Tag: Rolex Middle Sea Race

Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – Capt. Paul Ripard

6th February 2017

Paul Ripard

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

Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – John Ripard

4th February 2017

John Ripard 2

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

Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – Arthur Podesta

4th February 2017

Arthur Podesta

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

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