Aiming to inspire a whole new generation of people who will have a new appreciation for the sport and with parasailing firmly on the sporting agenda, Yachting Malta (YM) has procured 3 Hansa 303 boats with an investment of €30,000.
These boats were launched by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia and Dr Lydia Abela, in the presence of Yachting Malta CEO John Huber.
The Hansa 303 is designed to accommodate sailors with disabilities, catering for a wide array of disabilities. The Hansa 303 was raced for the first time in the Para World Championships in 2017. For many sailors, the easy adaptability of the Hansa 303 is particularly helpful. The Hansa 303 is sailed in over 28 countries and is a recognised World Sailing Class.
YM is collaborating with the Malta Sailing Federation to develop adaptive sailing programmes providing unrestricted access to sailing for persons with a disability.
Minister Farrugia said that this investment will introduce accessible sailing opportunities to Malta which is a significant step in the right direction for this ever-growing sector. He explained that such initiatives are part of the yachting sector’s development as an accessible and sustainable economic niche, benefiting both the sports and tourism sectors in our country.
Dr Abela said that this investment will not only make this sport accessible to all but will ensure the inclusion of persons with disability in the sailing industry.
During the activity, new YM offices were also inaugurated. From the previous 16m2 at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, YM will now start operating from a 71m2 facility at Sa Maison House – still in the midst of Malta’s Yachting district, but with better facilities.
YM’s primary role is to identify and attract high-profile yachting events to the Maltese Islands, including sailing regattas, power racing, boat shows, yachting awards & conferences. The organisation also aims to enhance the quality and growth of already established events.
