When the Malta Young Sailors Club (MYSC) first launched the Euromed International Regatta (Euromed), the ambition was straightforward: to bring high-level youth sailing to Malta and allow local sailors to compete against strong international fleets without leaving the island.
Twenty-five editions later, the Euromed has grown into one of the most established youth sailing regattas on the Mediterranean calendar, recognised for its competitive depth and international appeal.
The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone as the 25th anniversary of the regatta, coinciding once again with the Europa Cup for ILCA classes – now in its third year in Malta.
Together, these events underline how the Euromed has evolved from a regional Optimist regatta into a multi-class international meeting that supports sailors at different stages of their development.
From its early years, the Euromed was positioned as more than a local competition.
Hosted by MYSC, the regatta steadily attracted visiting sailors from across Europe, offering winter sailing conditions that were both challenging and reliable.
Over time, this reputation spread further afield, helped by strong race management, a well-run onshore programme and Malta’s accessibility as a sailing destination.
One of the most telling measures of the regatta’s impact is the calibre of sailors who have passed through it.
Among the most notable is Italy’s Marco Gradoni, a three-time Optimist World Champion who later went on to sail with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Gradoni’s participation in Euromed editions during his youth years reflects the level of competition the regatta has long attracted and the role it plays in preparing sailors for the highest levels of the sport.
The 25th anniversary edition continues this tradition.
In 2025, the Euromed International Regatta welcomes sailors from 39 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse youth sailing events ever hosted in Malta.
The entry list includes competitors from across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and beyond – from Sweden to Singapore, Canada to Croatia, Argentina to Armenia – highlighting the event’s global reach.
In the Optimist class, which remains at the heart of the Euromed, a total of 135 sailors will take to the water.
The fleet includes several athletes with recent top-level results, ensuring a highly competitive regatta.
Denmark’s Carl Bigersson arrives after finishing third overall at the 2025 Optimist World Championships, while Slovenia’s Mihael Zobec claimed second place at the same event.
Italy’s Andrea Demurtas, who placed 13th overall at Worlds, and Hong Kong’s Marguax Nguyen-Minh, third female at the 2025 Worlds and third overall at last year’s Euromed, further strengthen the field.
Local interest is equally strong. Malta’s current national champion, Matthias Spiteri of MYSC, returns after narrowly missing out on the title last year, finishing second overall.
This year, he will be looking to convert that result into his first Euromed victory.
Fellow Maltese sailor Ella Demicoli, the reigning Female National Champion, will also be closely watched as she competes in her final Optimist regatta before transitioning to the ILCA class.
Alongside the Optimist fleet, the Europa Cup ILCA regatta has become an integral part of the Euromed programme.
Now in its third edition in Malta, the event continues to grow, with 120 ILCA entries confirmed – the largest number of ILCA entries ever registered for a regatta in Malta.
The fleet breakdown includes over 60 ILCA 4s, more than 40 ILCA 6s, and around 20 ILCA 7s, reflecting strong participation across all pathways.
Several Maltese sailors feature prominently in the ILCA fleets.
Emily Fenech, the current ILCA 4 National Champion, will be aiming to translate her domestic success into a strong international result.
Timmy Vassallo returns in the ILCA 6 class looking to defend his title, following a standout summer that included a first-place finish in ILCA 4 at Kieler Woche.
Katrina Micallef, Malta’s ILCA 6 National Champion, adds further strength to the local contingent, while the ILCA 7 fleet includes sailors competing on the Olympic pathway, including James Juhasz and Jeremy Moutout.
The 2025 regatta is supported by title sponsors MAPFRE and Visit Malta, alongside a network of sponsors and partners including S&D Yachts, Rooster, Mellieha Local Council, Francis Busuttil & Sons (Marketing) Ltd. and SportMalta.
Their continued backing reflects the confidence placed in the Euromed as a well-established, professionally delivered event with clear sporting value.
“After 25 editions, the Euromed International Regatta stands as a reflection of steady growth, long-term planning, and a commitment to youth sailing,” Club Commodore Christian Bajada said.
“For Malta Young Sailors Club, it remains a cornerstone event – one that continues to attract the next generation of international sailing talent while providing Maltese sailors with a genuine benchmark against the world’s best.”
The Euromed International Regatta will start on Thursday and will conclude on Sunday. Racing will take place in Mellieħa Bay.