Living, Working and Sailing in Malta

An interview with Darius Goodwin, the managing director of RLR Yachting.

Expedition Foods: Tell us a little about yourself what is your background?
Darius: Originally born and raised in the UK, I moved to Malta at the age of 14. I was always heavily involved in a variety of sports. I am definitely happy in the outdoors. Now married to my Maltese wife, I have two girls aged 14 and 18.

Expedition Foods: Why did you decide to live abroad?
Darius: My parents retired in Malta and, as I was only 14 years old at the time, I moved with them and never really felt like returning to the UK after getting used to the sunny island life.

Expedition Foods: When did you start sailing?
Darius: Originally, I started windsurfing when I first moved to Malta but then sailing came as part of my first official job. Cruising locally led to skippered charters, deliveries and even racing.

Expedition Foods: Are you involved in other sea sports?
Darius: Yes, luckily in Malta we are blessed with good weather. Because of this, I take the opportunity and run and swim in the sea all year round. Sailing is also on the cards and motorbike touring until Covid-19 raised its ugly head and stopped us from traveling. There are never enough sports to try, the only issue is time.

Expedition Foods: Who are RLR Yachting and when did you join?
Darius: RLR Yachting was the first yachting company to be set up in Malta. It was established in 1964 by the two Ripard brothers and their American friend Bill Larvan. I joined 18 years ago and started assisting in the chandlery. Today, I am the managing director of RLR.

Expedition Foods: What is your favourite boat and why?
Darius: Difficult question. Being a bit of an adrenaline junky, I think the J70 is one the most fun boats I have sailed on, closely followed by the Hobie Tiger. Both offer fantastic thrills, close racing and a great way to improve your skill levels. Saying this, I also love spending the day relaxing out on an AXOPAR or a RIB with the family, swimming and just relaxing.

Expedition Foods: What sailing dates do you have on your 2021 calendar?
Darius: Again, quite a difficult one. A lot is going to depend on Covid-19 and how we move ahead. Fingers crossed racing starts again and we take it from there. Rolex Middle Sea Race is always a highlight for us.

Expedition Foods: What would you say to beginners wanting to get into sailing?
Darius: Get stuck in and take any and every opportunity you can to go sailing. If there is one important bit of advice I could give, it would be to always go sailing with people better than you. Like this, you will learn so much more…

To find out more about RLR Yachting, visit https://rlryachting.com/.

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