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Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – Roland Darmanin Kissaun

7th February 2017

Roland Darmanin Kissaun

Yachting Industry Pioneer (1970’s)

Early in the 60’s Roland Darmanin Kissaun recognised the opportunity to build an industry when a few yachts started to visit Malta and base themselves here. It is safe to say that Roland was one of the very first Maltese to get involved in the local Yachting industry and over the years, either through his personal efforts or through his leadership of the Yacht Traders Association, Roland worked hard in the interest of the industry to see Malta become one of the most successful Yachting hubs in the Mediterranean as we know it today.

In 1989, together with other local Yacht Agents, he lobbied with the Maltese Government and the London International Boat-Show Organisers and successfully secured the main sponsorship of the London International Boat Show, where the centre feature was Malta. At the same time he successfully organised three successive local, internationally recognized Boat-Shows in Vittoriosa. Roland was also a mainstay behind the organisation of notorious sailing events like the Malta-Pozzallo Windsurf Race (1983-1994) and the Malta-Tunisia Yacht Race held in the 90’s. He was always ready to support and assist any sailing oriented activity organised by any individual or group.

Roland was the pioneer promoter of Malta Flag Registration for yachts and together with Ing Paul Cardona contributed towards the development of Commercial Yacht Registration. Roland was also a main promoter of Yacht Corporate services including the pre accession VAT treatment, onward supply relief procedures and the current yacht leasing structure where he was also involved in their development.

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 – Lee Satariano

7th February 2017

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

Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – Malcolm Lowell

7th February 2017

Malcolm Lowell

Entrepreneur & key supporter of the Rolex Middle Sea Race

Malcolm’s involvement in sailing goes back to the summer of 1999, when, still a university student in England, he was approached by the Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the late, Arthur Podesta and Vice Commodore Georges Bonello Dupuis to look at the possibility of a collaboration between Edwards Lowell, Rolex Geneva and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

In 2000, he was instrumental in the introduction of the prestigious Rolex World of Yachting to Malta and the Malta Rolex Cup Regatta was born. The Regatta ran for two editions until 2001. As the event grew, attention was directed towards a larger collaboration with the ailing Middle Sea Race, which qualities were considered to be at par with other Rolex International offshore races.

In 2002, Rolex officially agreed to sponsor the Middle Sea Race and since then Malcolm has played an active personal role together with that of Edwards Lowell, to promote, develop and stand as a support system between Rolex and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Malcolm and the Lowell family have lent both personal financial support and time to ensure that this rewarding collaboration is continuously strengthened, not only to the advantage of the Rolex Brand but also to Malta as a yachting and tourist destination.

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 – Capt. Paul Ripard

6th February 2017

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 – Wilfred Sultana

4th February 2017

Wilfred Sultana

Journalist, Publisher and Events Organiser

Wilfred Sultana enjoys an esteemed career with a forty-eight-year span and is the author of several editorials on Malta’s potential as a yachting haven featured in noteworthy international publications. He is also a well versed freelance journalist with frequent articles in the local media regarding the yachting industry and sailing in general. Sultana, was selected Malta’s Sports Official of the Year in 1986, awarded a Life Career Recognition in Media and Sport in 2013 and a Life Career Recognition in Journalism, Publications and Organisation in 2016. Wilfred has also been instrumental in the promotion and organisation of a variety of high profile events, the likes of the Malta-Pozzallo Windsurf Race, the Wishbone Windsurfing International Championship, the ‘off-road’ Camel Rally Malta, the Malta-Tunisia Yachting Rally, Faces of Africa Art Exhibition and World Ranking snooker tournaments. In 1994 he was Coordinator of the 1st Malta International Boat Show held in Birgu while in 2009 he organised the first of four Seminars on the local yachting industry. He is the founder editor and publisher of ‘Yachting in Malta’, a Directory to the services and facilities Malta offers in the yachting industry, first published in 1976 with its 12th Edition (2017-2018) due for publication in a few weeks’ time.

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 – Anna Rossi

4th February 2017

Anna Rossi

President, Malta Sailing Federation

Anna Rossi’s connection with sailing started when her son Jan started sailing with the Malta Young Sailors’ Club. At that time Anna’s involvement was that of a parent, a role which continued until 2000 when Anna was asked to take over secretarial duties, a month prior to the start of Euromed Regatta. Since then her tireless energy and dedication has resulted in year on year growth for Euromed.

Anna was also elected President of the Malta Sailing Federation in 2007, a position she holds till today.

Anna’s involvement in sailing is not limited to the local scene but has also been active on an international level having been team leader to Optimist sailors racing abroad, on several occasions. Anna has been regularly invited to manage the Race Office of the Easter meet at the Fraglia Vela Riva as well as in Dubai where she ran the race office for about six years. Anna, has voluntarily shared her expertise in other events in Ecuador, Tanzania, Italy, Wales and Croatia.

Anna has been a key member of the team that has enabled sailors to produce remarkable results on an international level in the Optimist Class.

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

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

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

Yachting Malta Awards Nominees – Jean Paul Fleri Soler

4th February 2017

Jean Paul Fleri Soler

National Sailing Coach

Jean-Paul Fleri Soler has been coaching Optimist Class sailors at the Malta Young Sailor’s Club for the past twenty years and has been appointed National Coach by the Malta Olympic Committee from 2000 to date. A former Olympic Athlete who participated in the windsurfing class at three Olympic Games, namely Los Angeles in 1984, Seoul in 1988 and Barcelona in 1992 and 2 editions of the Giro D’Italia. Winner of three editions of the Sicily-Malta Windsurf Race and two Gold medals at the Small Nations Games in Cyprus in 1991 and Malta in 1993, Jean-Paul draws on this vast sailing experience to prepare his young sailors to achieve prestigious results both at European and World level. Suffice to say he is coach to the Bronze medallist in the European Championships 2015 and to the current Optimist Female World Champion 2016.

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 – Joe Degabriele

4th February 2017

Joe Degabriele

Super Yacht Industry Expert

Joe Degabriele was one of the first locals to attract super yacht refits to Malta primarily through the Malta Super Yacht Services facilities, at the time part of Malta Shipyards Ltd. Under his stewardship the local capabilities to deliver high quality services increased exponentially and so did the size of the local subcontractor base benefitting from this industry. The number and the size of super yachts that started using Malta were a result of his credibility and reputation within the international industry. Whilst Joe Degabriele currently works in France the legacy of his success is still felt through the number of repeat customers that visit Malta for refit works every winter.

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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