Bunts Blog

REALLY GOOD NEIL PRYDE VIDEO

2012-01-16T21:10:00.002+01:00

Box No.8 Wins Transatlantic Rowing Race

2012-01-15T17:36:00.000+01:00

Nick Moore and Toby Iles are the winners of the Talisker Whisky Challenge after rowing across the Atlantic in 40 days 9 hours and 15 minutes.
I remember Toby as a little kid when he used to live here in Malta with his family and sailed Mirror 10's and Toppers.
Last year Maltese Thomas Cremona was embarking on his record breaking rowing challenge across the Atlantic.

Above is Box no.8

You can read more about this event on this link Talisker Whisky Challenge

Maltese Helmsman Does Malta Proud Once Again

2012-01-06T09:52:00.001+01:00

Christian Ripard, once again, did Malta proud as he completed the 2011 Rolex Sydney-Hobart race, as Chief Helmsman, finishing 1st in class and 9th overall on the yacht JAZZ skippered by owner Chris Bull. Last year he completed the same race finishing a nail biting 2nd overall. Christian was co-skipper on the winning J-boat ARTIE in the 2011 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Above Christian and Lee (Owner/Skipper) celebrating their win of the Rolex Middle Sea Race (Pic: Times of Malta)

JAZZ during the 2011 Rolex Sydney-Hobart race. Sebastian Ripard (a relative of Christian and Maltese 49er Olympic hopeful for this year's Olympic games) was also a member of the crew. (Pic: Kurt Arrigo)

Jessica Watson (youngest sailor to sail round the world single handed) completed the 2011 Sydney-Hobart race of which they were the youngest crew to compete. (Pic: Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race website)

Malta's 49er Olympic Hopefuls

2012-01-03T17:01:00.000+01:00

Below is a link to a sponsor promo for our 49er Olympic contenders Benji Borg and Sebastian Ripard.

http://vimeo.com/fatgold/fg49er

A Before and After - a very small part of some of my furniture renovation

2011-12-27T14:59:00.000+01:00

I had inherited a hideous piece of furniture which consisted of 2 side cupboard bits with 3 drawers. In the middle (forming a big bulky angular piece of furniture) was a long swinging mirror with drawer sections on either side. Wish I had a taken a picture of it complete - but didn't.

After it had been stripped I used the mirrow as a wall mirror on its own - newly varnished. Well that speaks for itself. As for the two separate drawer sections which I hacked off the centre piece......I basically removed the back and sides and brought it down to a bare skeleton as seen below. I put on new sides and new backing and then made a totally new middle section consisting of 3 shelves on which I could put 3 storage baskets. As the top of the new middle section would not have matched the drawer tops I decided to give it a bit of colour and tile it instead.

And this is the finished result of which ''I am well pleased''!

Quite a good video though a bit repetitive.

2011-12-26T13:44:00.000+01:00

http://vimeo.com/34170178

Christmas Cracker Jokes

2011-12-26T13:43:00.000+01:00

They are the corniest jokes one can get, yet I always look forward to them! Christmas cracker jokes!

Q: What goes 99 clump 99 clump?
A: A centipede with a wooden leg.

Q: What do you call a 3 legged donkey?
A: A Wonkey.

Q: What do you call a deer with no eyes?
A: No idea!

Q: What is green and turns red at the push of a button.
A: A frog in a liquidiser.

Q: What sort of shoes do frogs wear in the summer?
A: Open toed sandals.

Q: What do angry mice send each other at Christmas?
A: A cross mouse card.

OK think that is all anybody can take until next year!

Happy New Year to you all.

Early Christmas Present

2011-12-21T08:40:00.000+01:00

Came back from abroad on Saturday and went down to my garage to get the car out and the above is what I saw in front of me. I was totally speechless! My dear hubbie was laughing and I still didn't know what to say (that makes a change I suppose!!) As we were having wind this week my family thought I should have my Christmas present early so I could try it out. I tried it out on Monday - briefly cos the wind died - result.......brilliant. So light under the feet, stable and has a lovely floaty feeling jumping (if I am jumping with the least effort then it must be a good board!). Board is a Starboard Evo 81L 2011 edition which I find the perfect size for me in the conditions we have with onshore winds.
Today blowing gale force 8 West to South West and meant to be veering North West to North by the evening - AND I AM GOING TO MISS IT ALL. Have guests arriving in Gozo so that is obviously priority. Just hope the ferry is running. Unfortunately Christmas day is going to be good too with North Easterlies into the bay and probably big waves...........which I will also miss since I am cooking Christmas lunch. Oh well, let us hope 2012 will give us lots of wind to look forward to.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL AND STRESS FREE NEW YEAR AND WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH LOTS AND LOTS OF STRONG WIND!

New Recruiting & Career Networking Site

2011-12-02T20:09:00.001+01:00

Above: Stefan (2nd from R) onboard Juno at the start of the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race

(Photo: Francesca Vincenti)

Keen dinghy sailor, yachtie and windsurfer, Stefan Debattista, has recently launched a new recruitment and career networking website which can be found on http://www.8am.com.mt/

There is a section for Professionals and another for Recruiters. To get to know all the ins and outs of the SITE have a good browse. It looks to me to be a great site for both those looking for future employees and those actually seeking a job.

CHECK IT OUT http://www.8am.com.mt/

Past Photos

2011-11-30T23:06:00.000+01:00

Really missing all my stolen camera equipment right now. So decided to just put up some random shots taken in the past year or so - nostalgia for my camera/s.

A Lampuka - our national fish so to speak. In English known as Dolphin Fish

John doing a vulcan during one of our gale force days in Ghallis

Sherborne Abbey in Dorset England. Taken back in June 2011. A beautiful building inside and out

The amazing roof of Sherborne Abbey

A slightly older photo of John airborne at Torri with Tommy looking on

Taken form near the lighthouse above Ghasri, Gozo looking down towards Ghammar and Ta'Pinu Basilica

Looking down from the lighthouse and over toward the hill of Ghammar which is right in front of our house San Pupulju

Gamblu riding a great wave in Ghallis

Gamblu - Ghallis

Gamblu and John swimming ontop of the wave!

John sailing switchstance

Martin and Steve Meachen on 'Mischief' on a perfect summer's day. That day was probably the best day of my summer. Great day out with some great sailing, great food, and (dare I say it!) great company!

Matthew Mirabelli's Latest Kitesurfing Video

2011-11-20T09:53:00.000+01:00

Matt is one of our local kitesurfers and is a professional photographer. Go onto his WEBSITE to see some of his brilliant work. Below is the link to his latest kitesurfing video he took on Friday down at the beach.

http://vimeo.com/32374786

A Boat Could Mean Anything that Floats!

2011-11-10T09:38:00.001+01:00

My good friend HORSEY puts up loads of amazing pictures of an assortment of watercraft. Below are some funny watercraft I thought worth posting.

I would call this a ''boys toys'' water craft

If you live in a 'prone to flooding' zone I suggest you keep an engine handy in a corner of the house

A left over from the 60's era

I suppose this beats scrapping your car

Well the picture says it all!

RMSR 2011 - OUR LUVVERLY LADS!

2011-10-28T07:34:00.000+01:00

ARTIE crew from L to R: Peter Valentino, Jan Rossi, Lee Satariano (owner and co-skipper), Kurt Casapinta, Isaac Borg, Matthew Gusman, Christian Ripard (co-skipper) and John Cachia.

Picture courtesy of the RMSR:Kurt Arrigo

RMSR 2011 - ARTIE DID IT!!

2011-10-26T20:22:00.000+01:00

ARTIE trying to make the most of the light winds and lumpy seas on the way to the finish

ARTIE sailing down the coast heading for the finish

Lee and Christian - skippers of Artie coming towards the finish line

In a total daze and still cannot believe that our lovely lads actually made it to first place overall, first in class and first Maltese boat in after completing quite a gruelling Rolex Middle Sea Race. I had really thought there was no chance, and only on arriving down at the yacht club to see them in over the finish line did I realise they were still in for a chance. There was a lovely atmosphere down at the club's waterfront as the tension gradually built up the closer we got to the time limit for the arrival of AOC ROCKALL. Once that time limit had passed and ROCKALL was still nowhere to be seen there were shouts of joy, congratulations, bottle corks popping celebrating a Maltese victory - and what a victory! A very 'proud mum' moment for me seeing my son (bowman) part of such a great team.

ROCKALL were, for them, the boat to beat throughout the race and really kept them on their toes throughout. It was a very nice sight to see the ARTIE team go down to greet the ROCKALL crew as they came in. Good sportsmenship all round.

Having said all that I have to compliment the rest of our Maltese teams who all did exceptionally well. As I type, in the first seven overall positions five of the boats are Maltese boats. This must be a record for Malta to have so many local boats in the first few placings. JARU did really well since they only decided to compete in the race a couple of days before !

Well done all!

All photos taken from RMSR website

Who Will Be First Maltese Boat In??

2011-10-26T11:38:00.000+01:00

RAN - as things stand right now I think they may have a good chance of winning the overall - all depends on whether the wind picks up a bit around our shores. At the moment it is all guess work who will actually win the overall prize. Pic: Kurt Arrigo for RMSR

Plagued by light wind conditions Class 3 and 4 yachts are now approaching the Comino Channel on their final leg back home. ARTIE is really pushing to be first Maltese boat back home - quite a coveted prize - but they have quite a few Maltese contenders hot on their heels. They are still pushing as hard as they can to increase their lead to enable them to pass AOC ROCKALL on corrected time. It has been a slow race and now it has become nailbiting as they sail in towards the finish line. All our Maltese crews have done amazingly well racing against such a high calibre of world sailor and I know I speak on behalf of many many locals when I say we are proud of them all and have shown visiting sailors that they are tough competition on the water.

For the latest news report on the race you press on this LINK.

RMSR2011 Tough Battle Ahead

2011-10-25T12:15:00.002+01:00

AOC ROCKALL is leading on the overall positions right now as they head towards the next landmark of Lampedusa. She is giving our lovely lads a real run for their money! BUT having said that I think it is more our lads giving THEM a run for their money!! I personally think our Maltese sailors, as a whole, have alot to be proud of cos they are all placing pretty well racing against some very top competition.

Unfortunately COMANCHE RAIDER had rudder problems and had to retire from the race and go into Favignana

ARTIE - the boat that has our full support . They came second overall last year just missing the coveted first place by a mere 26 minutes behind LUCKY. Right now they stand in 2nd position behind ROCKALL overall. ROCKALL increased their lead on corrected time by roughly 20 mins (by my calculations so stand to be corrected!) between the checkpoints of Favignana and Pantelleria.

OTRA VEZ is hard on the heals of ARTIE. They have a broken bowsprit - now it remains to be seen if they are going to need to use it as they are heading upwind on the present leg.

All photos taken off the RMSR website

RMSR 2011 FAVIGNANA ROUNDED

2011-10-25T05:53:00.001+01:00

RAN who is heading for the finish and will be 2nd over the line

SPEEDY - photos by Kurt Arrigo official photographer for the Rolex Middle Sea Race

Most boats have now rounded the next check point of Favignana off the West coast of Sicily and provisional overall positions have shifted. Happy to see that ARTIE has gained some ground and is now standing 2nd in the prov overall table and 2nd in their class just behind AOC ROCKALL who is going to be a tough one to beat. Due to the very light wind conditions they have been having throughout the race, it has been very close between boats right the way through but now Favignana has been rounded the excitement is setting in even more.

Looks like another day totally glued to the TRACKER!!!

RMSR2011 Stromboli Rounded

2011-10-24T05:51:00.000+01:00

The famous Middle Sea Race landmark of Stromboli which erupts every 20 minutes. Photo by Kurt Arrigo

Practically all the fleet have now rounded Stromboli whilst Esimit has just rounded Pantelleria and is heading towards Lampedusa. Overall it is still looking like Esimit is going to win the race so it is now the battle for the classes. In class 4, which is of particular interest to me since it is the class my son races is and also many good friends, provisional results on rounding Stromboli are so close that there are just a couple of minutes between the first 15 boats on corrected time! That's how close it is! Looking at an update on the tracker I am happy to see that ARTIE seems to have progressed position wise in the fleet but there is a long way to do go and if light winds persist positions will constantly change.

In class 3 the first 4 boats on rounding Stromboli on corrected time are Maltese boats.

RMSR 2011 PHOTOS

2011-10-23T19:27:00.000+01:00

Berenice

Esimit

Jaru

Ran

All photos taken by Kurt Arrigo and can be seen on www.regattanews.com

RMSR 2011 Messina to Stromboli Leg

2011-10-23T19:09:00.000+01:00

http://rolexmiddlesearace.com/tracker/#pt

Click on the link above to get onto the RMSR tracker to follow the race. The bulk of the fleet are heading for Stromboli tonight where they will be given a spectacular ''fireworks'' show as always. Meanwhile ESIMIT is heading towards Favignana and should be back home by tomorrow evening latest.

RMSR 2011 Update 1

2011-10-23T07:24:00.000+01:00

MEDSPIRIT leaving Malta and setting out towards Sicily yesterday - photo curtesy of Rolex:Kurt Arrigo

Follow updated news on this LINK

2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race Start

2011-10-22T18:44:00.000+01:00

Look at this LINK to see the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race this morning.

Rolex Middle Sea Race Start

2011-10-22T15:29:00.002+01:00

VIKESHA II photo by Kurt Arrigo

The 2011 edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race got off to a slow start this morning with dull stormy skies and light southerly breezes. ARTIE, unfortunately, had a bad start crossing the line around mid fleet in the first group of starters at 11.00am. Nevertheless, they soon caught up and by the time they rounded the marker off Pembroke and headed out to sea towards Capo Passero they were already leading the entire fleet by a good margin. Once the the large 80-100' boats had started they soon caught up and overtook the rest of the fleet and as I type ESIMIT and RAN have actually passed Capo Passero with the rest of the fleet between the Cape and half way across the channel. The wind is light so progress is pretty slow but the average boat speed seems to be around 6.5knots.

Unfortunately, this year I was unable to take any photos on the start since last night all my camera gear was stolen. It will be sorely missed and I cannot foresee buying anything in the near future. So I am going to have to rely on using other people's photographs for the time being.

The race can be closely followed on the Middle Sea Race TRACKER .

RMSR Coastal Race

2011-10-20T08:43:00.000+01:00

The start of the coastal race which is more or less a warm up for the Rolex Middle Sea Race which starts in the Grand Harbour (Malta) this coming Saturday. The race took the yachts around the small island of Filfla.

ESIMIT took line honours in this race and also was overall winner on handicap.

VIKESHA II - an XP44 - came 2nd overall in the coastal race and is skippered and owned by Oleg Evdokimenko and co-skippered by Maltese skipper Timmy Camilleri

All photos taken by our local expert Kurt Arrigo. Kurt takes the most amazing photos and specialises in sailing photography. He is a keen sailor himself and has published a lovely book which I am happy to have a copy of. Take a look at his website.

2012 Rolex Middle Sea Race

2011-10-14T10:47:00.000+01:00

Last year's overall winner ''LUCKY'' coming through the Comino Channel on its way home towards the finish

''ARTIE'' (local Maltese boat and crew) came 2nd overall after a nail biting race and finish just missing a first overall placing by around 26 minutes

''SEAWOLF'' has become a very familiar face on the RMSR and is back again this year to take on the challenge of this great race

Once again the Rolex Middle Sea Race will be starting off from the Grand Harbour in Valletta next Saturday 22nd October 2011. It will, no doubt, be a spectacle to watch with the original and historic back drop of the bastions and surrounding creeks in this natural historic harbour.

There are, at present, 80 entrants of which are many well known names of skippers and yachts.

This year yachts are moored at the Grand Harbour Marina in Birgu and a couple of pontoons have also been laid off the Yacht Club in Ta'Xbiex for the smaller classed yachts.

The RMSR website has a tracker which enables enthusiasts to follow the race closely as they make their way around the most interesting offshore race in the Mediterranean (if not the world).

A Place to Go Back To + Windsurfing Gear

2011-09-27T13:48:00.000+01:00

Mount Etna in the distance. Just before we arrived in Sicily it was spewing quite a bit of ash and the day before some flights were delayed or cancelled. It also had a small snowfall whilst we there, just enough for a small section of the top of the volcano to be covered in snow.

The beach at Marispica. This beach starts further down the coast and goes on for miles and miles. First class place to windsurf or kitesurf - during winter they get some pretty big waves. There is also a brilliant windsurfing destination a few hours drive to the West at Puzziteddu or Mazara del Vallo.

More Pics of Sicily (Click on pics to get full view)

2011-09-27T13:29:00.001+01:00

Lovely farmhouse which seems to be in use still at the beginning of our walk through the valley in Cava d'Ispica

The inhabited caves (as they were) in Cava d'Ispica. The above one is the actual sleeping accommodation at the flour mill which was still in use until the late 1950's. I loved the red baby's cradle - it made so much sense hanging just above the bed.............baby crying at night just stick your foot in the air and give it a rock!

I am not very good when it comes to flora and fauna but think this is a Frangipani flower. They smell out of this world and brings back memories of Bali.

This was our entrance gate/drive to Villa Tromabdore where we were staying.

The pool area at the back of Villa Trombadore, Cava d'Ispica.

Pictorial View of SE Sicily

2011-09-26T08:22:00.000+01:00

Having just come back from a holiday in Sicily (after not visiting for a long time) thought I would put up a load of pics instead of writing about it.
Have to say I was disappointed with the towns - most of them are still very tatty, but the countryside is lovely and the miles and miles of uncrowded beaches are really breathtaking. Biggest disappointment though was Caltagirone - the town is quite a slum. Unfortunately most of the shops were shut but the few that were open had ridiculous prices. Also found the famous steps a bit of an anti-climax..........maybe my hopes were too high. BUT having said all that, once you have left the towns you are immediately out in lovely rugged countryside - the type of countryside I love and much prefer to vast expanses of forest and open flat plains. The thing I enjoyed the most was seeing all the old farm buildings and Masserie - a complete paradise for anyone who is interested in converting old buildings.
We stayed in a lovely late 19th Century villa just along the road from Cava d'Ispica. The countryside is scattered with these villas which seem to have a trademark of beautifully well built walls
surrounding olive groves and palm trees in the front of the houses. We passed quite a few which were shouting out to be converted.

(Thought I said I would not be writing about it!)

This Bonsai type Olive tree was just down the road near the Villa we stayed in.

The famous Santa Maria del Monte steps

Santa Maria del Monte church

Front view of Villa Tromabdore where we stayed.

Tiki Beach Club beach just a couple of minutes drive East from Pozzallo beach.

More pictures to come.

Qammieh Walk

2011-09-26T07:16:00.000+01:00

Riding the Wind with Philip Köster - World Champion Windsurfer

2011-09-26T06:36:00.000+01:00

More on the 'Essential'' Subject!

2011-09-01T11:58:00.000+01:00

Did a little bit of research on the toilets and it is quite interesting what one comes up with!! Ofcourse the Romans were the most advanced on the subject - like everything else - and in the same way they had communal baths they did the same with their lavatory system as can be seen below. The Romans also had a very advanced sewer system so the toilets went with it!

The Japanese seem to have taken over from the Romans in this day and age! They take their bathware fairs VERY seriously and come out with all sorts of bathroom gadgets. Below are a few interesting ones I have come across on the web but have no idea who actually developed them. Quite surprised we don't have an aquarium one in our bathroom yet! Not quite sure what happens when you pull the flushing though!!

Aptly named the ''Too-da-loo'' - hmm don't think I would want that decorating my bathroom.

The Japanese are always inventing some space saving device since the majority of the Japs seem to live in very limited spaces. I think I prefer the model with the flushing and sink actually on the back of the loo.

For the ostentatious there is always the gold version!

I think I will close the lid on this subject now!

Brilliant Idea!

2011-08-30T19:09:00.000+01:00

I received the above picture in an email today - what a brilliant idea! It saves and recycles water besides being very hygenic. A definite ''must have'' but where can one get it?

Great Photo

2011-08-08T15:37:00.000+01:00

Photo: Clinton Cutajar Location: Malta

The above photo is one taken and touched up by a friend of mine. I just love the affect.

This One is for my Puffy and Horsey Friends in America!

2011-07-21T11:31:00.000+01:00

After a week of suffocatingly high temperatures (just under 40C) we were blessed with a day of wind. It was nice to see quite a few people out on the water. Swell was not very big but wind was pretty constant and it was heaven to be out on the water planing and just wearing shorts and rashy. Water is very warm at 27C. I used my Fanatic 82L wave board and Tushingham 4.7m sail which is a sail I seem to be using more and more instead of the 4.5m ............not much of a difference in size I know but it's amazing how different the two sails are when using them.

I had a ball experimenting with the GoPro HD. First used the boom mount (which is my preference) then tried the helmet mount for the first time myself. The footage above is nothing very exciting but since both my good American blogging friends have asked me in the past about getting footage of myself instead of everybody else................here it is! Hopefully more to come and a bit more exciting to look at!!

Hope you guys have had some time on the water too - in whatever way - always good to get wet!

About Time I Updated My Blog!

2011-06-30T18:25:00.000+01:00

It's been a looong time since I have done some regular blogging so now I need to rectify that a bit.

For starters I am putting up one of the many items I have been renovating in order to get things ready for the completion of our farmhouse conversion up in Gozo. This was an old wooden chest which had ALOT of woodworm. The lid was unsalvagable so I had to make a new lid from scratch, but the rest was 'do-able' with plenty of douses of cuprinol woodworm killer, plenty of strong filler and some reinforcements here and there. A stressed effect paint job and a bit of amateur decoration (!) and it makes a great container for kids games, jigsaw puzzles, various toys etc etc which will be available for use by kids and adults when the house is rented out.

BEFORE

AFTER

PROBLEMS

2011-06-22T10:10:00.001+01:00

HMMMMMM! Haven't blogged for so long and now I have decided to put something up I can't upload any photos. Need to sort myself out and get some interesting stuff on here and get my blog going again.

Water Time

2011-05-26T08:43:00.000+01:00

Sailed 5 times in 8 days - not bad! Just need a few of those type of weeks in summer and we really will be living in paradise!

Will It Be a Windy Summer?

2011-05-19T11:16:00.000+01:00

Windsurfed Monday and Tuesday. Monday not such a good sail - wind was wierd and didn't feel at all comfortable sailing. BUT Tuesday, unexpectedly had a TERRIFIC sail. Got to Ghallis and wind was dying fast. Some guys went out and basically drifted with a bit of swimming. So I waited a bit not feeling at all optimistic and was going to derig, but Bernard persuaded me to go down (thank you Bernard!) - and thank God I did. Everybody left except for Sandro, Bernard and myself and we had a terrific sail. Wind turned more West and picked up and sailing behind the island was great fun. The swell outside had some terrific ramps making excellent jumping conditions. If only every time we went down could be like that.
Forecast for the weekend looking very hopefull with Easterlies between force 5 and 6. If I manage to sail Saturday and Sunday that will be 4 days in a week - keeping fingers crossed that this summer will be a good one for us windwise since we had such a lousy winter.

Late Entry - But Have Actually Been Out on the Water

2011-05-10T15:12:00.001+01:00

No photos but have been on the water a bit lately. Over Easter had 4 days in a row which was terrific. First day I had a kiting lesson with John and actually moved about 10 metres in both directions but was more like a teabag most of the time! My initial enthusiasm has waned (I have to admit) - I suppose it is because Malta is not very ''learner friendly'' when it comes to kiting. Having to coincide the right wind direction with the right wind, no people/swimmers on the beach and actually being able to go down leaves a very narrow margin. Have come to the conclusion it would be best to actually go abroad and learn!! I will actually learn and get going properly one day - I am determined in that way. The age factor doesn't help either since I think one is more aware of the dangers etc...........in otherword being older and wiser!! If people knew where most of the local kiting population learned how to kitesurf up at a bay called ''Torri'' they would think they were totally insane, it is pretty suicidal. The bay is about 200m wide (if that) with a small strip of sand in the middle and rocks all around the sides. Now there are sometimes around 20 kiters on the water - you can just imagine the scenario.
Onto better things - 3 days in a row of windsurfing in ESE in Mellieha over Easter weekend. I had soooo much fun and I love windsurfing in Mellieha in an East. It was great to have burst blisters again - I felt I was still part of the sport after the worst winter (windwise) on record I should think. Windsurfed again last week in Ghallis - hadn't sailed there for months. Nice to be out in the swell though did get a bit tired - but so what! Just hoping that since we had a lousy winter season that we will get a good summer season instead - hmmmm!

Happy sailing/surfing and hopefully will have some pics to put up next time round.

ARTIE First in Gewiss Malta to Marzamemi Race

2011-05-01T17:09:00.001+01:00

John Cachia and Matthew Gusman after the start of the race

Yesterday the Times of Malta had a great picture (above) of ARTIE after the race start to Marzamemi on Friday.

Streets of Monaco super yacht

2011-04-22T10:37:00.000+01:00

HMMMM - NO COMMENT ON THIS ONE!

Streets of Monaco super yacht

Windfinder - Wind & weather forecast Luqa/Malta

2011-04-21T09:10:00.000+01:00

LOOKING LIKE A GOOD WEEKEND AHEAD!
HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!

Windfinder - Wind & weather forecast Luqa/Malta

AT LAST!

2011-04-15T17:38:00.000+01:00

AT LAST! HAD A BRILLIANT BRILLIANT SAIL IN THE CHANNEL ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. 5M (ACTUALLY HAD THE SAME SIZE SAIL ON AS THE CHAPS) AND WAVEBOARD. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT - LOVELY CLEAR WIND AND LOVELY WEATHER - WHAT MORE CAN ONE ASK FOR? MORE PLEASE!

No mission impossible for tireless Maltese nun

2011-04-10T09:44:00.000+01:00

Anyone with an interest of some sort in the Phillipines or some link with the nuns of St. Dorothy's should give just a tiny helping hand for this cause. No mission impossible for tireless Maltese nun

Time to Blog

2011-03-28T13:08:00.000+01:00

Above photos taken by me sometime during the past year. The riders are Chris, Dana, Gamblu and John.

My blogging has been non existent lately - largely due to the fact that there has been nothing of particular interest to blog. The wind - what wind? This winter season has been the worst season for wind that I can ever remember. To make things worse the new mound of rubble, that keeps getting higher and higher between the hotel and Maghtab, has totally destroyed the wind at Ghallis - unfortunately I do not think we will ever experience Ghallis as it used to be anymore. It can be blowing a lovely North Westerly in Mellieha Bay and when we get to Ghallis it is a gusty cross offshore South Westerly with the clean wind starting to steady way beyond the point. The solution is to find an alternative spot but there is no spot like Ghallis. With our limited coastline the only other alternative is sailing in the swell in the Channel - problem is getting people to drive all the way up there to sail when they are limited for time during their lunch break!

So, meanwhile we wait!

Learn English Online

2011-03-16T11:24:00.000+01:00

Interested to learn English in the comfort of your home? Or just need to polish up your English conversation for a future trip somewhere? Need to learn English to improve your business? Go onto www.dive-into-english.com to find out full details about learning English online through Skype. Lessons are by an experienced English speaking TEFL teacher who will tailor make your lessons to suit your own personal English language needs including exam preparation.

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Kitesurfing as an Olympic Event - NeilPryde Windsurfing 2011

2011-03-16T10:47:00.000+01:00

Kitesurfing as an Olympic Event - NeilPryde Windsurfing 2011

Japan

2011-03-12T10:13:00.000+01:00

How can one even begin to decipher the extent of the destruction in Japan?
Can only think about how many families have been totally devastated by this cataclysmic event. At the same time there is so much suffering going on in the world after the New Zealand earthquake, all the unrest in the Arab countries besides all the other thousands of situations where people are suffering every day. Yet here we are living in the lap of luxury.........moments like this make you sit back and reflect and make you really appreciate all the tiny seemingly insignificant things one takes so much for granted in our every day life.

Good Wind Yesterday

2011-03-05T08:41:00.001+01:00

In the videos below are John Cachia and Clive Xuereb. A couple of clips I took yesterday.

Had a nice sail yesterday with the wave board and 4.7m - could have done with a slightly bigger sail but still enjoyed it. Wind blowing from the east into the bay but the waves weren't big. The swell seems to have increased overnight cos now the second reef is breaking and the wind has turned NW so hopefully later it will still be breaking for some great sailing in conditions we don't usually have (cross off on the wave).

I then got the video camera and took some footage of the kiters. I have never seen so many kites on the water out here in Malta - they seem to be increasing at a very fast rate which is not such a good thing cos there just is not the space to handle so many kites. I counted 20 on the water at one time. It was a bit too windy for me to have a go but hoping this week there may be a day when conditions will be suitable to try in the bay.

Keeping the Tripoli Shuttle going - The heroes of Virtu' Ferries

2011-03-03T08:51:00.000+01:00

Keeping the Tripoli Shuttle going - The heroes of Virtu' Ferries

2ND EDITION OF 'AZURE' MAGAZINE SOON OUT

2011-03-02T12:10:00.002+01:00

The new and second edition of the 'AZURE' magazine will shortly be out and on the shelves of local touristic establishments and dive centres.

The 'AZURE' magazine is a small booklet full of interesting and useful information focusing mainly on anything to do with the sea around the Maltese Islands. A must read and must have for not just visitors to Malta and Gozo but also local residents.

This great little publication is free of charge. If you are looking for a copy just walk into the nearest dive shop or Malta Tourist Information office and you will definitely find a copy waiting for you there.

MALTA - Forefront of World News

2011-02-28T09:15:00.001+01:00

Malta has really hit the news headlines - and history repeats itself once again.

Due to Malta's strategic position bang in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, it has played an important part all the way through history. It has been invaded over the centuries by the Arabs, Phoenicians, at one point was part of the Roman Empire , fell into French hands for a short amount of time with Napoleon stealing many treasures which now lie buried at the bottom of the sea somewhere outside Alexandria. Then the British were the last to colonise the island before it finally gained its independence.

...........and now we have made news headlines by playing an important role in the evacuation of various nationalities from Libya.

I have noticed, through reading some comments on Tripadvisor, that there has been some concern about the safety of travelling to Malta right now. It is totally safe! The airport is, ofcourse, much busier with alot more people passing through the airport (as is the harbour), also the presence of news reporters there. Certain hotels in the St. Julians/Sliema area are also alot busier for this time of year - otherwise, unless you are looking at the television, life is totally normal. I have heard the distinct deep hum of the Hercules planes flying over, but that's about it!

I just hope that peace will soon prevail in Libya - the people there have suffered so much over the years and it seems that there are some awful things going on right now. Such a shame because I have heard that it is a beautiful country with so much to offer with a rich culture, history, beautiful unspoilt beaches. BUT having said that it would be very sad to see all that spoilt due to a sudden uncontrolled form of tourism!

Right now we sit and watch as history unfolds itself!

Updated: Libyan fighter jets arrive in Malta

2011-02-22T09:11:00.000+01:00

Malta is making news again. This time with the Mirage fighter pilots seeking asylum here after they were ordered to target protesting crowds!

Updated: Libyan fighter jets arrive in Malta

Thomas Safely Back Home

2011-02-20T10:38:00.000+01:00

Above: Thomas Cremona Photo: Bunty

Yesterday afternoon Thomas Cremona arrived back on home soil at MIA to be greeted by an ecstatic gathering of family and friends all very proud of his record breaking achievement across the Atlantic.

I felt very honoured to be part of the social gathering for family and friends last night at Surfside where Tom gave a very interesting account and presentation of the whole expedition. Tom was in top form, looking very well (though perhaps a bit thin!) and obviously extremely happy to be back home. He has done a very good promoting his cause of PUTTINU CARES and also proving there is definitely life after cancer.

You can read a more detailed report in The Sunday Times of Malta which also gives a short video clip on his arrival in Malta yesterday.

Gale Force Winds Hit Malta

2011-02-19T08:17:00.000+01:00

Below is what I am calling 'Photo of the Day' The way Tommy fell on the gybe was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. It was kind of slow motion and was like his head got stuck in the sail. A bit difficult to describe but we were rolling about. Thanks Tom for the laugh!

Yesterday Malta experienced gale force Westerly winds averaging a force 9. We also had quite a volume of rain too. Quite a lot of damage was done with fallen trees, flying water tank lids, fallen electricity poles etc. Flights were also delayed or diverted. You can read about it on this LINK for The Times of Malta newspaper.

Meanwhile, in the middle of all this, John and I decided to load up the car and drive to Ghallis to see if it was sailable there. Driving there was slow progress because the rain was so thick that visibility was bad and roads had quite alot of water running through them. The wind direction in Ghallis was not good, but even if it had been conditions would have been far too dangerous there to go out. So we drove back up to Mellieha where we met a few other fellow windsurfers.

Being so windy the air temperature was pretty cold - we probably are feeling the cold more since our winter has been pretty non-existent so far. We have had quite a few gale force winds the past few years but I don't think I have seen it this windy for a couple of years. A notch more than previous gales I think. The lads rigged their 4m and went down to experience what it was like to be really overpowered and thrown about like a rag doll! Waaay too windy for me - I would have needed something like a 3m sail which definitely does not form part of our quiver!

One of the many wipeouts - some were quite spectacular

Keith was on the water for quite a while

John: chop jumps were quite high

Tommy chop jumping

Bernard - had a few catapults!

The photos are a bit deceiving - The wind strength always looks so much less on a photograph.

As I write this the wind has turned North Westerly and the wind is still strong. We shall be checking Ghallis shortly - am hoping there isn't too much of a shore break so I will be able to windsurf there. Really want to get in the water now!

HAPPY WEEKEND AND HAPPY SAILING!

Time to Blog Again

2011-02-18T08:56:00.002+01:00

My blogging has been a bit lax recently - a mixture of mainly nothing too interesting to blog about and busy with other jobs to be done.

First things first! The wind is with us at last and is coming in full force following the latest trend of either nothing or gale force. Have a look on WINDFINDER to see the forecast for today and the next few days. Looks like we are in for some thundery stormy weather too - well it is February and so far our winter has been practically non existent.

Now onto our Gozo Houses. It has been a busy time. Our annual maintenance is just about over in Dar Ghax-Xemx and we meet our first guests of the season next week. Hard to believe that we are already going into our 6th season since we started our rental business. Results have been excellent and the popularity of our little house in Victoria just keeps growing as do our list of repeat guests.

Our renovation project on San Pupulju is going exremely well too and we are still hoping to perhaps catch some of the summer season but cannot commit ourselves as yet. Below you can see some of the progress of the work on the house. All praise must go to our great team of workers who have kept going and not let us down in any way........so far! Once the house is ready and the interiors are all in place - and hopefully all my ideas have come together the way I want them too (!) the house should look quite stunning. The aim is for our guests to walk into the house, experience a bit of a wow factor and feel totally relaxed and at home. I just hope I will manage to achieve that effect.

The new floor in the double bedroom. We have also opened up a doorway onto a pretty balcony overlooking the courtyard and pool from this bedroom - a great countryside view too.

The upstairs landing has a new floor and also new beams put in with a partial new roof too - major major job here!

Construction is going on at the moment on the main entrance and external stairs.

As you can see we still have a long way to go! The above is just a fraction of the house - the house itself is pretty large and will be able to sleep 8 plus a couple more in roll aways if necessary. There are also 2 ensuite shower rooms, a large main bathroom and spare loo downstairs. Shall get some more decent photos soon and once it is ready will put it up ''on show'' and give the link for full details on our website.

Windfinder - Wind & weather forecast map Italy South

2011-02-18T08:13:00.000+01:00

Forecast for today and the weekend!

Windfinder - Wind & weather forecast map Italy South

Large find of cannon balls at the Barrakka battery

2011-02-09T08:47:00.000+01:00

History is just part of everyday life here in Malta and Gozo - it is everywhere!

Large find of cannon balls at the Barrakka battery

Updated: Joy as Thomas Cremona arrives in Barbados and sets record

2011-02-09T08:42:00.000+01:00

WELL DONE TOM - Malta is very proud of you!

You can read a full report of their record breaking arrival in Barbados on the link below.

Updated: Joy as Thomas Cremona arrives in Barbados and sets record

Sara G Breaks Atlantic Crossing Record

2011-02-08T18:13:00.000+01:00

Today at 16:00:26 (UTC) Sara G trans Atlantic rowing team broke the world record. Right now not sure by how much the record has been broken but will update as soon as I do know. You can see the full tracking record across the Atlantic on this LINK
Well done to the whole team who gave it their best the whole way thru whatever the conditions and whatever their emotions were like dealing with seasickness and everything else that goes with rowing across a vast ocean for a month!

Beautiful Maltese Weather

2011-02-06T11:12:00.000+01:00

What better than sitting out on a warm terrace in February having breakfast on a Sunday morning looking out onto our view.

...................with Cic lapping up the sunshine too!

Sara G Approaching Barbados

2011-02-04T18:31:00.000+01:00

Thomas during his record breaking rowing marathon

Thomas Cremona, who forms part of the Sara G team rowing across the Atlantic, has been given an award in recognition of the record he had set on a Concept2 rowing machine a few weeks ago. This was awarded to him by the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport.

Meanwhile, whilst this presentation was going on, Thomas himself was three quarters across the Atlantic giving it his all to break the record with his fellow team members.

You can read his latest bit of news on this LINK.

They will reach the shores of Barbados, hopefully, very early this coming week - let us hope the currents and wind will be favourable.

Interesting History of Windsurfing Documentary - The Sport is Much Older Than you Think

2011-02-03T18:31:00.002+01:00

Wind & Water - the Invention of Windsurfing from Joseph Schuster on Vimeo.

Studies show wind conditions good for wind farm off Mellieha

2011-02-01T16:58:00.000+01:00

Studies show wind conditions good for wind farm off Mellieha

Update 2: Traffic calming down

2011-02-01T16:47:00.000+01:00

Update 2: Traffic calming down

Gozo Pictures This Weekend

2011-01-31T07:38:00.000+01:00

This weekend in Ghammar we had the Festa ta' San Pupulju. We named our farmhouse there after the little chapel that lies down the alley around the corner. Unfortunately there are not many activities that take place in the chapel now apart fromt a monthly mass and the actual feast weekend. We attended 'vespers' on the Saturday afternoon and there were more clergy and alter boys than persons in the congregation. The actual feast mass was on Sunday afternoon and that is always totally packed right out into the tiny piazza outside the little chapel since coaches come up on a pilgrimage each year from Floriana in Malta. The patron saint of Floriana is St. Publius aswell so they make a day of it.

This is a photo I took on Saturday on the main road of Ghajnsielem. People usually carry a spare tyre in the back but a spare cab is something new!!! A real ''onlyinmalta.com'' photo!!!

I took this photo last week from Nadur. The view over the channel from up there is always really beautiful. Unfortunately this photo does not do it justice but I just took a quick snap with the camera phone since I did not have my camera on me.

Course Not Yet Completed but A Record Already Broken - Ocean Row for Cancer

2011-01-20T13:24:00.001+01:00

Above Thomas Cremona stands infront of Sara G before they emabarked on their Atlantic record breaking attempt. Photo taken off Thomas' blog.

Another update has come in on Thomas' BLOG (click on the link to read the full report). They are doing really well inspite of the various obstacles one comes across during ones daily row across the Atlantic!! Rogue waves, huge swells, the awful feeling of sea sickness, which takes some time to conquer, among the many.
Fortunately they seem to be an excellent team working very well together - that's half the battle in my mind.

The exciting news is that they have already broken a record. I will quote from his blog ''First up, a new world record! That’s right, we have established a new world record by covering a distance of over 100 miles/160 kilometres for each 24-hour period over the past 10 consecutive days (up to yesterday, 18 January 14.00GMT). Today Sara G again covered in excess of 100 miles and extended our record by yet another day. And we have no intention of slowing down! This record has been confirmed by The Ocean Rowing Society International, the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records.''

So that is really good news. The other news which is a bit nerve wracking is that they have competition on the water. Team Hallin Marine in a trimaran boat set off on their record breaking attempt on the 6th of January and the other team aiming to break the record is Team Big Blue which is out on the water too.

Thomas is raising money for the Puttinu Cares fund which helps with treatment and support for children with cancer and their families.

Thomas and Team Doing Well in Row Across the Atlantic

2011-01-16T20:16:00.000+01:00

Thomas and the 6 man team attempting to break the Mid-Atlantic record for rowing across the Atlantic are progressing well and have occasionally hit as much as 7 knots of speed. Read an updated report on The Times of Malta.

Malta & Gozo - 3rd Best Country to Live in the World?

2011-01-16T20:06:00.000+01:00

According to International Living Magazine Malta ranks as the 3rd best country to live in. Not quite sure how they came up with this result but, having lived here most of my life (bound to be biased to a certain degree!), we do often say that it is a great place to live and we have an excellent quality of life and that it would be hard to beat living elsewhere in Europe.
You can read a write up in the local paper, Sunday Times of Malta, that came out today on this LINK .

Update on Thomas' Atlantic Row

2011-01-10T19:34:00.000+01:00

For the latest update on Thomas' rowing record attempt across the Atlantic go onto his BLOG - it makes a very ineresting read.
Also read about the charity he is rowing for from the menu at the top of his blog page.

Thomas Starts his Bid for Rowing Record Across the Atlantic

2011-01-05T19:24:00.000+01:00

Photo taken from http://www.di-ve.com/

Thomas Cremona seen above ready for the long 5,000km slog ahead. Thomas forms part of a team of 5 rowers who will try to break the record and row across the Atlantic in less than 33 days 7 hours and 30 minutes. They left today, Wednesday, from Tarfaya in Morocco and will be heading for Barbados in the Caribbean.

You can read a full report on Di-ve . I will be following Thomas' progress so keep checking into my blog for updates.

All the money Thomas has collected will go to the Puttinu Cares Foundation which helps young cancer patients and their families who undergo treatment in the UK.

We Three Kings of Mellieha Are...!

2011-01-03T17:12:00.000+01:00

We Three Kings of Mellieha Are...!

One of the Most Beautiful Areas of Malta

2011-01-03T17:06:00.000+01:00

Taken today at Dingli Cliffs, Malta looking out toward Mtahleb then panning around towards the islet of Filfla. Managed to enjoy a few hours of sunshine inbetween the pouring rain this morning and this evening. A lovely area and there are some beautiful walks.

2011-01-01T13:30:00.000+01:00

The lovely sky early this morning before getting on the Gozo ferry in Cirkewwa

JAZZ 2nd Overall IRC and 1st ORC in Sydney-Hobart Race

2010-12-30T18:17:00.002+01:00

JAZZ coming thru the Bass Straits Photo: www.sydneyhobart.com

Great news from the Sydney-Hobart race. JAZZ did really well coming across the line 12th and coming 1st overall in the ORCi Class and 2nd in the IRC Class. We are particularly interested in JAZZ itself since Christian Ripard is chief helmsman onboard this canting keeled Cookson 50 owned by Chris Bull.
Christian also skippered ARTIE together with owner Lee Satariano in this year's Rolex Middle Sea Race just missing a 1st overall placing by 26 minutes.
Line honours went to WILD OATS XI whilst SECRET MEN'S BUSINESS (what a name!) came first overall in IRC Class.

Christian before the start of the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2010 Photo: Bunty

What's the Forecast for 2011??

2010-12-29T10:47:00.001+01:00

Chris May 2010 - Ghallis

Well the forecast for 2011? - that's anbody's guess, but let's hope it improves cos we seem to be windsurfing less and less these days with conditions varying between border line and the odd wild gale force 8 to 9 thrown in inbetween. More and more people are taking to kiting (which to be honest who can blame them when windsurfing conditions have become so unreliable?). Our usual 'Grigale' has never materialised this year - we didn't even get a Christmas 'Grigale' - probably the first year we haven't had it for years and years. So far plenty of Southerlies - yuk! such a waste of good wind! So what can I say? Fingers, toes and whatever else are all crossed that 2011 will be a kind and giving year for us.

Happy New Year to all fellow surfers (whatever type) from all over the world and look forward to reading various blogs to see how everybody else is getting along.

Gamblu December 2010 - Ghallis

John December 2010 - Ghallis

Chris May 2010 - Ghallis

Tommy December 2010 - Torri

John December 2010 - Torri

Another Successful Euromed Championship

2010-12-27T17:14:00.001+01:00

Photo thanks to Young Sailors Club

The Euromed Championships 2010 came to an end after another highly successful event.
The Russians take this championship very seriously and members of their large team arrived a week earlier to train and familiarize themselves with the idyllic racing venue of Mellieha Bay. Their serious training has paid off with 3 out of 8 classes being won by a Russian.

This year brought record entries from several European countries. The Maltese young sailors did Malta proud with some excellent results. Ella Fleri Soler came first overall in the 4.7 Laser class - Ella is proving to be an excellent sailor giving some very stiff competition not only to her fellow female sailors but to the males too. Keeping it in the family Ella's brother Edward achieved a highly commendable 2nd overall placing in the Optimist Class.

This year Italy also had a strong team with teams coming from both Italy and Sicily. They achieved 4 first placings out of all 8 classes.

Weather conditions were varied from very cold Northerly winds at the start of the event, followed by balmy Southerly breezes and finishing off with perfect moderate winds.

Final Class results were as follows:

Overall Optimist Champion Euromed 2010

Pavel Rassazov – Russia

Boys Optimist Open Class

1. Pavel Rasskazov – Russia

2. Edward Fleri Soler – Malta

3. Ugo Pace – Italy

Girls Optimist Open Class

1. Marina Shcherbakova – Russia

2. Anastasia Godovalnikova – Russia

3. Karyna Manuel – Great Britain

Junior Optimist Boys

1. Salvatore Sciuto – Italy

2. Craig Farrugia Vella – Malta

3. Mihail Shalagin – Russia

Junior Optimist Girls

1. Francesca Zammit – Malta

2. Raffaela Santagatti – Italy

3. Zoya Novikova – Russia

Optimist Boys Cadets

1. Ugo Zunardi – Italy

2. Davide Lavafila – Italy

3. Omri Sela – Israel

Optimist Girls Cadet

1. Anna Nikitina – Russia

2. Giuliana Liuzza – Italy

3. Anna Rusetskaya - Russia

Laser - 4.7 Class Boys

1. Sacha Ruffo – Italy

2. Thomas Zammit Tabona - Malta

3. Alekandr Sarkov – Russia

Laser 4.7 Girls

1. Ella Fleri Soler* - Malta

2. Abigail Fenech – Malta

3. Aleksandra Martynova – Russia

*(1^st girl and overall 4.7 champion)

Laser Standard

1. Lorenzo Parma - Italy

EUROMED 2010 Malta

2010-12-19T12:31:00.000+01:00

Weather has been going from one extreme to the other. After some gale force winds and extremely cold temperatures brought down by the cold Northerly winds today is a balmy light to moderate southerly.

It is lovely to see the bay full of little white sails bringing back memories of 'days gone by' when dinghy sailing was in its heyday here in Malta.

Officials looking very official!!

EUROMED 2010

2010-12-17T08:24:00.004+01:00

The Euromed 2010 starts today the 17th December and will come to an end on the 21st December. The popularity of this event increases every year and this year will be a record year with 92 Optimist sailors and 25 young Laser sailors registered. Competitors hail from far afield - namely Russia (who always bring over a large fleet), Denmark, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Sicily and ofcourse our very own local girls and boys from Malta.

The event will take place from The Tunny Net in Mellieha Bay. Mellieha Bay being the perfect venue for an international competition within a very large open bay which gives perfect but challenging sailing conditions whatever the wind direction.

Having had a very balmy Autumn and probably the warmest November and first half of December on record, the weather has suddenly turned very cold with very chilly Northerly winds over the past few days making temperatures suddenly drop. No doubt the North wind has brought with it the big chill that mainland Europe has been having over the past few weeks. In spite of the drop in temperature the sea temperature still remains a warm 19C and the sun makes an appearance for most of the day - some scattered showers may be expected (but we DO need that precious rain!).

Good luck to all competing!

Water spout off Tigne'

2010-12-16T08:51:00.001+01:00

Water spout off Tigne'

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-12T15:16:00.000+01:00

A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS JOY WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY WHAT EVERYBODY NEEDS IN THIS WORLD!

Gale Force Winds Today

2010-12-10T21:54:00.010+01:00

We had gale force North Westerly winds today. Good conditions in Ghallis though shore break was a bit too big for me to go down. Half a dozen of the lads braved it and had a good time near the bollard. I got quite a selection of good shots. Below are some of them plus a very short clip which just catches a pretty big wave dumping itself over John.

John Cachia

Matthew Miceli Demajo

Bernard Galea

John Cachia

Matthew Miceli Demajo

John 'vulcaning' in gale force winds and pretty rough sea!

Matthew Miceli Demajo

An Hour Here and There On the Water

2010-11-26T16:37:00.002+01:00

My aim is to push myself to go down for a windsurf even if conditions are a bit iffy - better an hour on the water in iffy conditions than nothing at all........... the whole meaning of this is keeping myself fit! I know a couple of hours good solid windsurfing is worth 4 or 5 in the gym so I reckon even 45 mins to an hour of planing, drifting and planing conditions must be worth it! In the past 10 days I have managed 3 sessions of an hour each - every one using the 5.2m and each of the Skate, Synchro and New Wave being used. To make it even more enjoyable today I was back wearing a shorty after I had just washed all our shorties - it made a nice change for my wetsuit to smell of fabric conditioner compared to the unmentionable smell it usually has!! Had a couple of ''chilly'' days but today was lovely and tourists still swimming and sunbathing. All this whilst poor old Britain is having some Arctic weather!

Since I have no interesting piccies or video footage to add to this I suggest you press on the link below to see some thing a bit more recent just for a bit of entertainment though not so funny for those LV yachts racing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0zA-xHJdgU

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2010 Race Start

2010-11-17T10:40:00.000+01:00

Epic Mavericks Big Wave Surfing 11/30/2008

2010-11-16T14:36:00.000+01:00

Giant Wave Almost Kills Windsurfer!

2010-11-16T14:32:00.000+01:00

'Queen Elizabeth' enters harbour

2010-11-14T07:13:00.000+01:00

'Queen Elizabeth' enters harbour

Rolex Middle Sea Race 2010 - Prize Giving - Another Year Over

2010-10-30T14:52:00.007+01:00

George Bonello Dupuis - Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club

The stunning RMSR trophy

1st Overall - Lucky (TP52)

2nd Overall - Artie (J122)

3rd Overall - Jaru (J133)

The prize giving for the RMSR was held today at the Meditteranean Conference Centre. Unlike previous prize givings, this year the actual prize giving was held in the theatre so everybody was seated throughout. A much better and satisfactory procedure. After various speeches quite a few prizes were given out with the final big overall prize being given last. Following this an excellent speech was given by Lucky's skipper praising the RMSR as a whole and plenty of praise for our Maltese sailors - all of which we are very proud !

Formalities over everybody trooped out into the big Knights Hall (Malta! Always incredible history surrounds you wherever you go!) to be treated to an open bar and excellent buffet.

So............another Middle Sea Race over and crews are already looking forward to the next one!

ARTIE 1st in Class and 2nd Overall

2010-10-28T15:03:00.020+01:00

Happy bunch after crossing the finish line

The expression on Lee's face says it all!

Another satisfied face

Christian being interviewed by the press

Not quite sure who was happier - Lee's son Jake or the crew!

Peter looking fulfilled - both with their achievement and about something hot to chew on

Below - Jan looking like the true sailor after a tough but

satisfying race at sea

Isaac and John also looking thrilled with the result

Kurt the man behind all the instruments which were mucked up during a thunder storm

Matthew - this pic describes well just how hungry they arrived back on the pontoon

So many interesting stories about the trip and lots more still to come out!

Team ARTIE

ARTIE Home and Just Misses Overall First Placing

2010-10-27T10:37:00.004+01:00

ARTIE crossing the line

All looking happy - and so they should be!

The ARTIE team after coming into the pontoon

ARTIE is home after just missing an overall first position. They pushed really hard all the way through the race, but these past 24 hours they really gave it all they had knowing it was such a touch and go situation. They had a real blast on the Lampedusa - Malta leg, but unfortunately the wind died down quite a bit around Malta and they just could not make the necessary speed needed to cross the finish line in time. Entering Marsamxett harbour there was absolutely no wind at all and they drifted through the finish line to cheers from all those gathered at the yacht club to meet them in.

They had a great welcoming committee on the pontoon. They all looked tired but very satisfied with their achievement. They have definitely won their class and, although not official yet, the chances are they have a 2nd overall placing.

ARTIE On the Way Home

2010-10-26T21:56:00.002+01:00

Above pic is of ARTIE taken by Kurt Arrigo and taken off the Regatta News site I can make out John in the middle in the green shirt. It's been a really exciting race for them (and us taking part from home!). There is still a slim chance of them winning but it will be very tough to get in on time. They have done brilliantly and still have all my fingers and toes crossed! Right now it looks like it is between Lucky, Jaru and Artie.

Lucky, Pace & Cantankerous Coming Thru the Channel

2010-10-26T13:50:00.008+01:00

Got to the Channel just in time to see Lucky going through

Pace and Cantankerous approaching the Comino Channel

Pace was bombing down

Pace

Cantankerous just coming into the Channel

Cantankerous bearing off a bit

Esimit & ICAP Home and Alegre Passing Thru the Comino Channel

2010-10-26T05:23:00.006+01:00

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 approaches the finish line Photo: Rene Rossignaud

I have just woken up and the first thing I do is check the boat positions on the RMSR Tracker What I see keeps me on tenterhooks. The first two boats, ESIMIT and ICAP, came in yesterday evening and ALEGRE is just passing through the Comino Channel as I type this. After that it is E1 half way through Lampedusa and Malta wtih LUCKY, PACE and CANTANKEROUS having rounded Lampedusa and now heading for home.

ARTIE is still doing very well but JARU has now shot ahead leaving ARTIE and COMANCHE RAIDER still more or less side by side. JUNO has lost a bit of ground (these are all Maltese based boats). As for overall standings I have no idea how ARTIE is fairing at the moment and not sure I want to know as I think I am probably more nervous right now than they are!! I have to mention that JUNO, COMANCHE RAIDER AND JUNO are in a different class to ARTIE as they are bigger boats. ARTIE has quite a lead on the other boats in their class..........but, ofcourse, the big prize is the overall and I reckon that result will not be known until around Wednesday afternoon.

ARTIE is presently almost two thirds the way between Favignana and Pantelleria so they must be reaching down, though the forecast strong wind does not seem to have made an appearance as they are averaging around 6 to 7 knots.

The above picture of ESIMIT EUROPA 2 was taken by Rene Rossignaud and you can see more brilliant photos by him and Kurt Arrigo by pressing on this Regatta News link. The photos, as usual, are absolutely stunning.............really puts my efforts to shame!

Some Random Pics from the Start on Saturday

2010-10-25T14:09:00.014+01:00

The Catamaran had a start on its own since it was the only cat racing

Seawolf of Southampton

A nice mixture of the old and new

Aziza

Otra Vez

Anthony Camilleri is doing the race double handed on his new BOV sponsored boat

Comanche Raider

Wild Joe from Hungary

Start line for the 3rd scheduled start

Rimini Sail

The big boats as they left the Grand Harbour and headed for the buoy off Pembroke

1st Boats Heading for Home!

2010-10-25T13:53:00.005+01:00

ICAP Leopard is fast on ESIMIT's heels right now

Above is ESIMIT (formerly Alfa Romeo Maxi) sailing past Stromboli - you can see the light wind conditions they have been having, and yet ESIMIT is still leaving a wake behind her!

The above pictures have come off the Rolex Middle Sea Race website. Click on the link to track the various competitors, read updated blogs of the ongoing race, see some stunning photographs by Kurt Arrigo and lots more.

Until a few hours ago ARTIE (J 122 - Lee Satariano from Malta) was looking like he had the overall lead, but now as more boats are rounding Favignana they are catching a stronger wind and heading down towards Pantelleria and Lampedusa off wind so they are starting to really bomb down there. So....looks like overall standings have changed and will probably be changing quite alot from now on.

Meanwhile the two leading boats will be crossing the finish line in a few hours time! Amazing how fast they seem to be going right now.

RMSR 2010 - Focus on Artie

2010-10-25T05:52:00.010+01:00

Lee Satariano - Owner and Skipper of ARTIE. Lee almost took the crown for the RMSR a few years back with his original J boat also called ARTIE and just missed it by minutes to take 2nd placing overall.

Christian Ripard - Skipper. Christian hails from a sailing family and is in the business. Christian has been sailing all his life starting off on Mirror 10's (remember it well -those were great fun filled days). He is a former winner of the RMSR and has also competed in many big races like the Sydney-Hobart race.

Zak Borg - sailor and diver. Zak is no newcomer to the RMSR and has even tried it double handed.

Matthew Gusman - Matt is in the business dealing with yachtsmen every day. He is quite a seasoned RMSR sailor and this race will be yet another one under his belt.

Kurt Casapinta - sailor, windsurfer and technical guru on board the boat. A vital member of the team!

Peter Valentino - Laser sailor and windsurfer and is also fast becoming a veteran of this race - Peter is one of the new generation of Malta's yachtsmen.

Jan Rossi - regular competitor in the Laser class both locally and abroad always placing amongst the top sailors in his class. Although Jan is still a competitive Laser sailor, like Peter, is one of the new generation of Maltese yachtsmen.

John - more commonly known for his windsurfing and kitesurfing antics. John, aged 19, is the youngest member of the crew and has gained some valuable yacht sailing and ocean experience over the past couple of years. This is John's first RMSR.

ARTIE before the start of the race last Saturday.

My Favourite Pic at the Moment!

2010-10-24T16:12:00.003+01:00

I think this is the most hysterical photo I have seen for a VERY long time! Whoever came out with it is really clever - I think so anyway!!

Another Impressive Start for the Rolex Middle Sea Race - 2010

2010-10-24T13:41:00.010+01:00

Start of the smaller boats - Seawolf of Southampton is the one with all the writing on the hull and IBEX on the sail. Skippered by Dave Latham of Atlantic Charters

'ARTIE' was the first boat out of the harbour and is seen heading towards the breakwater

The Catamaran was the first boat to start crossing the start line alone since it was the only cat to race. The next start saw the smaller boats off. Seawolf of Southampton (Skipper Dave Latham) had an excellent start being first over the line. Seawolf was overall winner of the coastal race around Filfla last Wednesday. Dave is a seasoned sailor running RYA courses from Gibraltar
and races regularly (and does very well too) in various races around the South of Spain and Gibraltar. Dave is a keen RMSR participant and this is his 3rd or 4th Middle Sea Race.

Another class starts

...........and last of all the big 'uns

Always an impressive site and impressive speed

Once again the Grand Harbour in Malta made an impressive backdrop for the start of the annual Rolex Middle Sea Race. A unique yacht race covering just over 600 miles departing from Malta, up through the Straits of Messina, rounding the island volcano of Stromboli. The race then heads West rounding the Western point of Sicily and goes down past Pantalleria then uses Lampedusa as a marker rounding it to head back home for Malta. A race world renowned sailors enjoy for both the challenge and unique scenic route it takes.

ARTIE Team Set off for the Middle Sea Race

2010-10-24T08:00:00.008+01:00

TEAM ARTIE from L to R: Matthew Gusman, Zak Borg, Jan Rossi, Peter Valentino, Kurt Casapinta, Christian Ripard (Skipper), Lee Satariano (Skipper and Owner) and John Cachia

TOMMY HILFIGER sponsorship

..........leaving the dock

Team ARTIE (J122) left the dock to head for the start line of the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2010 ready to face the big challenge ahead. ARTIE arrived in Malta just recently and the crew have been very busy these past few weeks trying to fine tune and get used to the boat ready for the big race. They seem to all be very relaxed and well prepared and will no doubt enjoy every minute of sailing time ahead of them.

Pictures from a Squally Afternoon

2010-10-21T16:01:00.009+01:00

Why is Tommy always waving to us?? Doing his classic Tommy move - one handed 360.

Great to see Logan is fast becoming a permanent feature on the water - whether it is kiting or windsurfing. Riders are Logan in the front and Bobby chasing him up the back.

Have some good sequence shots of Austin duck gybing. Unfortunately he injured his ankle quite badly soon after this pic was taken.

John trying out some freestyle move - not quite sure what but he ended up in the drink! Though must add he did pull off some vulcans and spocks and stuff.

HEY IT'S 'BOB THE BUILDER' AND HE WAS REALLY BLASTING AND GETTING AIR TIME!

Unfortunately I stopped clicking because Bobby had one MASSIVE wipeout upon landing - looked painful...........even from a distance! Wind was howling a good force 8 at times and Bob was on a 6m at first!!!!!!!! Then went out with a 5m - perfect sail for him in a force 8! Gooo Bobbbbby !

Will be putting some sequence shots up but need some time to play around on computer and haven't got the time right now..........so pacenzja guys, but will get them up in the next few days.