Learn To Sail

There are, in life, certain hobbies and activities with an ability to take over your life to the point of fanatical obsession. Golf can grab you so you practice your swing every time you nip to the loo at work. Climbing can become a genuine passion for those who like hugging rocks, while cycling can seduce you into its inescapable grasp. But up there with the most addictive hobbies of all is sailing!

While to some, sailing is an all-consuming and great hobby, others see it as a serious sport. But whatever you want to get from it - fun or fierce competition - take comfort in the knowledge that it is very easy to learn how to do it – probably much easier than you think.

One thing you should know about learning how to sail if there's any notable amount of wind, is that sooner or later – probably sooner to be honest – you will lose control of your boat and it will turn over.

The obvious consequence of this is you will end up in the drink. Not good if you’re on a reservoir in Manchester in the UK in November (as this fool was during his first sailing lesson) but actually quite pleasant and refreshing if it’s 35C and you’re bobbling around on the clear blue Med’. And that’s the main reason Malta is such a great place literally to learn the ropes!

There are others too! The moderate climate all year round, the beautiful scenery, the lack of tides and of big waves, the warm breezes and the lack of anything approaching hurricane force winds all add to its appeal as an excellent learning venue.

So, it is no wonder that the Middle Sea Race, a highly rated offshore classic that starts from Malta and finishes in Malta, attracts sailors, skippers, crews and boat owners from every port in the world.


Many enthusiasts say that sailing can be almost like flying. As your boat cruises along with the wind, the sound of the water and the breeze on your face will give you a real sensation of freedom. Your boat can almost be described as coming to life as it bobs along, acting in harmony with the wind and sea – under your expert control of course.

Regardless of the differences in type and size, all vessels under sail work using the same basic principles, harnessing the wind for propulsion. Once you learn the basics, and get the gist of how to set sail, you will be able to move from small boats to larger ones.


With its perfect prevailing conditions, Malta is resident to some of the best sailing schools in the world. These offer courses from basic ‘get in and have a go’ sessions to internationally recognised certification.


All Maltese sailing academies are aware that no matter how favourable the Mediterranean waters can be, you can never be too safe at sea. This is why they adopt very strict regulations, and take every possible precaution to ensure that new sailing cadets receive all the necessary training before obtaining their qualifications and are let loose on a boat of their own. 


There is so much more to sailing than just steering a boat. Sailors are not only responsible for the safety of the boats and their crew, but especially for swimmers and divers. It is important to know the international regulations concerning what equipment is legally required.   


The more you learn about sailing, the more fun and the safer the sport will be. Only after completing a sailing course and becoming an accredited sailor will you be able to truly exploit the most wonderful treasure of the Maltese islands – the surrounding Mediterranean Sea.

You'll find an excellent 'introduction to sailing' is available at Something Different, our sister site that offers great experiences. Just click on the link below for more details.