypso (Farr 30) in third.

Saturday’s round-the-cans race was marked by very light wind conditions, where Calypso’s smaller size and agility proved decisive. Sebastian Ripard’s crew capitalised on the conditions to secure first place overall in IRC1, edging out Elusive 2, which finished second. Geisha (IMX40) followed in third, while several larger yachts struggled to maintain momentum in the fading breeze.

Sean Borg’s Jubatus lightweight design proved crucial in the race back to Malta, on Sunday. The Cape 31’s lightweight and planing hull saw them back in Marsamxett with a considerable lead over second placed Calypso with Ton Ton Laferla taking third spot.

IRC2
In IRC2, Vivace (Reflex 38) led the fleet with consistent top three finishes across all races, securing third place overall in the IRC Racers class. Anton Calleja’s L’Artista (J/99) and the Jarhead Young Sailor’s Jarhead (J/109), skippered by Gary Merciecabattled closely for podium positions, both ending the series tied on points.

IRC Cruisers
The IRC Cruisers division saw a close contest among three standout yachts. Making its debut, Seven (Grand Soleil 46), skippered by Mario Debono, led the division in the opening passage race on corrected time. Inspiration (Sun Fast 40.2), helmed by Godwin Zammit, responded with a win in the round-the-cans race, showcasing excellent light wind handling. Christine Stanschus’ Chapeau (Beneteau Oceanis 46), finished in third place.

RMYC Cruisers
The RMYC Cruisers division delivered a competitive series with standout performances from Nenya (Hanse 458), Forever25 (First 45), and Kira (Beneteau 57). Nenya, helmed by Edward Gatt Floridia, won the Class, having two wins and a second place in the class. Martin Kunath’s Forever 25, finished in second placed followed by Gino Cutajar’ Kira, who maintained steady form across all races
The division showcased the spirit of club racing, with a mix of seasoned sailors and newer crews navigating changing conditions with determination.

The prize-giving ceremony at the Royal Malta Yacht Club marked a fitting conclusion to the BOV Gozo Regatta 2025. Stefan Abela, Manager CSR at Bank of Valletta, and Mark Napier, Commodore of the RMYC, presented trophies to the winners of each category, celebrating their achievements in front of fellow sailors and supporters. The prestigious BOV Gozo Regatta Overall Trophy was presented to the Calypso crew, skippered by Sebastian Ripard, in recognition of the crew’s outstanding performance across all three races. The ceremony reflected the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion that defined the regatta.

The Bank’s support of this annual sailing event reaffirms BOV’s commitment to supporting Malta’s sporting community, sustainability and community engagement as an active player within Malta’s community.