ORC European Championship to see ‘over 400 athletes’ come to Malta, says Yachting Malta CEO

Yachting Malta CEO Michael Mifsud has stated that this year’s edition of the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) European Championship, which will be hosted in Malta, will have around 400 athletes coming to the country.

The championship will be held between 26th April and 1st May, with 38 vessels from 12 different nations participating, and is being hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The event is being organised by the ORC, the Malta Sailing Federation, and Yachting Malta.

Nine boats with Maltese crews will be performing during these races.

Speaking at the opening of the congress, Mr Mifsud emphasised the importance of this championship to Malta, stating that such events are of a “very high level”.

“This particular championship will see over 400 athletes coming to Malta, hence leaving a very good economic impact,” he added.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia, highlighted Government’s “commitment to strengthen Malta as a jurisdiction of choice in the maritime sector”, with a particular emphasis on yachting. He added that Malta has the potential to become a yachting hub in the Mediterranean Sea.

Minister Farrugia also made reference to Malta’s first yachting and superyachts policy, which will help to “further consolidate Malta’s presence” in the global industry and bolster its reputation as the largest ship registry in Europe and a popular yachting destination in the Mediterranean.

“It is through these events that Malta further strengthens its reputation at a global level. The number of registered vessels, over 24 metres, has doubled in the past five years. This is a strong indication of how our country perceives this industry,” he said.

“Through the first national policy, which is in its final stages, we will continue to consolidate this,” Minister Farrugia added.

Social image: Offshore Racing Congress European Championship