RYA Start Yachting

Start Yachting with Confidence: The RYA Start Yachting Sail Cruising Course is a perfect introduction if you want to learn sailing beginner—and discover the joy of yacht handling from day one.

Designed for complete novices, this two-day course gives you a hands-on experience before moving on to more advanced training like Competent Crew. It offers a relaxed schedule that will give you a taste of what yachting is about and whether you’d enjoy it. You’ll sail to another pretty ports and bays along Malta coast. You’ll anchor for lunch each day and enjoy the freedom of being able to swim from your own yacht in the crystal clear blue water. Children in particular love this.

Over a weekend (or weekday, typically Monday–Tuesday), our friendly RYA instructors guide you through fundamental skills—from steering to sail trim and ropework—while making sure you feel relaxed and confident.

By the end of the course, you'll start yachting like a pro, having tried helm, sails, knots, and onboard safety practices.

After earning your Start Yachting certificate, you can fast-track to the RYA Competent Crew course in just three days or two weekends.

Easy booking: Just click the Book Now button, choose your dates and number of participants, pay securely via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer—and you’ll receive a confirmation email with joining instructions.

Prefer a private session? Charter the full yacht for your group (up to 5 people) and enjoy a more intimate, relaxed Start Yachting experience. Private session pricing is listed above.

The perfect gift: Treat someone special to a unique sailing experience—gift vouchers available for all our courses!

This beginner-friendly Start Yachting course is perfect for anyone who has never set foot on a sailing yacht but wants to learn the basics of sailing in a relaxed, supportive environment.

• No experience required — just a curiosity to discover sailing!
• No minimum age — ideal for individuals, families, or children eager to try life at sea.
• Great for those who dream of feeling confident and comfortable aboard a cruising yacht.
• An ideal way to visit Malta if its your first time. Malta is more beautiful from the sea than you think.
• Perfect as your first step into the RYA sailing course pathway, before moving on to the Competent Crew level.

Whether you're looking for a new adventure, a unique family experience, or a stepping stone into more advanced courses, this 2-day sailing course for beginners is a fun and memorable way to start your sailing journey.

The RYA Start Yachting course offers a fun and practical introduction to sailing for complete beginners. Over just two days, you’ll gain hands-on experience and build confidence aboard a cruising yacht. By the end of the course, you will have learned to steer, handle sails, tie basic knots, and understand key safety procedures.

What You'll Learn

Yacht Familiarisation

• Understand essential sea terms, boat parts, rigging, and sails

Ropework & Knots

• Learn how to tie the figure-eight knot, round turn and two half hitches, and bowline

Sailing Skills Underway

• Experience sailing on all points of sail
• Practice steering under sail and engine power

Rules of the Road

• Maintain a safe and efficient lookout at sea

Weather Awareness

• Learn where and how to obtain accurate weather forecasts

Man Overboard Recovery

• Understand the essential steps for recovering someone who has fallen overboard

Clothing & Safety Equipment

• Know the proper use of lifejackets, safety harnesses, and personal flotation devices

Emergency Procedures

• Be aware of common onboard hazards
• Know what to do in various emergency situations

Successful completion of this course will prepare you for the next step: the RYA Competent Crew course. While this follow-up course typically takes 5 days, Start Yachting graduates can complete it in just 3 days or two weekends.

Spend two inspiring days aboard our RYA training yacht and learn to sail in Malta with a small group of fellow beginners or friends. This RYA Start Yachting course is designed to give you hands-on experience, teamwork skills, and a real sense of what it's like to sail with the wind.

Your yacht, “Lookfar” – a spacious Bavaria 44 or “Malena” – a Bavaria 46 cruiser, is moored at Manoel Island Marina (Pontoon D, near Paparazzi Restaurant). Boarding begins at 9:00 AM on the first day of the course.

Our experienced RYA-certified instructor will welcome you on board, guide you through a full yacht safety briefing, and ensure you're comfortable before heading out. Throughout the course, you'll learn key sailing techniques like steering, basic sail handling, ropework, and onboard safety practices. Even if it's your first time on a boat, you'll quickly feel empowered and part of the crew.

Course Highlights:

• Hands-on sailing experience aboard a well-equipped training yacht
• Professional RYA instructors with a maximum of 5 students per boat
• Sail around the stunning Valletta coastline, Grand Harbour, Balluta Bay, Saint Pauls Bay, and beyond depending on conditions
• Enjoy Malta’s ideal sailing weather year-round — mild temperatures, great winds, and clear blue waters

The course usually runs over a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 9:30 AM to around 16:30 PM daily. It is day-sailing only, with no overnight stays unless part of a longer package.

Want to keep progressing? You can easily upgrade to the full RYA Competent Crew course by extending your sailing to 5 days — a perfect way to deepen your skills and confidence on the water.

Based at Manoel Island Yacht Marina, we enjoy one of the most picturesque sailing locations in Europe, with iconic views of Valletta and access to beautiful cruising grounds.

Discover the joy of sailing — join us for an unforgettable weekend at sea!

• Start Yachting Course led by experienced, native English-speaking RYA instructors.
• All essential fees included: port and mooring fees, fuel.
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and light refreshments provided on board. (Alcohol is not supplied.)
• We recommend enjoying a light breakfast at the nearby BusStop Lounge café (just 200m from the marina) and bringing a packed lunch for the day.
• Modern marina facilities available onshore — including toilets and hot showers, located by the main gate.
• Shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are just steps away — our marina is in Malta’s most vibrant tourist and business area.
• Receive your official RYA Start Yachting certificate upon successful course completion.