RC44 10th anniversary circuit to conclude in Malta

Rolling staight into the Yacht Racing Forum

After Malta made an outstanding debut onto the RC44 circuit in 2015, Yachting Events Ltd has confirmed the fleet will return to the Mediterranean island for the grand final of the 2016 Championship Tour, the class being hosted in the capital Valletta, over 23-27 November.

Maltese Minister for Economy, Investment and Small Business, Hon Dr Christian Cardona, said: "The staging of these events shows the direction in which Malta is moving. We are branching out beyond traditional tourist activities, we are showcasing our superb natural harbour and we are developing facilities which will enable us to build a strong reputation as a place of high quality and added luxury."

The RC44 Malta Cup will roll straight into the 2016 Yacht Racing Forum, the leading annual conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing, will be hosted in Malta over 28-29 November.

Last year Malta challenged the RC44 Valletta Cup competitors to the maximum, with the crews taking on gale force winds and some of the biggest waves they have ever encountered in their slender one designs.

Peter Valentino, on behalf of host Yachting Events Ltd added: "I have followed the RC44 Class since its conception. We at Yachting Events are humbled and equally delighted that the RC44 Class has entrusted us with organising the final event in their 2016 calendar.

"It's a class that encapsulates futuristic thoughts, competitiveness afloat, a warm atmosphere ashore and a unique setting where sponsorship through sailing works. We're really looking forward to hosting the RC44 Class in Malta for the Valletta Cup 2016."

Celebrating its tenth year in 2016, this year's RC44 Championship Tour sees a fleet of 11 boats compete on a circuit including: Bermuda's Great Sound (venue for the upcoming 35th America's Cup); Sotogrande, Spain; Portsmouth (UK - hosted in the base of the British America's Cup team Land Rover BAR); Cascais, Portugal and Valletta, Malta.