Tactics and Tenacity: Maltese Paddlers Conquer Searing Heat in the 2026 Round Gozo Circumnavigation
GOZO, MALTA – September 13, 2026 - Six dedicated surfski paddlers from the Surfski Shack completed the 35km Round Gozo circumnavigation on Saturday, battling not just sea, but oppressive late-summer heat.
This year, the group implemented a strategic staggered start from Mġarr Harbour, designed to bring the fleet together around the halfway mark. Larissa Micallef (36) was the first to hit the water at 7:00 AM, followed by Michael Aquilina (29) and 14-year-old Luigi Aquilina at 7:15 AM. Veteran paddler Andreas Bohnsack (66) set off at 7:25 AM, Samuel Borg (28) at 7:30 AM, and finally, Matthew Schembri (34) began his chase at 7:40 AM.
A Heavy Ocean and Grueling Heat
While paddlers braced for a rough ride on the island's west side, the expected cliff rebound was manageable. However, the real test came on the north coast.
"The north coast tailwind was surprisingly brutal today because of the heat and opposing currents," explained Schembri.
Compounding the heavy water was the blistering sun, turning the 35km route into an extreme test of endurance. Bohnsack, expecting a tough but standard paddle, admitted the day taught him a lesson. He described it as "a brutal exercise of grit, determination, pushing boundaries, endurance, and heat exhaustion."
Michael Aquilina perfectly encapsulated the extreme physical toll of the heat with a healthy dose of humor, joking about his "out of this world" experience on the water. "At 25km I met the Holy Mary, at 28km I met Jesus, and at 33km I met God himself," he laughed.
Mid-Race Battles and the Mental Game
The staggered start delivered exciting dynamics across the fleet. Around the halfway mark, Larissa Micallef was caught by Michael and Luigi. The duo managed to overtake her, pulling out of sight. However, showing immense resolve, Micallef reeled them back in at Qala Point with just 3km to go. The final stretch became a test of reserves, and Michael and Luigi found just enough left in the tank to pull ahead before the finish line. Reflecting on the effort, Micallef noted the day was "mentally and physically challenging and exhausting, but I’m satisfied that I finished it."
That mental game proved just as crucial as physical fitness, a fact not lost on 14-year-old Luigi Aquilina during his first 35km open-water challenge. "It is when you start doubting yourself that you start feeling tired," Luigi reflected. He credited the club's deep sense of camaraderie—particularly Michael Aquilina—for his success. "Michael waited for me, helped me, and gave me tips to get through the race. Thanks to him I managed to push through."
The Chase and a Massive Personal Best
Further up the field, a dramatic chase unfolded between Schembri and Borg. Borg put down a blistering pace, defying the heavy conditions. "Through a good build-up of training and a dedicated team, I managed to achieve my goal of a constant pace of 10 km/hr," Borg shared, adding that the long distance was a stark reminder to "remain mentally intact."
His unexpected speed meant the late-starting Schembri had to dig deep to close the 10-minute starting gap. "Samuel’s 10-minute head start and excellent performance acted as the perfect carrot to chase down," Schembri said.
Schembri finally caught up to Borg at around the 29km mark, and the two battled it out over the final six kilometers. Schembri ultimately pulled ahead on the water—finishing physically first and logging the fastest overall time of the day at 3:20:05.
While Schembri finished short of his 2025 overall course record of 3:11:33, Borg's performance was the statistical standout of the day. He stopped the clock at 3:31:49, obliterating his 2025 time of 3:52:31 by nearly 21 minutes.
Every paddler successfully conquered the taxing conditions. Notably, Luigi Aquilina completed his massive endurance test in an impressive 4:19:33, crediting Schembri and Borg for helping him prepare in the months leading up to the race.
Official 2026 Finishing Times:
Matthew Schembri (34): 3:20:05
Samuel Borg (28): 3:31:49 (Personal Best)
Andreas Bohnsack (66): 3:50:33
Luigi Aquilina (14): 4:19:33
Michael Aquilina (29): 4:19:59
Larissa Micallef (36): 4:36:00
The Finish Line: Camaraderie and Support
Despite the immense suffering, the shared experience brought the club closer together. Bohnsack found joy in "sharing the pain with a bunch of hardy nuts," looking forward to "the next horizon at 66."
For Schembri, the highlight of the day wasn't the race itself, but arriving back at Mġarr Harbour. "The absolute best moment was the finish line," he shared. "Seeing my wife and my seven-month-old son at his first race meant everything—her support makes all of this possible."
None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the volunteer support crews. The land crew, composed of Ray Aquilina and Andrea Mangion, tracked the athletes and captured stunning drone footage. On the water, sea crew volunteers Joe Galea and Stephen Borg provided essential safety oversight and on-the-water photography, ensuring all six paddlers made it home safely.
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