Frequently Asked Questions

You will be sent the Joining Instruction for practical sailing courses answering many of your questions, but here are a few more details:



Course Selection

We provide almost all the RYA courses from Start Yachting up to Yachtmaster Ocean, both practical and shore-based courses. This includes sail cruising, motor cruising, powerboat and jetski courses, for both recreational sailors and commercial skippers.
We also run skipper refresher, mile building trip, team building activities, plus own boat tuition in Malta. In addition, we are also a Transport Malta approved training facility to provide Malta Nautical License courses.

The RYA is the UK’s national body for all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrow boats, and personal watercraft.
Each year over 270,000 people take an RYA training course through our network of over 2,400 RYA recognised training centres in 58 countries. RYA courses are highly regarded worldwide due to the high standards maintained by those training centres and instructors.

Please send us an email to info@sailingschoomalta.com and let us know how many participants you are, dates and time you are looking into, your previous sailing experience if you want to skipper the boat yourself.

The right courses for beginners are RYA Start Yachting and RYA Competent Crew.
The CC course lasts for 5 days. It is actually an extended course based upon RYA Start Yachting (2 days).
That means between the Start Yachting and Competent Crew course, there are another 3 days of training. You can complete your RYA Start Yachting course first then find the extra 3 days to complete CC course.

No, you don't need to. But you shall have met the mini requirement to join the Day Skipper Practical course.
You can find prerequisite here: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/courses/choosing-the-right-course

Yes, for some courses reserved for beginners (Start Yachting, Competent Crew) you can join without taking the theory courses in advance.

For skippering courses (Day Skipper Practical, Coastal Skipper Practical, Yachtmaster offshore), will have attended the corresponding Theory Shorebased course, or at least have a good understanding of the following, if you applies to Day Skipper practical course: Tidal heights, Tidal streams, Course to steer, Passage planning, Compass variation, Pilotage, Clearing bearings, 3 Position fixes, Rules of the Road, Lights & Shapes and Knots.

No, it is not mandatory, but you need to prove and show your capacity before signing up to the higher level courses. So the best practice would be to contact us first. Still, we will not assure that you will obtain your course completion certificates if your skill and knowledge don’t match the minimum capacity required in the course syllabus.
Please check here to find the minimum prerequisite to join each sail cruising course level: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/courses/choosing-the-right-course

Sure, we often mix skipper courses and competent crew courses. As a skipper you will need to learn how to give indication to your crew.

It is preferable to have completed at least the Day Skipper course and apply then an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) to be able to charter a boat in local water and foreign countries. Note that some countries require specific certification. Like in Malta, if you are a Maltese resident, you also need a Transport Malta Nautical License in order to crew and drive a boat in Maltese water.
You are also recommended to take the RYA Marine Radio VHF course. The VHF course will be useful if you want to do chartering in the future, because you are required to hold a VHF certificate for that purpose.
The ICC (or to give it its full title International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries. It was historically known as the International Certificate of Competence.
Learn more about the ICC, its history, what it does and doesn't do, and where it might be accepted, check here: https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/abroad/icc/evidence-of-competence-abroad
For Competent Crew: RYA Competent Crew Skills:https://www.rya.org.uk/shop/p/rya-competent-crew-skills

Yes, we also offer the Transport Malta Nautical Licence course. Sailing School Malta is an approved training establishment by Transport Malta. We provide TM Nautical License courses to more than 200 students a year.
In addition, we also offer other sailing activities and specialty courses, such as: corporate team building, flotilla skipper training, own boat tuition, boat handling course, sail handling course, mile building trip, among others.
STCW course are collaborated with the fire station of Malta to carry out.

Max of 5 plus Instructor (Sail)
Max of 4 plus Instructor (Motor)

Yes, many families and couples do!

(subject to Covid-19 restrictions)
Own cabin
Welcome pack with provisions and soft drinks
Evening meals are taken ashore (Not included in price)
Experienced RYA qualified instructor
Safety gear, including life jacket and safety harness
Diesel, gas and marina fees
Bed linen & towels

For Competent Crew: RYA Competent Crew Skills
For Day Skipper Practical: RYA Day Skipper Handbook
For Coastal Skipper Practical: Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice

Link to the RYA Shop

No problem! Ask us

Course Arrangement

Yes, we do. High season:April - November; Low Season:December to March.

The Competent Crew / Day Skipper Practical / Coastal Skipper Practical run every week from April to November, every other week from December to March. Mainly Monday to Friday.
The Start Yachting course runs every weekend from April to November; and every other weekend from December to March.

Day Skipper / Coastal-Yachtmaster Skipper Theory courses are available every week Monday to Friday all year around, excluding the public holiday.

Motor cruising courses are provided upon request.

Usually at the end of May and end of August. From Malta to Sicily and Malta to Lampdusa and Tunisia.

This course is scheduled upon request. Since the examiners come from the UK to do the test. We need at least 2 students onboard to realize the test and justify the cost. We take notes of your interested date and try to match the dates.

Booking and payment

You can book directly on our website, in each course page, and make the payment using credit/debit card (powered by Stripe), PayPal, or through a bank transfer to the following bank account:
Bank of Valletta (BOV)
Atalanta Sailing Ltd
IBAN: MT48VALL22013000000040023021709
BIC/SWIFT: VALLMTMT
Account no: 40023021709
Address: Bank of Valleta p.l.c. 58 Triq San Zakkarija, II-Belt Valletta VLT 1130 Malta
If you choose to do a bank transfer, please send us a notice and proof of payment by email.

You will be directed to a payment successful page or sent a notice of successful payment in the web browser if the online payment goes through. We will then manually send an email in 24 hours to confirm your payment and booking, and at same time send you a joining instruction and booking form.

Yes, many families and couples do! The cost can vary according to high season or low season. Please send us an inquiry first.

Please send us an email with your preferred dates and number of participants. We will send you a fully detailed offer in return.

Yes, it is possible, but you will still need to reserve a place. Same applies if you want to reserve a cabin with your friend or family to sleep onboard.

A reservation form which contains all the necessary administrative information will be given to you before the course. Please fill in and send it back to us.

Yes! However, you should take out normal holiday insurance.

Unless agreed, the full price of the course is to be paid in advance before the course starts. Payment is possible by card, bank transfer or PayPal.

A full refund or an alternative booking will be offered if we cancel for reasons beyond our control. However, no liability will be accepted for flight tickets already purchased, other costs relating to travel or incidental expenses incurred. We recommend travel insurance to cover any costs or expenses

Please see our terms and conditions: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/legal-notice

No, unfortunately it is not possible to get a refund once the course has started.

Yes, you can, usually it's 50% of total cost. Please make a bank transfer in case you prefer to make a partial deposit in order to save us the transaction fee. Alternatively, you can pay the full amount of the course fee directly on our website.

Logistics, accommodation

The boat is berthed in Manoel Island Yacht Marina, pontoon D, near the Paparazzi restaurant.
Click me to locate on Google Map:
https://goo.gl/maps/gbwr3EB1qmtHeC659

There is only one airport in Malta: Malta International, airport code MLA.
On arrival at Malta airport, there is a kiosk at the exit from the airport, where you can pre pay the taxi to the boat or hotel. The cost of this is usually around 25 Euro.
Alternatively, you can use Taxi Apps (cheaper than taxis), the most popular ones are:
Bolt - They are the fastest
Ecab - They have a lot of taxis
Cool - This is the cheapest, shared ride, you need to wait longer
The taxi drivers speak good English.

We don’t offer pick-up at the airport. But our skipper or receptionist will be on the boat to meet you in the morning of course or in the evening before.

Each training day, the courses usually start at 9:30 a.m. and end around 4:30 p.m. In case of night sail sessions, the arrival time to the marina may vary.

All multi-day practical sailing courses can include accommodation on the training boat for students, but you need to confirm your intention. We may charge a small fee of 20 euro for cleaning service as the boat needs to be deep cleaned between courses, as well as the normal laundry requirements.
We will provide sheets, pillows, blankets/quilt, and towels. A fully functional kitchen onboard shared by all crew on a self catering basis. There are also dedicated bathrooms at the entrance to the marina.

No, it’s NOT included. We recommend you to bring your own packed lunch onboard. You can also cook your lunch and dinner on the boat. In that case, we appreciate it if you can keep the galley tidy and clean.

For sail practical courses starting on Monday, such as Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical, you can sleep on the boat during the course period, so usually 4 nights from Monday to Friday.
Many students arrive in Malta on Sunday before the course starts on Monday. In this case, we may provide an earlier check in on Sunday evening on a case by case basis. Please let us know if you require sleep onboard on Sunday night and your flight arrival time.
For the Start Yachting course, you will sail 2 days, with no accommodation onboard night sail included.

Malta average temperature and wind speed by month:

Please note that the temperatures in Malta are normally very warm during the day but it can be cold in the evenings and windy at sea. It is a good idea to bring a small light rain mac if you have one and also a pair of long trousers and a warm fleece, just in case.

The yacht you will be sailing is called “Lookfar”, a Bavaria 44 Cruiser.

There are a lot of restaurants close to the marina, Bus Stop Lounge is a good restaurant,where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Gzira bay and delicious food with your crew members and trainer. Having a local beer Cisk with some snacks is really a pleasure after a day of heavy training.
Paparazzi restaurant is located at the entrance to the marina
The Waterfront Hotel is a value hotel, located in the Sliema seafront, just a few minutes walk to the marina.

Please contact us first if that would happen. We need to make sure if early boarding is possible. If so, no problem for depositing the luggage on the boat. We are not responsible for the security of your personal belongings onboard.

No, it is best to bring clothes for the duration of the course and some extra change of clothes.

Most of the time you will NOT be able to. Because we use the boat to run the practical course during the week. However, if we don’t have the practical course during your theory course, you may be able to do that, but you need to contact us to check the availability first.

We arrange classroom theory training in our office at Geoemms 3, Triq Hal Kaprat, Santa Venera, Malta.
Alternatively, you can choose to take online theory courses: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/courses/rya-online-courses

Yes, a key will be at your disposal to access the showers and toilets.

Generally it's secure, the facilities are monitored. Generally crime in Malta is not an issue. However, we are not responsible for personal belongings loss.

Yes ! Subject to the number of students onboard and availability, we guarantee you your own cabin for 1 or 2 persons at time of booking.

Generally on Monday at 9:00,unless otherwise agreed.

We kindly ask you to vacate the yacht by 17:00 on the Friday of departure

Provision and Equipment

Cabin accommodation
Welcome pack with snacks and soft drinks
Experienced RYA qualified instructor
Safety gear, including life jacket and safety harness
Diesel, gas and marina fees
Bed linen & towels

Flights
Transfers
Meals and drinks
Sailing clothing
Provisions
Bed linen
End clean

Packed lunch (you can get at nearby cafe)
Sunglasses
High factor sun cream (not oil please!)
Deck shoes if possible, otherwise soft shoes with a non marking sole
Shorts or pants (Please be aware that these are liable to get dirty, so not your best ones!)
T-Shirts
Fleece or jumper for the evenings and windy days at sea. In winter period, you may need a sailing jacket
Light long sleeved shirt if you need to cover up in the sun
Baseball/sun hat (preferably with a clip to stop it blowing overboard!)
Sailing Gloves, not mandatory
Sea sickness tablets should you need them
Phone/ Ipad / laptop chargers – 12V (cigarette style chargers) if needed
Your RYA Logbook if you have one. If you need one，you can get one from RYA shop
And above all, enthusiasm!

A soft suitcase or bag is preferable, as they are easier to store on board than a hard case

All the necessary safety equipment (life jackets, lifeline, distress flares...) is on board

Yes, we supply bath and hand towels, but not beach towels!

During the Course

Max of 5 students plus Instructor (Sail)
Max of 4 students plus Instructor (Motor)
Max of 3 students plus Instructor (Motor)

During the course we sail around Malta to discover the island, during the 5 day courses we may go as far as the island of Gozo. The one week trip from Malta to Sicily, Syracuse and back covers 300-400 nautical mile.

You need to make sure you don't suffer from Epilepsy, Giddy Spells, Asthma, Diabetes, Angina or other heart conditions (other than previously advised in confidence).

The sea is a dangerous and unpredictable natural element, but accidents can be avoided because safety rules are respected, safety equipment is present on board and our instructors are experienced.

It is preferable to know how to swim, but life jackets are there to ensure your safety

We offer sailing lessons suitable for all levels, you can consult this page to determine which course is best suited to your level: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/courses/choosing-the-right-course

Yes, we do that often with the yacht secured at anchor and if the sea and weather conditions are good.

It is possible to see some but it is quite rare

License and Certifications

RYA certifications are recognized internationally, a certificate/license will be issued to you at the well completion of each course.

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates of competency are respected and recognized as the best internationally, you can sail internationally with RYA certificates.
However, each certificate level has its limits, see detail here: https://www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence https://www.rya.org.uk/training/professional-qualifications

We offer all the RYA theoretical courses, which allow you to acquire knowledge in order to prepare you for the practical courses

Bareboat charterers should have at least Day Skipper (daytime sailing only!) or higher. We will take an account of your sailing experience. An ICC or equivalent is also preferable.

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) was introduced by the European Directive in order to ensure that operators of small leisure vessels operating throughout the waters of participating nations (‘Resolution 40 Nations’) in Europe were tested and certified to a basic level of competence. Many of Europe’s charter companies and overseeing authorities require the skipper of a yacht or motorboat to have an ICC.
More detail on ICC and ICC application, click here: https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/abroad/icc

The RYA certificate mainly serves for chartering and skippering a boat for leisure/personal use. If you want to do a boat tour commercially, you need to get RYA commercial endorsements.
A commercial endorsement is required to add onto the RYA qualifications when acting professionally as skipper or crew. RYA Day Skipper practical and upper level course completion certificates supported by their corresponding shorebased course completion certificate can be endorsed.
For more info about endorsement, check the link: https://www.rya.org.uk/training/professional-qualifications/commercial-endorsements

Transport Malta Nautical License (TMNL) and the RYA courses are two different systems. TMNL for people who would like to charter and drive a boat up to 24 meter in Maltese water. It is like a local driving license, only required if you are a Maltese resident. While RYA certificates are more internationally recognized sailing qualifications that can be applied/valid to the majority of the waters around the globe.

Other Sailing Activities

Yes, we can organize corporate team building tailored to your need, have a look of our typical one-day and two-day team building activity here: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/files/279162ecfd27b7ab59664e406f5066c8.pdf
Please contact us for more information.

Yes. We organize half-day, one day, and sunset cruise trips around Maltese island. Being an RYA sailing school, we also offer mile building trip to Sicily and to Tunisia that last around a week, you can check this web page for more information: https://www.sailingschoolmalta.com/charter-and-cruises

Yes. Sometimes you want to learn in the familiar environment of your own boat with people you know. Our instructors can teach you anything from a half day of docking practice to a full familiarization and handling of your new boat, all while focusing on your own individual requirements.

Yes. The boat handling course will go a long way to relieving those feelings of apprehension when the time comes to carry out a manoeuvre in a tight marina or in windy conditions. Your experienced instructor will explain the main factors that affect how a yacht handles under power and armed with this information you will have the chance to put theory into practice in a variety of situations.
Contact us