Malta/Gozo: Photographic Competition,

The Blue Dolphin of Malta Underwater Photographic Competition, first held in 1987 will be organised for its 12th Edition in Gozo on the 09-11th November 2017 with the assistance of the Ministry for Gozo. Gozo has been voted as one of the best dive locations in the Mediterranean and even though it will be November, the surface water temperature will still be 20 degrees or more so no need for drysuit! Dive sites like the Blue Hole and the new Azure Reef at Dwejra (Reef formed in march 2017 after the collapse of the Azure Window), the Pinnacle at Ras il-Hobz and the Double Arch at Xwejni are all well loved dive sites and much photographed and worth visting. The competition aims to bring together local and International underwater photographers to compete together for the best set of photos in three categories: • Ambient – Wide Angle Photography • Macro (Non Fish) Photography • Macro (Fish) Photography The competition is further split in two classes to segregate advanced and beginner photographers based on the equipment used and thus enabling participants to pitch their skills amongst photographers of similar experience and using relatively similar levels of equipment. Relative beginners will thus not be discouraged. Dates proposed for foreign participants are between 8th-12th November and programme outline is as follows: • Thursday 9th Technical Meeting 20:00 at the Competition Base in Gozo • Friday 10th Competition dives held one in the morning and another in the afternoon – Dive Sites around Gozo chosen depending on prevailing weather conditions • Saturday 11th Presentation 18:00 at the Competition Base in Gozo Participants are offered a 50% rebate on two nights spent in the hotel chosen by the organising team the 4 Star Hotel Calypso, Marsalforn, Gozo, just a stone’s throw away from the sea. Further information may be found on the event website at www.bluedolphinofmalta.org.mt