Gilbert Bartolo (left), winner of the Birkirkara SJ 11km open water swim race, is presented with a Festina watch by Daniel Agius.

The open water swimming season came to an end with the Gozo channel swims, organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club and sponsored by Festina Watches.

A flotilla took over the stretch of sea between the islands as boats of all types escorted the 92 swimmers racing towards the finishing buoy in Marfa.

The prevailing swell, particularly near Comino, prevented all swimmers achieving their pre-set targets. However, only two failed to finish the race.

Eleven swimmers took part in the 11-kilometre race starting from Marfa, proceeding towards Ras il-Qala in Gozo and back to the starting point.

In the men’s race, Gilbert Bartolo swam the distance in three hours, 17 minutes, 14 seconds.

He was followed by Roberto Demicoli (3:22.49) and Sylvester Cilia (3:22.54).

Veteran Marian Belsten was the first woman to complete the gruelling race in a time of four hours, one minute and 14 seconds. Second in was Nathalie Azzopardi (4:20.39) with Sandra Schembri third (4:53.26).

Newly-crowned open water swimming champions Neil Agius and Sarah Demicoli were the winners in their respective categories in the Gozo-Malta race.

While Agius led from the start, there was a fierce battle for the honours in the women’s race.

Agius finished the race in one hour, 17 minutes, 14 seconds while Jean Claude Cutajar (1:26.36) and Andrew Grech (1:39.44) were second and third respectively.

Beaten by young Amy Micallef in the last race of the championships, Demicoli was seeking revenge in the big race.

She proved her championship mettle by keeping her young rival at bay despite Micallef’s brave effort.

Demicoli finished in one hour, 28 minutes and 51 seconds, 64 seconds faster than Micallef. Lara Buttigieg was third in 1:58.53.

Daniel Agius, of Festina Watches, presided over the prize-giving ceremony at the end of the races.

The swim events were organised under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta. Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club were assisted by Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta and Riviera Resort and Spa.