Malta Sets the Benchmark as 2026 EurILCA Masters Series Opens in Challenging Conditions
As the opening event of the 2026 series, EurILCA Master MLT attracted a strong mix of returning regulars and first-time competitors, reinforcing the unique appeal of Masters racing. From elite former campaigners to passionate Corinthian sailors, the fleet showcased the depth and diversity that has become the hallmark of the EurILCA Masters circuit. Adding further gravitas was the presence of Mark Lyttle, recently elected President of ILCA, competing alongside the fleet.
A tough welcome off Dragonara Point
Racing began on Friday off Dragonara Point, St Julian’s, and the fleet was immediately thrown into the deep end. A strong and unstable westerly breeze gusting between 18 and 25 knots, combined with a lumpy offshore swell pushing towards two metres, delivered a demanding opening day that left no room for complacency.
The conditions took their toll, with several retirements recorded across both fleets. However, under the steady hand of Race Officer Martin Azzopardi, the Royal Malta Yacht Club Race Committee successfully completed two full races, setting the tone for a championship that would reward toughness, judgement and discipline.
Harbour racing brings no respite
With the offshore sea state still unsettled on Saturday, the decision was taken to relocate racing into the relative shelter of Marsamxett Harbour. While the move offered protection from the swell, it brought a different — and no less exacting — challenge.
Breezes again ranged from 15 to 25 knots, funnelled by the surrounding land and punctuated by sharp shifts. Boat handling, balance and tactical awareness became paramount as the fleet negotiated constantly changing pressure and angles. Two more races were completed, keeping the event on schedule and ensuring the championship was decided by performance rather than compromise.
Consistency decides the podium
Across the four completed races, the conditions ensured that consistency mattered as much as outright pace.
In the ILCA 6 fleet, Niall Peelo (GBR) emerged from Friday’s offshore races as the early leader, only to slip to third overall after Saturday’s harbour racing. That opened the door for Conor Barry (IRL) and Roel Ballieux (NED), who moved into first and second respectively through composed, low-risk sailing.
The ILCA 7 fleet followed a similar script. Friday belonged to the British contingent, with Mark Lyttle, Alan Davis and Tim Law occupying the top three positions. Saturday’s racing reshuffled the order, however, with David Surkov (UKR) climbing the standings and eventually securing third overall, displacing Tim Law.
With strong winds and unstable conditions returning on Sunday, the Race Committee made the correct call to abandon further racing on safety grounds. The championship was therefore decided on the basis of the four races already sailed — a fair reflection of performance across the most varied conditions of the weekend.
Malta’s place on the Masters map
With another successful edition complete, the verdict from competitors and organisers alike was clear.
Rear Commodore (Sailing) Adrian Gauci Borda summed it up succinctly: “Once again, the EurILCA Masters demonstrated why Malta remains a preferred stop on the international Masters sailing calendar — combining competitive racing, professional race management and warm Mediterranean hospitality.”
This marked the fifth time the Royal Malta Yacht Club has hosted the EurILCA Masters, a milestone built on the combined efforts of the Club and SailCoach’s Trevor Millar and Alex Denisiuc, whose long-term support has helped establish Malta as a serious winter training and racing base — even when the weather turns demanding.
At the Prize Giving, Club Commodore Mark Napier paid tribute to the teams behind the scenes: “Our Race Committee, volunteers and safety teams worked tirelessly through a very demanding weekend to deliver safe and fair racing. Their commitment is what makes events of this level possible, and we are grateful to Yachting Malta for their continued support.”
Yachting Malta Chairman Chris Agius underlined the broader significance: “Malta was the only location in Europe this weekend able to successfully deliver on-the-water competition despite widespread adverse weather. We are proud to welcome international sailors and to strengthen Malta’s profile as a leading hub for international sport and sailing.”
2026 EurILCA Master MLT – Winners
ILCA 6
Apprentice Master: Jonathan Cully (IRL)
Master: Conor Barry (IRL)
Grand Master: Freek de Miranda (NED)
Great Grand Master: Roel Ballieux (NED)
Legend: Theo van Hilten (NED)
ILCA 7
Apprentice Master: Max Moldovan (GER)
Master: David Surkov (UKR)
Grand Master: Mark Lyttle (GBR)
Great Grand Master: Alan Davis (GBR)
As an opening chapter to the 2026 EurILCA Masters Series, Malta delivered exactly what Masters racing is about: tough sailing, deep fleets, fair racing — and the kind of shared experience that keeps sailors coming back year after year.