Regatta races postponed due to dangerous sea conditions<\/p>\n
The national regatta was abruptly suspended on Tuesday, following deteriorating weather and increasingly hazardous sea conditions, Sport Minister Clifton Grima said. <\/p>\n
In a post on Facebook, Grima said that the regatta will now resume on April 12, when organisers can hope for safer and more favorable conditions to continue the competition.<\/p>\n
Addressing the public, the minister said the decision was taken “with responsibility” as conditions at sea worsened to a point where they posed a serious risk to participants.<\/p>\n
“Because of the bad weather and because of the sea conditions that can be dangerous, the regatta races will be suspended immediately,” he said.<\/p>\n
Grima acknowledged that the move was not taken lightly but emphasised that safety had to remain the top priority.<\/p>\n
“It was not an easy decision, but I think in the circumstances it is a necessary decision,” he said, noting that the severity of the situation was evident even to those watching from home.<\/p>\n
Despite the abrupt halt, the Minister expressed gratitude to all those involved in organising and participating in the event. <\/p>\n
He thanked the national regatta association, the organising committee, and especially the rowers who competed under challenging circumstances.<\/p>\n
“They gave their contribution and gave it with a show. Their heart is surely tied to this sport,” he said<\/p>\n
Photo: Ir-regatta f’Malta\/Facebook.<\/p>\n