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    7-Day Malta-West Sicily Mile Builder

    All year around

    Unforgetable Sailing Adventure

    Ready to elevate your sailing skills? Join an exciting mile-building adventure from Malta to Sicily and back, featuring a mix of coastal hops and longer offshore passages. This week-long journey offers both challenges and rewards, leaving you with a true sense of accomplishment.

    Gain valuable experience, log 350NM of qualifying passages for the Yachtmaster Exam, and enjoy additional coaching tailored to your needs.

    • Your own cabin! No-one shares unless by choice when booking
    • Option for couples, families or groups on 46ft cruise yachts
    • You can join this trip as RYA Competent Crew course (if you completed theory)
    • You will be expected to helm and keep watch!

    7-Day Mile Builder

    4.9 rating of 46 reviews

    Bavaria 46C - 4 cabins

    Mon - Sun / Sat - Fri

    14 - 65 years old

    Meet interesting and active people from all over the world, and discover new spots.

    3 - 8 people onboard

    300 Nautical Miles

    All year available

    Manoel Island Yacht Marina

    No assumed knowledge

    Prices from 1400 per person

    Upcoming Trip Dates

    This course is arranged upon request, please contact us or send us an enquiry if you're interested. 😉‍

    Essential Skills Practiced During Mile Building

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    • Planning the route before departure, taking into account weather, tides, currents, hazards, and stopovers. • Identifying way points, adjusting course, and ensuring the passage is safe and efficient.

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    • Sailing in darkness with limited visibility using navigation lights, radar, AIS, and chart plotters. • Watchkeeping involves standing shifts (watches) during long passages, where crew members rotate roles.

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    • Adjusting sails to maximize speed, efficiency, and comfort based on wind conditions. • Understanding how different sail settings affect the boat's performance.

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    • Techniques to handle strong winds, rough seas, and unexpected squalls. • Using storm sails, heaving-to, deploying drogues, and managing crew fatigue. • Practicing man-overboard drills.

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    • Learning how to safely anchor in different seabed conditions. • Mooring in various settings, including marinas, pontoons, and mooring buoys.

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    • Using VHF radio to communicate with harbormasters, coast guards, and nearby vessels. • Understanding Collision Regulations (COLREGs) for right of way at sea.

    Between Malta and Sicily

    A region in the central Mediterranean known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant sailing traditions

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    Malta - Valletta

     A Grand Sailing Destination

    Malta - Valletta

    Valletta, Malta’s historic capital, has been a maritime powerhouse since the 16th century. Its Grand Harbour, once a key naval stronghold for the Knights of St. John, now thrives as a hub for sailing, yachting, and prestigious regattas. With its fortified waterfront and world-class marinas, the city remains deeply connected to its seafaring past.

    itinerary map-mobile

    * example mile builder stops, subject to weather

    Typical Itinerary (one week cruise)

    Visit Malta, Gozo, Licata, Sciacca, Marsala, and Porto Empedocle, with night sailing and longer passage. Sail coaching available for those wishing to improve their skills. Approx. 350NM (7 days) logged, with the possibility to take it as Coastal Skipper Practical course.

    Day 1: Malta to Gozo (20 NM)

    Meet the crew, conduct a passage plan briefing, and stock up on provisions before setting sail to Gozo's Mgarr Marina. This is a great warm-up leg to practice boat handling and navigation. A relaxed evening allows for last-minute preparations before the longer offshore passage ahead.

    Day 2: Gozo – Licata (85NM, Overnight Passage)Departing early, we set course for Sicily's southern coast, sailing through the Malta Channel and practicing night navigation, watchkeeping, and sail trim adjustments. After this longer passage, we arrive in Licata and have time for rest and debriefing.
    Day 3: Licata – Sciacca (55NM)A coastal sail along the southern Sicilian shoreline provides an opportunity to focus on chart plotting and coastal navigation techniques. Sciacca, with its historic port and thermal baths, is a rewarding stop before continuing west.
    Day 4: Sciacca – Marsala (45NM, Stay Overnight)Arriving in Marsala, a well-known sailing destination, we take an extra day here. The afternoon is free for sail adjustments, reviewing passage plans, or exploring the town's historic center.
    Day 5: Marsala (Day Sail or Training Day)Rather than setting off immediately, we use the day for: • A short sail to the Egadi Islands (e.g., Favignana, for anchor practice and pilotage). • Additional training, including emergency drills, sail handling, and advanced navigation exercises. • Relaxing and exploring Marsala's coastal charm.
    Day 6: Marsala – Porto Empedocle (70NM)Instead of retracing our route to Licata, we take a different path along the coast to Porto Empedocle. This long sail provides another chance to refine offshore skills, including weather routing and night sailing. Upon arrival, there's an option to visit the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's most famous archaeological sites.
    Day 7: Porto Empedocle – Malta (85NM, Overnight or Long Day Sail)For the final stretch, we embark on a direct return to Malta, allowing for longer passage experience and reinforcing all the skills learned throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Valletta's Grand Harbour, we celebrate completing an exciting and rewarding mile-building adventure.
    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Never sailed before?

    You can still join the trip if you are in good physical and health condition,
    but we strongly recommend completing our RYA Competent Crew course as a minimum.

    See beginner courses

    What's included

    Accommodation onboard

    Opportunity to practice navigation, passage-making, and mooring techniques

    Food provisioning

    Free WiFi by Starlink

    Safety gear and wet weather clothing

    RYA recognized Instructor

    All necessary bedding and towels

    A mix of short coastal hops and longer offshore passages

    Fuel

    Final cleaning

    What's not included

    Marina fee, shared by crew, subject to passage

    Restaurant onshore

    Testimonials

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    Mile building tour gallery

    Set sail on our mile-building adventure between Malta and Sicily, guided by an expert instructor, where you’ll experience the best of the Mediterranean’s coastal beauty and rich history.

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