Malta Sailing Academy

Malta Sailing Academy has been training sailors and boat handlers in Malta since 2009. It is an RYA Recognised Training Centre, approved by Transport Malta and affiliated to World Sailing, and it offers both shore-based classroom courses and practical time afloat. For UK readers the RYA badge is familiar: the Royal Yachting Association certificates taught here are the same ones used by British sailors at home.

The teaching aims to build respect for the sea, teamwork and practical skill, with a strong focus on safety and real-world experience, and the community of students is international. The academy also runs a private day charter for visitors who would rather relax on deck than study. It is listed in our directory of boat charter in Malta, and the steady winds, clear water and long sunshine season make the islands a natural classroom.

Day charter on a Beneteau yacht

The day charter uses a Beneteau Cyclades 50.5, offered as a private, skippered experience with spacious deck areas, a comfortable interior and stops at scenic anchorages. It suits couples, families and small groups who want to see Malta's coast from the water without managing a boat themselves. Prices are not printed on the site, so ask for a quote.

A day on board pairs well with a visit to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, a walk around the capital with our Valletta guide or time on the best beaches in Malta. Check Malta weather by month when choosing dates. Own boat tuition is also available, a flexible way to improve your handling on your own vessel.

Powerboat, radio and licence courses

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course runs over two days of theory and practical work, covers operating and maintaining a power vessel up to 10 metres, and costs €390 per person with course notes and a photo certificate. The RYA SRC/VHF radio course is a one-day class costing €290, with a short written exam. The International Certificate of Competence, which foreign officials may ask to see, costs €160 by direct assessment, with optional practical (€110) and theory (€200) sessions.

Residents who operate a vessel of 30HP or more in Maltese waters need the Transport Malta Nautical Licence, which covers vessels up to 24 metres within 12 nautical miles. The course takes a week of evening sessions, with a total cost of €300 including the €40 exam fee. Classes are small, with personal attention and digital course notes.

Safety, first aid and professional pathways

The RYA First Aid course is a one-day marine course for sailors and water users, and the World Sailing Sea Survival course combines theory with a practical session and is advised for anyone planning long passages. The STCW95 Basic Safety Combined course covers personal survival, firefighting and elementary first aid, and is the legal minimum for commercial work aboard vessels over 24 metres, including superyachts. The full course takes five days and the refresher two.

Anyone wanting to work on the water can have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 or Yachtmaster certificate commercially endorsed by adding ancillary courses, including the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities online course at €180. An application fee of €180 is also due before submission.

Booking and getting there

The academy's address is care of Borg Cardona Co Ltd at Ta' Qali, in the centre of the island. Our guides to things to do in Malta, where to stay in Malta and flights from the UK to Malta help with planning a sailing break.

Course dates change, so ask what is scheduled before you plan flights or a stay. Good timing can fit around a wider trip: see Malta holidays for ideas on combining a course with time ashore.

To ask about a course or the charter, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the academy.