Olympic Sailor, Commodore Birzebbuġa Sailing Club
Mario Aquilina started his sailing experience at a young age as crew on the Miracle of his father, Peter. He went on to race on Optimists, after the Club had introduced this Class to Malta. Eventually, in 1990, at the age of 15, Mario switched over to Laser Sailing, racing with elder laser sailors including his father.
That same year he acquired his first international racing experience when he raced in the World Youth Championships in Holland and obtained a prize for being the youngest competitor. In 1992 Mario participated and produced good results in two regattas in Sicily: the Griolo Vellico Marsala’92 and the Regata di Sicilia ’92.
In 1993, Mario Aquilina formed part of the Malta Laser Team for the Small Nations of Europe Games. The team was made up of Paul Debono, John Tabone. Alex Falzon, Peter Aquilina and Henry Tabone. The Malta Laser team raced against Monaco and Cyprus. Mario achieved fourth place. Henry Tabone and John Tabone won Silver and Bronze Medals respectively. In the Games held in 1997 in Iceland Mario achieved his dream to bring home a Bronze medal. When the Games of the Small States of Europe were held in Malta in 2003, he brought home a gold medal.
Mario won the National Championships in 1998 and 1999 and the Helmsman of the Year for three consecutive years in 1997, ’98 and ’99.
Mario represented Malta twice in the Olympic Games – in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004)
Mario was elected Commodore of Birzebbuġa Sailing Club in July 2020.
