2025 marks a significant milestone for the Royal Malta Yacht Club Sailing School as it celebrates 10 years of empowering individuals through sailing. What began as a modest initiative has grown into an internationally recognised and renowned training hub, shaping the lives of countless sailors and contributing to Malta’s sailing and yachting legacy.
The Vision Takes Shape
When the RMYC moved to its current premises in Ta’ Xbiex, the idea of a sailing school was already on the table, incorporated into the planning of the facility. This vision began to materialise in 2013, as the Club sought partners to establish the RMYC Sailing School. That same year, Sailcoach—an internationally respected name in sailing training—arrived at the Club to run ILCA Class training clinics, laying the groundwork for what was to come.
Building a Foundation
The RMYC established its Sailing School., in 2015, by investing in four RS Visions and engaging a UK coach to run summer dinghy sailing courses, officially launching the programme. The fleet quickly grew with additional RS Visions, RS Fevas, and Laser Bugs to teach young beginners the fundamentals of sailing. A partnership with SailCoach was formalised to manage the School alongside its training camps, which have attracted sailors of all levels, including Olympic medallists and world-class competitors, creating a comprehensive and dynamic training environment.
Growing the Fleet and Competitive Edge
The initial years saw slow growth, but enthusiasm and participation steadily increased. Recognising the importance of fostering competitive sailing, the RMYC acquired a fleet of Optimists, encouraging sailors to purchase their own boats to further their training and competitive opportunities. This strategic move allowed the RMYC Sailing School to strike a balance between introducing new sailors to the sport and preparing others for competitive success.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite challenges, including the loss of part of the area originally allocated to the RMYC Sailing School, the programme has continued to thrive. Through innovative solutions and the unwavering commitment of its stakeholders, the RMYC Sailing School has sustained its momentum, firmly establishing itself as a cornerstone of Malta’s sailing community. Many of its sailors have gone on to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious and competitive regattas, with individuals like Katrina Micallef, Lara Merten, the Schultheis siblings—Antonia, Richard, and Victoria—and Ethan Kodjaazliev earning well-deserved places on international podiums.
RMYC Sailing School 10th Anniversary Awards
As the RMYC Sailing School celebrates its 10th anniversary, it does so with immense pride in its accomplishments and a strong sense of optimism for the future. To mark this milestone, a celebratory evening was held, recognising the passion and dedication that have defined the School’s decade-long journey.
Present for the event were several individuals who, throughout the years, helped shape the RMYC Sailing School, amongst which were former RMYC Commodore Godwin Zammit, former Committee Member David Anastasi, SailCoach Founder Trevor Millar as well as long standing coaches Alex Denisiuc and Ruya Cakmakli who have been part of the core team since its inception.
Throughout the evening, several awards were presented celebrating sailors for their sportsmanship, overall improvement, enthusiasm, and the coveted Sailors’ Choice Award, determined by votes cast by the sailors themselves.
Awards List
Sportsmanship Award – Tomek Vaccaro
Newcomer Award – Tom Zhang
Most Improved Award – Ethan Kodjaazliev
Sailing School Ambassador Award – Katrina Micallef
Team Spirit Award – Matthew Flores
Most Enthusiastic Senior Sailor Award – Tomek Vaccaro
Most Enthusiastic Junior Sailor Award – Gianni Bianchi
Sailors’ Choice Award – Tomek Vaccaro