At 61 years old, seasoned windsurfer Jean Paul Fleri Soler etched his name into the record books last weekend by completing a full 98km circumnavigation of Malta in 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 18 seconds - a new Round Malta sailing record.

Jean launched his attempt at 08.15am from St Paul’s Island, setting off southward into demanding conditions right from the outset. The sea state was rough, and a southeasterly wind of 13 knots made the opening stretch particularly testing.

The weather briefly turned in his favour after passing Rinella, but any relief was short-lived. As he rounded Filfla, the wind all but disappeared, leaving him battling against sluggish conditions.

Further challenges awaited near Fomm Ir-Rih and through the Comino Channel, where the lack of steady wind slowed his pace and prevented him from reaching his ambitious target of 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Even so, the time he achieved stands as a new national benchmark. More importantly, it serves as part of his rigorous preparation for next year’s Foiling 100 - an endurance race from Malta to Sicily organised by the Malta Young Sailors Club.

Well done and good luck!