The Charity Dghajsa Crossing from Pozzallo in Sicily to Malta was completed five hours before the predicted time, and the 12 Marsa Regatta Club oarsmen arrived in Grand Harbour yesterday at around 3 p.m., setting a { fantastic }record. Although the traditional dghajsa was expected to reach Malta at 8 p.m. yesterday, the rowing challenge across 59 nautical miles was carried out in 12 hours and five minutes.

The charity crossing, which had been postponed for a week due to the strong winds and which kicked off at 3 a.m. yesterday, was organised by the Kerygma Movement in aid of the Dar tal-Providenza and the Dominican Mission in Albania. Two oarsmen, Geraldu Camilleri and Martin Mifsud, rowed all the way, while the others formed a back-up team. Fr Charles Fenech, OP, on behalf of the Kerygma Movement, said the feat - a show of courage and determination, carried out by the Marsa Regatta Club - was an example of how the muscles of the strong could touch on the weaker. The public can call on 5004-9553 for a donation of Lm3, 5004-9555 for a donation of Lm5, and 5004-9550 for a donation of Lm10.

In the month of May 2002 Rower Gerald Zammit Camilieri had a discussion with the Chairman Kerygma and expressed his wishes to do something for his Charity Organization and as a result Dr George Abela advised him to contact his committee and discuss the matter at a later date also to make the request in writing.

Both Committees communicated between each other but because of time factor decisions had to be made because time was approaching for the plan date,

The committees contacted A & J Company Ltd. To supply the support Boats and transport for the dghajsa to the town of Pozzallo in Sicily also made contact with the Marsa Council for their Support.

The Dghajsa arrived at the City of Pozzallo on Friday the 2^nd August 2002 on the Maria C at 3.30 PM then it was transported to local piazza of Pazzallo and on 7.30 pm a full ceremony was held by t e local council, Mr. Joe Mifsud was the Speaker also the Pozzallo City Councilors wished a safe journey  to Marsa, Malta.

At 3.00 am was the historic moment for the Marsa Rowers they have done all the hard training for this historic voyage the rowers Ronald Zammit, John Martin Mifsud, George Zammit, and Gerald Camilleri and was accompanied by Support boat Maria C also the Cabin Cruiser Tartani and later on the day the Yacht Solymar joined the trip towards Malta.

During the Crossing other rowers relieved the group and their name is Redeemer Rapa, Hugh Edward Abela, Clinton Sammut, Sam Zammit, Clifton Camileri, Adrian Schembri, and Redman Zammit.

The Crossing finished at the Grand Harbour and the time was 12 hours and 5 minutes the crossing was achieved 5 hours ahead of the scheduled time it was remarkable, I must make special mention that John Martin Mifsud and Gerald Camileri rowed all the way from Pazzallo without any change over to other rowers call it selfish but I call it determination by these two dedicated rowers for our club.

The Final Ceremony was held at Sliema and Fr Charles Fenech made t e presenta tions as well the Council of Sliema by Mr. Robert Arrigo made the presentation to our Club Committee.

To Conclude with a special thanks to Tonio and Joseph Miggiani for supplying the support boat also to the Council Of Marsa Mr. Francis Debono and Mr. Alfred R.De Georgio Managing Director of the Tug Malta and Vertu Ferries.

Lastly I am translating this from published articles in Maltese so excuse me at least I try my best.