Fenech Farrugia Fiott were on site this morning at the Grand Excelsior Hotel for a press conference heralding the start of the prestigious RC44 Valletta Cup. The world-famous racing series is celebrating it’s 10- year anniversary and its second appearance in Malta, and FFF Legal are proud to be sponsors and partners of this year’s event.
Speaking at this morning’s launch was Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business- Dr Christian Cardona who addressed an audience of yacht owners, professional sailors, local business owners and members of the press. In his speech, he spoke about the importance of such events for Malta’s global exposure and stated that even though the business environment is performing well, inflation is low, the banks are sound and unemployment rates are falling- this type of high-visibility international event can only further enhance the countries international profile.
“This event is about endeavour, excitement and luxury and Malta will enjoy tremendous visibility during this which in turn will lead to an increased exposure and investment.” Dr Cardona then finished by thanking all sponsors and partners of the RC44, without whom, such an event would not be possible.
Other speakers included representatives from competing teams who spoke of Malta’s impressive architecture, rich heritage and favourable location for racing amid one of the most impressive backdrops in the world. There was an atmosphere of comradery and friendly competitiveness at this morning’s conference, one which is sure to continue over the course of the next five days as the race to be crowned as this year’s winners intensifies. This was echoed by Cameron Appleton, Tactician of Team Aqua who jokingly wished the other competitors luck but then added with a big grin “but we are coming for you”, a comment which was met with laughter and applause from the audience.
This year’s RC44 race started in Bermuda in March, before travelling to Portugal, Portsmouth and finally Valletta for what will be the final race of the season. The race consists of ten identical vessels all competing on courses spanning the Maltese coast and the impressive Grand Harbour which will be closed to all other traffic during the events. All yachts are high-performance vessels with just one design consisting of identical appendages, designs and weight distribution. When one takes away the design advantages that can be levered, you are left with pitting the sheer skill and endurance of the sportsmen and women against each other which results in an extremely tense race with often very minimal gaps between yachts on the finish line.
The economy is going from strength to strength and it is being selected to host events like this that help to give Malta a vote of confidence in the international arena. This sentiment was echoed at this morning’s press conference with several stakeholders noting the excellent business environment, flourishing financial sector, and of course the excellent weather as reasons for doing business here. The event is expected to create a great synergy between leisure and business by bringing together a range of national and international business people, yacht owners and local sponsors with a big dose of traditional Maltese hospitality.
For more information please contact Partner Christian Farrugia at Fenech Farrugia Fiott [email protected] or Communications Coordinator Alice Taylor at [email protected]