The Malta Cruising Club was formed to increase the fun and safety of cruising by : 1. Enabling the enjoyment of cruising by enhancing the knowledge of members in all matters pertaining to cruising by organising discussions, talks and presentations particularly during the winter season. The objective of these onshore activities is to enable the experience of more seasoned members to be available to those who are relatively less experienced. 2. Much of the spirit of enjoyable cruising is strengthened by social activities both onshore and afloat such as barbeques and dinners which are always extremely popular and afford an excellent way to meet fellow cruising members. 3. Although we fully understand that cruising is ultimately an individual endeavour cruising in company is an excellent opportunity for relatively less experienced skippers to take those first cruises; in addition local and more long distance rendezvous cruising is also organised. 4. There are many new boat owners who are eager to acquire the knowledge and skills to enable them to undertake their new role as skippers with confidence. One of the objectives of the Club is to provide instruction  in both the theoretical and practical aspects of cruising in safety. MAY CRUISE TO SYRACUSE The May Cruise to Syracuse started early on Friday morning with five boats meeting near the Fairway Buoy. most of the first leg to Capo Passero was windless, but the wind picked up later about 15 miles from the coast. RAGATA elected to sail on to Syracuse, and SAN MICHELE, BAY BREEZE, NANOOK and TWO STEP anchored for the night in Porto Palo as part of the training experience. Next morning we sailed to Syracuse and met up for a very enjoyable dinner in the city. RAGATA continued towards the Aeolian Islands and the rest had a good sail to Porto Palo or Marzamemi which the majority preferred. A 20 knot Easterly had been forecast for Monday which provided a good beam reach to Malta. Apart from minor communication problems ( and a powerboat that went astray) everyone enjoyed the experience ( particularly the one year old "cabin boy on SAN MICHELE) and the New Skippers learnt a great deal and achieved a geat boost in offshore confidence. REFRESHER COURSE FOR NEW SKIPPERS  The first session of a REFRESHER COURSE for new skippers was held on Saturday 23rd Febuary  at the Malta Maritime Authority Yachting Centre at Ta Xbiex Marina starting at 10.00 hrs. The Second session took place on Saturday 29th.March from 10.00-13.00 hrs. at the Cottonera Waterfront Group Offices at Vittoriosa Waterfront . The Third session took place on Saturday 26th.April at 10.00-13.00 hrs. at the same location as the second session (CWG offices, Caraffa Palace, Vittoriosa Waterfront). It included Powerpoint Presentations on a number of important topics. For details, see TRAINING page The main objective of the course is to remind relatively new skippers of the important aspects of their responsibilities and some of  what they need to know for planning, preparing for, and undertaking, an overseas voyage so that they can do so with confidence and enjoyment, and in safety. The theoretical side will, it is hoped, be followed by onboard  “workshops” and  put into practice during the Club’s May Cruise to Syracuse on 23rd May, which is specifically intended for relatively new skippers, who will be accompanied by more experienced ones.  The Course is based on the RYA curriculum. see TRAINING page for further details.                                                                               CLUB BURGEES  These are now available at the price of Lm 5 to full paid-up members, at Club Meetings. They have been very well made and are excellent value. Club burgees are worn by vessels under the command of members of a club to signify membership; they are usually worn, on sailing vessels, on the starboard yardarm, but if that is occupied from the next best position which is the port yard halyard. Exchange & Mart A number of members have indicated that they have boat items surplus to their requirements that they would like to sell or exchange. So if you have such items please send us an email on info@cruising.org.mt.