Salana Sailing
Salana Sailing
5
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About
Join us for some sunny and exhilarating summer sailing in Portugal, cruise around the Azores or try some winter sailing in the Canary Islands. Enjoy a relaxing week’s sailing or do an RYA training course such as Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper. Alternatively maybe cruise further afield to Madeira, Gibraltar or even Morocco. Whatever you choose, our friendly and knowledgeable RYA trained skippers will provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience. We enjoy summer sailing in Portugal and would like to share our passion for sailing with whoever decides to spend some time with us on our boats. So come along and sail the Canary islands with us this winter or the Azores Portugal in the summer.
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5.0
26 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
0
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Tiger824
Washington, DC58 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
Salana Sailing is just the best. I chose it based on TA reviews, which promised solid instruction and plenty of fun. Good call, TA community!
Anna Maria was helpful with the communications and payment up front and went out of her way to help me organize my trip to Lanzarote. Upon arrival, I was happy to find our boat, Felicity, was in excellent condition and well-provisioned. Gareth and Anna Maria clearly take pride in their boats and take good care of them.
I immediately liked my instructor, Maddie. I did a skills refresher course, and she did a terrific job plotting out each day to ensure we covered all the key material, but also had plenty of time to relax in the sun and just sail around. She explained things comprehensively, and whenever a dicey moment arose (parking boats in a busy marina is hard!), she kept her cool and offered perfect instructions. Maddie, Gareth, and all the sailors were just lovely. I had a lot of fun, ate great food, learned plenty, and left with some new friends. Can’t wait to sail with Salana again!
Anna Maria was helpful with the communications and payment up front and went out of her way to help me organize my trip to Lanzarote. Upon arrival, I was happy to find our boat, Felicity, was in excellent condition and well-provisioned. Gareth and Anna Maria clearly take pride in their boats and take good care of them.
I immediately liked my instructor, Maddie. I did a skills refresher course, and she did a terrific job plotting out each day to ensure we covered all the key material, but also had plenty of time to relax in the sun and just sail around. She explained things comprehensively, and whenever a dicey moment arose (parking boats in a busy marina is hard!), she kept her cool and offered perfect instructions. Maddie, Gareth, and all the sailors were just lovely. I had a lot of fun, ate great food, learned plenty, and left with some new friends. Can’t wait to sail with Salana again!
Written 18 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henry wood
3 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
Gareth and his team are fanatastic. Second week sailing with Gareth very knowledgeable and skilled but great fun. Just had a sailing skills week so was able to go at our pace with what we wanted to. Would sail with Salana every day if I could.
Written 18 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter B
Vienna, Austria14 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
We arranged all via email. No probs, no weird requirements or rules.
Upon arrival, the boat was ready, so we simply entered, like in a hotel. It was a simple course for six days with a very relaxed, knowledgeable trainer and fully flexible schedule. I felt like I was on a cruise ship, but indeed learned a lot ranging from navigation and wind directions to safety on while sailing. All structured and well organized. I am planning to return.
Upon arrival, the boat was ready, so we simply entered, like in a hotel. It was a simple course for six days with a very relaxed, knowledgeable trainer and fully flexible schedule. I felt like I was on a cruise ship, but indeed learned a lot ranging from navigation and wind directions to safety on while sailing. All structured and well organized. I am planning to return.
Written 7 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula T
Athlone, Ireland12 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
Gareth will be wincing with that butchering of nautical sayings (his own mastermind subject), but I have to say that after spending a full week doing my Day Skipper course with Salana Sailing, I couldn’t have asked for a better combination of top quality patient instruction in such a lovely relaxed social sailing environment. It was my first time doing such a course and I had an absolute ball. The mornings were spent topping up on theory, followed by practical boat manoeuvres and then finishing the day off with lively evenings in local restaurants with excellent company all around. No eye cream will get rid of those laughter lines and I now know the meaning of the saying ‘Three sheets to the wind’! Anna and Gareth are a super couple that work really well together and create a lovely atmosphere on their boats. They go out of their way to make sure you enjoy the sailing experience as much as they do and have words of encouragement for everyone, regardless of their sailing level. It was no surprise to hear that the majority of their clients are repeat business and I for one will be happy to join that crew. Thanks a million to you both xx plus one for Quirky x
Written 1 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Paula, thank you so much for your lovely (and very funny) words. You were absolutely fantastic and such great company on the boat. It was a pleasure having you, getting to know you and sharing with you both our sailing passion and also our daily life. Thank you fo having been so amazing. We still laugh when we remember of all the jokes and we keep on mentioning you on a daily basis. You are always welcome to come whenever you want wherever we are in the world. You have 3 new fans (yes Qwerky too is a fan)
Written 3 March 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Niels
9 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
If you are novice, be sure that you will come back home with knowledge you would not have expect to gain within one week.
They are definitely patient to give you time to process everything and then they will test the knowledge over and over :-D
You feel safe and secure on their boat so the perfect surrounding to be learning how to sail.
I am glad we landed with Salana and having in my mind to follow a next course one day maybe alsow with them.
They are definitely patient to give you time to process everything and then they will test the knowledge over and over :-D
You feel safe and secure on their boat so the perfect surrounding to be learning how to sail.
I am glad we landed with Salana and having in my mind to follow a next course one day maybe alsow with them.
Written 24 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Yannick. It was absolutely a delight to have you on board. We really admired and appreciated your tenacity to learn. Keep sailing and keep learning. Also you are always welcome on our boats.
Written 26 February 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rasmus K
3 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Very well maintained and well equipped boats skippered by EXCELLENT people!
Anna made my trip with Salana Sailing happen with the best and friendliest of helpfulness - and Gareth made sure the trip had everything it needed in fun, adventurous and educational experiences.
Don't hesitate - GO GO GO!
Anna made my trip with Salana Sailing happen with the best and friendliest of helpfulness - and Gareth made sure the trip had everything it needed in fun, adventurous and educational experiences.
Don't hesitate - GO GO GO!
Written 2 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Rasmus, thank you so much for your lovely worlds. Really appreciated. It was great having you on board. Keep in touch and keep sailing ;)
Written 3 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mcreusere
Austin3 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
I just returned from a week sailing course with Salana Sailing in Malta and was very pleased with the level of attention Gareth and Anna Maria give as hosts and instructors. Anna Maria was extremely helpful in making arrangements for the course and in providing suggestions for sightseeing after it was finished. Gareth was a thorough and patient instructor, who went out of his way to ensure that not only the course syllabus was learned, but that we were presented with additional practical information that would be useful in the future. The passion they both have for sailing and for Malta showed on a daily basis. I highly recommend Salana Sailing for RYA courses or holiday excursions!
Written 27 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely and kind words. It was great having you on board! I look forward to when our paths meet again....in the meantime fair winds.
Written 3 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mia C
Naxxar, Malta1 contribution
Sept 2017 • Couples
So I’ve just completed my ‘Competent Crew’ with Salana Sailing, and I heartily recommend it! This was the first time I’d been sailing, and my word, Salana Sailing was totally the right choice in choosing to take those first steps with, because I’m hooked! Run by a wonderful couple, and experiencing this week with one half of this engaging duo, I was totally put at ease straight away.
Gareth provided such a wide breadth of knowledge of sailing that was comforting, without being overwhelming. From those first steps of safety instructions, and motoring out of the marina, to really getting into the nitty gritty physical side of sailing, I really felt it was within my grasp.
Malta is such a beautiful country to run this course in! To see it from the water really brought that beauty to another dimension! Gareth’s vast local knowledge meant that we could anchor up in the stunning Mgarr ix-Xini for example. The setting of the Bradgelina movie ‘By The Sea,’ (terrible movie but picturesque setting) Gareth was exceptional in explaining everything in detail so that we easily understood what was required of us, and how to sail safely.
Thank you Salana Sailing for an amazing week, and I can’t wait for the next step, day skipper!
Gareth provided such a wide breadth of knowledge of sailing that was comforting, without being overwhelming. From those first steps of safety instructions, and motoring out of the marina, to really getting into the nitty gritty physical side of sailing, I really felt it was within my grasp.
Malta is such a beautiful country to run this course in! To see it from the water really brought that beauty to another dimension! Gareth’s vast local knowledge meant that we could anchor up in the stunning Mgarr ix-Xini for example. The setting of the Bradgelina movie ‘By The Sea,’ (terrible movie but picturesque setting) Gareth was exceptional in explaining everything in detail so that we easily understood what was required of us, and how to sail safely.
Thank you Salana Sailing for an amazing week, and I can’t wait for the next step, day skipper!
Written 22 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
El Sebastador
Santander, Spain36 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
We sailed with Anna and Gareth for 6 days/5 nights in Malta this last August. It was our first sailing experience ever and feared a bit how it would go with our family of 4 kids.
It turned out to be a great experience, the kids never got bored and I liked it so much that I want to go back on my own and take the skipper course. My wife also loved it, which is quite an achievement to have hyper active me and super relaxed her both love it.
Noticeable items include:
1. Gareth and Anna being super nice, dedicated, they spent so much time with the kids to make them also enjoy their experience: knot making competition, dinky tours, dyi boat construction, skip the boat yourself,... all great for our seven years old twins boys.
2. The boat is very comfortable: beds are all comfortables and large, two showers, two bathrooms, fridge, freezer,... Everything you need is there. A tip anyway: fight the get to sleep in front cabin, which is by far the largest one!
3. Anna does the cooking as well, some of the dishes she made are just delicious, like the maltese rabbit for example. And she also spots really well when to pull out the fresh bottle of white wine and start the short drinks moment.
4. Anna was also veru helpful when we planned the trip, she took her time to answer our questions and made it really clear what to expect and what not to expect on the boat.
It turned out to be a great experience, the kids never got bored and I liked it so much that I want to go back on my own and take the skipper course. My wife also loved it, which is quite an achievement to have hyper active me and super relaxed her both love it.
Noticeable items include:
1. Gareth and Anna being super nice, dedicated, they spent so much time with the kids to make them also enjoy their experience: knot making competition, dinky tours, dyi boat construction, skip the boat yourself,... all great for our seven years old twins boys.
2. The boat is very comfortable: beds are all comfortables and large, two showers, two bathrooms, fridge, freezer,... Everything you need is there. A tip anyway: fight the get to sleep in front cabin, which is by far the largest one!
3. Anna does the cooking as well, some of the dishes she made are just delicious, like the maltese rabbit for example. And she also spots really well when to pull out the fresh bottle of white wine and start the short drinks moment.
4. Anna was also veru helpful when we planned the trip, she took her time to answer our questions and made it really clear what to expect and what not to expect on the boat.
Written 17 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your very kind words and lovely comments. We loved having all 6 of you on the boat with us last August. We mention you all often and every now and again we remember one of the comments by the kids and smile at the memory. Every time i pick up the anchor I have to remember of the twins :) We are so happy you all enjoyed the experience. Sending you all much love and a massive hug to the kids please
Written 18 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
demosito
St. Petersburg, Russia3 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Me and my friends had a fantastic one day boat trip on Salana with Gareth and Anna. The boat is comfortable for 10 people and is very well maintained and beautiful. The owners are absolutely lovely people and a highly competent and attentive crew. Spending time on the boat with them was a lot of fun. I would recommend Salana Sailing for both entertainment (it is not always available, plan in advance!) and learning courses as I heard highly positive feedback about it as well. The only regret I have is that at the moment I don't have time for a longer trip on this gorgeous sail boat!
Written 30 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your very kind words. We absolutely enjoyed having you all on the boat. We hope that you manage some more sailing days wherever you will be in due course when time permits it.
Written 31 August 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doctorflora
Moscow, Russia303 contributions
Hi.
How much is trip in Malta for 2 persons?
We with my husband would like to attend to the group (if You gather people) and pay only for us.
We look forward to Your answer as we plan to make a trip in Thursday.
Thank You
Doctorflora
Moscow, Russia303 contributions
Hi.
How much is trip in Malta for 2 persons?
We with my husband would like to attend to the group (if You gather people) and pay only for us.
We look forward to Your answer as we plan to make a trip in Thursday.
Thank You
Muriel25
Nottingham, UK10 contributions
Hi
Is this a day sailing or longer. I'm in Malta and would like to have a go at sailing ?
Anna Maria D
Trapani, Italy1 contribution
Hi, thank you for your message. We actually do both. The RYA courses are generally over a minimum of 5 days. However we also do day sailing/cruising. If you wish to know more please send us an email directly.