Franco-Maltese Friendship _ Visit by Mr. Ian Borg to the YCC

On his way to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on Sunday, June 8, Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister of Malta, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, and Minister for Tourism, made a point of stopping off in Cannes, and in particular at the Cannes Yacht Club.

At just 39 years of age, the Maltese politician has also been chairing the Committee of Ministers since mid-May for a six-month term.

The ties, the result of a successful twinning between the Cannes Yacht Club and the Royal Malta Yacht Club, which is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year, are all the stronger and more relevant given that a new major offshore race, the “600 Miles Cannes Malta,” will be launched in early October. This 600-nautical-mile (1,111 km) rally for boats over 55 feet between Cannes and Valletta also aims to attract even more sailboats wishing to compete in the famous Middle Sea Race, which starts from the Maltese capital. After The Ocean Race Europe between Germany and Montenegro, we should also see Imoca boats that competed in the last Vendée Globe 2024-2025.

For Jean-François Cutugno, president of the Cannes Yacht Club, "The fact that Ian Borg is visiting us today, in the presence of Paula Martins de Oliveira and Gilles Cima representing Davis Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, is not only an honor, but also recognition of the ties forged between Malta and Cannes, and our two respective clubs. We all share the ambition that this twinning and this superb regatta will be a success and will continue for many years to come."