Article by Tatyana Farrugia, Nic’s Mother.
When my husband first took our 11-year-old son Nic for a trial session in inclusive sailing, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Nic is on the autism spectrum, and like many parents of neurodivergent children, we are always mindful of new environments — the noise, the unpredictability, the social dynamics. Sailing, however, turned out to be something entirely different. It became a space of calm, confidence and quiet achievement.
Our journey began with Joe from the Malta Sailing Federation, who introduced us to the idea of inclusive sailing. From the very first contact, there was a sense of openness and possibility. Joe didn’t focus on limitations; he focused on opportunity. He listened, he reassured, and most importantly, he made us feel that Nic belonged on the water as much as anyone else.
Joe then connected us with Sandra Agius at Viking Sailing Club, and that connection proved to be pivotal. Sandra welcomed us warmly and arranged another trial sail — this time with Coach Daniel.
That first sail was a quiet breakthrough.
Nic can sometimes be hesitant in new settings, but something about the rhythm of the boat, the sound of the water against the hull, and the clear, structured instructions seemed to settle him. Sailing offers predictability within movement — there are steps to follow, ropes to manage, sails to adjust — and that structure suited him. With Coach Daniel’s calm guidance, Nic began to relax. By the end of the session, he was smiling — a smile that told us this was more than just a new activity.
Last summer, Nic enrolled in a sailing course at Viking Sailing Club, this time under the guidance of Coach Emma. What followed was not just skill development, but personal growth.
Emma was exceptionally patient and encouraging. She instinctively understood when to step in and when to give Nic space. Instructions were clear and consistent. Praise was genuine. Corrections were constructive. Most importantly, Nic felt safe — and that sense of comfort made all the difference.
For a child on the autism spectrum, trust is everything. Once that trust was established, his confidence began to build. He learned the terminology. He followed sequences. He anticipated the wind. And then came the moment that felt symbolic of so much more than a sailing manoeuvre: he mastered tacking.
To an outsider, tacking is simply a change of direction — turning the bow of the boat through the wind. To us, it represented adaptability, timing, coordination and courage. It was Nic learning to move forward even when facing resistance. It was technique meeting self-belief.
On the 8th of December 2025, Nic reached another important milestone when he participated in the Clinica iPhone Hector’s Trophy Regatta. Competing in the Hansa category, he came first — an incredible achievement that reflected not only his growing technical skill, but also his determination and focus on the water.
Standing there after the race, Nic felt deeply proud of himself. For us as parents, seeing that pride — earned through effort, perseverance and courage — was one of the most rewarding moments of all.
Inclusive sailing is not about lowering standards or simplifying the sport. It is about opening doors and adjusting approaches so that every child has the chance to experience the exhilaration of harnessing the wind. On the water, labels fall away. There is only sailor and sea.
For Nic, sailing has become a place where he can focus intensely, succeed visibly and feel proud of himself. It has strengthened his independence and resilience. It has given him a community that sees his ability first.
We are deeply grateful to Joe at the Malta Sailing Federation, Sandra Agius at Vikings Sailing Club, and Coaches Daniel and Emma for creating an environment where inclusion is not just a concept but a lived practice.
Sailing teaches us to work with the wind rather than against it. For Nic, that lesson extends far beyond the boat. On the water, he is not defined by a diagnosis. He is simply a sailor — confident, capable, and charting his own course.
