Yachting Malta Malta Awards 2017
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Christian Ripard
International Yachtsman
Christian Ripard, a scion of a sailing family, could sail before he could walk, racing on dinghies, from eight years of age, in the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s winter series. Christian then continued to race on all sorts of dinghies progressing to race yachts as he grew older, building an impressive international CV in the process.
Christian has sailed around the globe, from Europe to America to the Caribbean, Australia and Southern Africa moving from one prestigious race to another – twenty-seven Middle Sea Races (four wins as skipper), five Sydney to Hobart, five Caribbean 600, Transatlantic and Giraglia offshore races, the Fastnet, Swan and Maxi Worlds and not to mention the various offshore and single handed races in the Mediterranean. In the 70s, he was presented with the International World Sportsmanship award by UNESCO for the best sporting act.
Christian has broken records, (Mirror Ten Class, The Netherlands with brother Paul), final race of the 1975 Tencate Windsurfer World Championships, the 1995 Gattopardo. A third attempt at winning a very windy and rough Sydney to Hobart in 2010 was narrowly missed out on in the last ten miles, for Christian and his crew having to settle for second place. The list goes on.
Christian has been on several Club Committees and has sponsored several events showing that his commitment towards sailing does not stop at personal competition.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61
Lee Satariano
Winner of the 2011 and 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race
Lee Satariano is one of Malta’s successful offshore sailors having built substantial experience through his several forays in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. His first participation took place on Artie, a J-109 which he crewed with Paul Ripard and his son Christian in 2005.
Mainly a club racer, Satariano participated in all editions since then, except in 2008. Satariano and his team on Artie came close to the ultimate prize in 2007, when they finished second overall and first in class. History repeated itself in 2010, finishing second overall and first in class. In 2011 and 2014, ARTIE, skippered by Lee Satariano and Christian Ripard steered Artie to cross the finish line placing 1st Overall, after 4 days, 13 hours, 35 minutes and 05 seconds. Sailing on ARTIE for this victory was Lee Satariano, Christian Ripard, Sebastian Ripard (co-skippers), Matthew Gusman, Sam Pizzuto, Tom Ripard, Matthew Almekinders, Gordon Bugeja, and Timothy Davis.
Whilst the title eluded them in 2015 and 2016, Lee and his crew encountered difficult conditions but nevertheless were able to secure a Class win once again.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61
Capt. Paul Ripard
Middle Sea Race Co- Founder, Olympian & Yachting Entrepreneur
Capt. Paul Ripard is considered to be one of the principle pioneers of yachting in Malta. Paul was one of the first individuals, with his brother John, to open a yachting agency in Malta. Paul was also among the founders of the Middle Sea Race – now known as the Rolex Middle Sea Race. In 1960 Paul was the youngest member of the contingent representing Malta in the Olympics when, with his brother John, represented Malta for the first time in the Star Class category. Paul’s expertise and his passion for sailing was shared amongst the countless successful Maltese sailors he taught and mentored.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61
John Ripard
Yachtsman, Former International Judge, co-founder of Rolex Middle Sea Race
Undoubtedly one of our foremost yachtsmen, John Ripard’s passion for the sea started at a very early age. His sailing prowess saw him represent Malta in the 1955 Mediterranean Games in Barcelona and in the 1960 Olympiad when together with his brother Paul, he participated in the Star Class. Eventually John moved up to larger offshore keel boats taking part and winning numerous offshore races. Co-founder and winner of the first Middle Sea Race on Josian in 1968 and on Tikka in 1970, John also won his class in the ‘Giraglia’ and ‘Campionato d’Inverno’ in Genova. In the early 80’s his international judging career took off. Shortly after his appointment John was appointed Chairman of the Race Committee for the Louis Vuitton Cup at the 1987 America’s Cup. This was followed by his appointment as alternate judge in Freemantle (WA) in 1987. John Ripard formed part of the International Juries in 1988, 1992 and 1995 America’s Cups. His judging endeavours saw him become a well-respected international sailing Ambassador for Malta. In 1987 John Ripard was appointed Chairman of the Yacht Marina Advisory Committee and under his watch the first Floating Pontoon Yacht Marina was created in Msida Creek. In the Republic Day National honours 1992 John Ripard was given the ‘Midalja Ghall-Qadi Tar-Repubblika’.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61
Arthur Podesta
Past Commodore Royal Malta Yacht Club, Skilled Yachtsman
Throughout his entire life, Arthur was very much involved in the yachting scene both locally and overseas. His association with the Rolex Middle Sea Race goes back to the very start, when he was present at the inception meeting for the race, and then a crew member on Josian, winner of the inaugural race in 1968. Arthur was the only sailor to compete in all of the first thirty five editions of this race. He devoted many years of his life to the Royal Malta Yacht Club as an active member, committee member and even Commodore. Besides the Royal Malta Yacht Club, Arthur was always involved (as an organiser or as a participant) in major yachting events in Malta. He encouraged many beginners to take to the sport, particularly by giving them the opportunity to crew on his own boat, Elusive. He was renowned for his experience, skill and knowledge and remains an inspiration to all who knew him.
The Yachting Malta Awards are being supported by Mercedes-Benz, Simon Estates, Charles Grech and Transport Malta.
For reservations or further information please contact the team on awards@yachtingmalta.org or on +356 999 777 78 or +356 999 992 61