There is no better way to view the majestic coastline of Malta than from a recreational cruiser or leisure yacht. Floating on the crystal aquamarine waters, with blue skies above and luscious sandy beaches all around, Malta has a lot to offer both boating enthusiasts and those with more maritime expertise.
Statistics show that there were over 10,000 boats registered in Malta during the first quarter of 2025. Of these, 424 commercial yachts over 24 metres were registered before the end of May, revealing an increase of around 10% on the previous year’s figures.
Why is sailing around Malta so popular? The Maltese islands are very well equipped with marinas and anchorages, making it ideal for both long and short sailing trips. In particular, the ability to stop in multiple idyllic locations makes Malta perfect for day cruisers.
One important aspect of sailing in any waters is protection. Insurance for sailing and day cruisers is essential to ensure that you have a safety net in place in case anything unexpected happens.
Contents
- What is insurance for sailing and day cruisers?
- Common risks faced by sailing and day cruisers.
- Why insurance is essential for recreational boaters.
- Enjoy safe time on the water with GasanMamo.
What is insurance for sailing and day cruisers?
Boat insurance is a type of contract between you and the insurance provider. This contract provides compensation for covered items, such as loss or damage to the vessel, equipment and accessories caused by approved accidental means.
Insurance policies for sailing and day cruisers are just like motor insurance for drivers. When you’re out on the water, you need cover in case something happens to you or the boat you’re sailing in.
Even if you’re only on a small trip or day excursion, it’s sensible to have a safeguard so you have peace of mind about your safety and that of the boat. Insurance for sailing and day cruisers involves coverage if an insured item is lost or damaged.
Typically, this will cover reasonable costs for the repair or replacement of the item named in the policy. Without insurance, sailing around Malta on a day cruise could cost you more than you would like if you have an accident or your boat is damaged in any way.
Common risks faced by sailing and day cruisers
Sailing in Maltese waters, for a longer period of time or just for a short excursion, can be extremely enjoyable. However, there are a number of challenges and risks that sailors need to be aware of, including:
- Collisions
During peak sailing seasons, such as the summer months, overcrowded marinas and bays can create the opportunity for a collision. Maintaining a decent distance from other craft and making sure ropes or anchors don’t tangle with others is important.
- Weather changes
Even in the most beautiful of climates, a sudden change in weather has been known to happen. A storm can come from nowhere, so keeping up to date with the weather and taking necessary precautions, such as delaying departure, are both essential steps in staying safe.
- Equipment failure
Checking equipment before and during a trip is vital to a successful excursion. All tools, such as navigational and safety equipment, should be assessed to ensure they are working properly.
- Vessel issues
Fires on board can occur if equipment is not checked properly and fuel stored safely. Life rafts and fire extinguishers, alongside other necessary safety equipment, should be on your sailing craft and checked regularly.
- Personal injury
People can fall overboard if they are not taking care of their movements. It’s important that there are enough life jackets and safety harnesses on board so that everyone can wear them and reduce the risk of injury.
Why insurance is essential for recreational boaters
A recreational sailor who takes a day trip may likely think that their time on the water is short and they don’t require insurance for such a small voyage. Data shows that accidents happen on short as well as longer trips. You may not know the stretch of water so well or there may be more sailing boats around you than planned.
Having appropriate boat insurance will reduce any financial losses you could incur if you damage your boat or if there is a loss of the vessel. These incidents could be very expensive to resolve, particularly if a vessel is so damaged it can’t be repaired.
The right insurance policy protects you and your property while limiting your financial liability, helping to support you if anything untoward happens while you’re boating in Maltese waters. Not only is this financially savvy, but it also delivers reassurance that you’re protected if something happens to an insured item.
Enjoy safe time on the water with GasanMamo
Every boat owner has different needs, and each vessel is uniquely different. No matter what craft you have, you’ll want to make sure that it is properly protected by the best boat insurance policy you can find.
Begin your own search for the right plan in Malta by looking through our compelling benefits on our boat insurance page, and contact our experienced team today.
GasanMamo Insurance is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA.
Photo © by Szelei Robert from Pexels
