Maltese Paddlers Shine at Challenging Naxos Cup in Sicily
- maltacanoeracingcl
- May 17
- 3 min read
Updated: May 28
GIARDINI NAXOS, SICILY – May 19, 2025 – A strong contingent of 11 Maltese surfski athletes from The Surfski Shack made their mark at the Naxos Cup, an international race held in Giardini Naxos, Sicily, from May 15th to 18th. This marked the third consecutive year Maltese paddlers have competed in the prestigious event, which also serves as a selection race for the Italian national ocean racing team.
The Naxos Cup proves to be a highly convenient international fixture for Maltese athletes, allowing them to transport their personal surfskis via ferry, ensuring they can compete on familiar equipment.
The main race, held on Saturday, May 17th, presented unexpected challenges. Unfavourable conditions, including a 1-meter onshore swell stemming from a storm two days prior, dashed hopes for a much-anticipated downwind race. Organizers instead opted for a slightly shorter, intense 14km "A to B" course, commencing at Sant Alessio Siculo Cove and concluding in Giardini Naxos.
The adverse conditions transformed the race into a gruelling tactical battle. Paddlers contended with a consistent 1-meter swell pushing from the left side of the course and a headwind for the majority of the distance, pushing their physical and mental limits. The start was notoriously fast, with athletes vying to drop competitors early on, followed by a critical need to utilise washes from other paddlers for maximum efficiency, akin to drafting in cycling.
Despite the formidable conditions, the Maltese team delivered an impressive display of skill and resilience, securing several notable results across various categories:
Matthew Schembri (Senior Men): Placed an impressive 12th overall, 5th in the Senior Men category, and 2nd internationally.
Samuel Borg (Senior Men): Secured 19th overall, 7th in the Senior Men category, and 3rd internationally.
Andreas Bohnsack (Men Masters G - 65-69): Finished 30th overall, a commendable 2nd in his Masters G category, and 2nd internationally.
Michael Aquilina (Senior Men): Achieved 34th overall, 9th in the Senior Men category, and 4th internationally.
Mattea Micallef (U23 Women): Came in 37th overall, 4th in the U23 Women category, and 2nd internationally.
Nicholas Attard Montalto (Senior Men): Placed 41st overall, 10th in the Senior Men category, and 5th internationally.
Giacomo Maugeri (Senior Men): Finished 44th overall, 11th in the Senior Men category, and 6th internationally.
Kenny Schembri (Men Masters A - 35-39): Achieved an outstanding 46th overall, securing 1st in his Men Masters A category, and 1st internationally.
Larissa Micallef (Women Masters A - 35-39): Placed 48th overall, an excellent 1st in the Women Masters A category, and 1st internationally.
The youngest competitor, 12-year-old Luigi Aquilina, also made his mark in the Children's race held on Sunday, May 18th. After a competitive 2km race, Luigi fought valiantly to the very end, securing a commendable 3rd place in his category.
Speaking after the race, Matthew Schembri commented, "The race was a tough tactical race that really tested out your fitness. I will definitely be back next year!"
Samuel Borg added, "It was a very competitive race that made me push to my limits! It was very cool to see a dolphin at the start of the race."
Mattea Micallef reflected, "I didn't have the best of starts but managed to work my way up the field. I will definitely recommend this race."
Andreas Bohnsack expressed his satisfaction, "It was an awesome race and I managed to beat my target so I'm happy with my performance. It was a great experience."
For Larissa Micallef, her first international race was a success: "It was a good start for my first ever international race. I loved the club atmosphere, everyone was helping each other."
Nicholas Attard Montalto also shared his thoughts on his international debut: "Being my first international race, it wasn't what I expected. The start was very competitive but it was great being here with great people."
Young gun Luigi Aquilina, was very grateful: "I’m very happy with my performance and am very thankful for my coaches at The Surfski Shack Children’s academy for helping me improve my paddling"
The Surfski Shack extended its gratitude to the Organising Committee for the Naxos Cup for their exceptional hospitality and for ensuring the comfort of all participants. The club also thanked Sport Malta for their invaluable assistance with travel and accommodation costs through the international participation scheme, which greatly facilitates Maltese athletes' ability to compete on the international stage.
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