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Allegra (Beneteau First 47.7) and Maltese Falcon (Beneteau First 40.7) place first and second respectively in the Raymarine Double handed Round Malta and Gozo Figure of Eight Race.

Reknowned as one of the most challenging of local racing events, this race takes competitors on a figure-of-eight circumnavigation of the Maltese archipaelego, where each team consists of solely the skipper and one crew member.

The forecast for this 70 mile race was not looking good.  It was gusting 40 knots NW during the night prior the start.  The conditions just before the first warning signal guaranteed a challenging race.  Although the wind was not forecast to exceed 30 knots NW, the sea that had built up from the night before would be quipte tough to negotiate.   Wind conditions were generally between 18 and 25 knots, however some boats reported True Wind Speeds of 38 - 40 knots at times.   As the sun set in the evening, the teams were given a little breathing space as the wind abated to 12 - 16 knots.

Out of 16 entries only  12 made it to the start line, and after the first couple of hours it was only Allegra (Beneteau First 47.7), Maltese Falcon (Beneteau FIrst 40.7) and Roring 40 (Open 40) who were still in this race.  The boats had to sail the North course making the stretch between Xlendi and San Dimitri Point the toughest in the race.

Allegra and Roring 40 exchanged positions a couple of times down the North Coast of Gozo, even at high speeds.  Past Ghajn Tuffieha bay, Roring 40 attempted an A-Sail hoist however with the confused sea in the area it was impossible to keep the boat steady and after a wipeout they had to drop this kite.

By Munxar reef, Roring 40 was 10 minutes ahead of Allegra and the latter some 80 minutes ahead of Maltese Falcon, timings which all boats retained until the finish at Marsamxett.  On handicap however the honours went to Allegra who placed 48 minutes ahead of Maltese Falcon and 63 minutes ahead of Roring 40.

Well done to both Allegra and Maltese Falcon