It’s the question almost every first-time visitor to our site asks: “I’ve never sailed before – is two days really enough to learn anything?” If you’re considering the RYA Start Yachting course in Malta, here’s an honest look at what the course covers, who it’s for, and what you can realistically expect to walk away with.
What Is RYA Start Yachting?
RYA Start Yachting is the entry point into sailing – a two-day, hands-on course designed specifically for people with zero prior experience. There’s no theory exam, no prerequisite knowledge, and no need to have set foot on a yacht before. It’s built purely around getting a feel for sailing: steering, handling sails, ropework, and understanding basic safety on board.
The course is open to anyone aged 16 and over (younger sailors can join if accompanied by an adult), which makes it a popular option for couples, friends, and families wanting to try sailing together before committing to anything more advanced.
What Actually Happens Over the Two Days?
At Prosailing Malta, Start Yachting is run as a genuine live-aboard experience, not a classroom session:
- You’ll spend two consecutive days on board our training yacht, a 41-foot Beneteau Oceanis 411, with the option to sleep on board overnight.
- Groups are kept small — typically a ratio of one instructor to four students — so you get real time at the helm rather than just watching.
- You’ll experience steering the yacht, raising and trimming sails, basic ropework, and onboard safety practices.
- The course includes RYA instruction, fuel, mooring (when in home port), and meals while at sea or away from home port.
- You’ll sail along Malta’s coastline, anchoring for lunch and, weather permitting, having the chance to swim straight off the yacht.
By the end, most students are surprised by how much they’ve actually done — not just watched — in such a short time.
So, Is Two Days Really Enough?
Two days won’t make you a qualified skipper, and it’s not meant to. What it will do is:
- Give you a genuine, hands-on feel for what sailing involves before investing in longer courses
- Teach you the fundamentals of steering, sail handling, and safety in a low-pressure setting
- Help you decide honestly whether sailing is something you want to pursue further
- Count toward your next qualification — more on that below
Because groups are small and the pace is relaxed, complete beginners consistently come away having actually steered the boat and handled sails themselves, not just observed.
What Happens After Start Yachting?
This is one of the most practical benefits of the course: your RYA Start Yachting certificate can be credited towards the RYA Competent Crew course, meaning you may be able to complete Competent Crew in a reduced timeframe — as little as three days or two weekends — instead of starting from scratch. For anyone planning to progress toward Day Skipper eventually, Start Yachting is a genuinely useful first step rather than a one-off taster.
Who Tends to Take This Course?
We see a wide mix of people join Start Yachting:
- Couples or friends wanting a shared new experience while visiting Malta
- Complete beginners testing the water (literally) before booking a longer course
- People planning a future sailing holiday or charter who want basic confidence first
- Anyone curious about sailing who wants a low-commitment way to try it
What Should You Bring?
Because you’ll be living aboard for the two days, we recommend travelling light — soft bags rather than hard suitcases with wheels, given limited storage on board. Comfortable, non-marking footwear, sun protection, and a light layer for evenings on the water are also worth packing. Travel insurance is recommended, as with any on-water activity.
FAQs
Do I need to know how to swim? While being able to swim is not always a strict requirement, safety remains our top priority. Participants who are not confident swimmers will be required to wear a life jacket at all times while on board. Our instructors will ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable throughout the course.
Will I get seasick? Malta’s coastal waters are generally calm, and the course is paced gently, but if you’re prone to seasickness, we’d recommend speaking to us beforehand so we can advise.
Is this the same as a sailing holiday? Not quite – while there’s plenty of enjoyment involved, this is a structured RYA course with real instruction, not a purely leisure charter.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? Our instructors plan routes and timing around conditions to keep things safe and enjoyable – if needed, we’ll discuss alternative arrangements directly with you.
Curious whether sailing is for you? View RYA Start Yachting course dates or get in touch with our team to ask any questions before booking.
