Though he has been sailing for most of his life, Keith Sammut still can’t get over the beauty of a Maltese sunrise, as viewed from the gentle rocking of one of his catamarans. “It truly is a privilege to be out at sea, especially during the long summer days,” the Founder and Director of Suncat Malta Charters says.
Keith has been enamoured with the sea as long as he can remember. Born and raised in St. Paul’s Bay, his childhood was steeped in nautical traditions, he had a particular facination with his father’s lampuki fishing expeditions. “My father would go out at sea for a week at a time on a friend’s fishing boat, fishing for lampuki. That used to pique my interest, and I guess that’s where it all started,” Keith reminisces.
Keith's passion with the sea only grew stronger when, at the age of 12, his father purchased their own family boat which now saw the young sailor take on firsthand experience. While most boys would be eager to get their hands on their driving licence for their 18th birthday, Keith had other plans.
“By the time I turned 18, I had already been sailing for most of my teens, and had fallen in love with it. So, it was natural for me to further my studies on the subject, and obtained my private captain’s license, even before I had learned to drive a car. I never looked back from then,” Keith continues.
Now at 32, Keith has amassed a wealth of experience on the waves, having worked as a boat master for two maritime companies. In fact, for many years, Keith worked in the nautical supply and ship chandelling business giving him ample experience, in all weather conditions.
“Supplying tankers regardless of weather or season, meant facing the sea in all its moods. Often, we braved very adverse and inclement weather to ensure our deliveries, but it was all part of the job.”
Today, leading Suncat Malta Charters, Keith channels all his emphasis on the comfort and safety of his clients who choose his private chartering services to spend a fun day out at sea.
Suncat Malta Charters operates from its bases in Sliema and Ta’ Xbiex, boasts a fleet of three catamarans and employs a team of three certified skippers and two deckhands. “Our flagship and first vessel is the Valentina S – named after my supportive wife who encouraged me to purchase her back in 2016. Since then, the other catamarans came in the past two years, and are named Varela S and Nea S. The 'S' stands for Sammut, so they are practically an extension of our family really,” Keith explains.
Keith ensures that every charter is a memorable and safe experience for his customers. The sailing season runs from April to October, with peak months from June to September. Suncat Malta Charters offers a variety of excursions, tailored to meet everyone’s expectations. Day charters last around eight hours, while sunset charters, start at 7pm, and are guaranteed to provide a magical spectacle of light over Malta’s coastal beauty. For those seeking a longer adventure, multiday charters can be arranged ad hoc, and normally range from two to eight days. These include overnight stays that offer the previously mentioned privilege of waking up to a sunrise over the stunning Mediterranean blue.
Suncat Malta Charters also specialises in corporate events, with the company hosting team-building exercises, including races, games, and all sorts of enjoyable team-building activities. Very satisfied clientele include the iGaming and real estate sectors among others; who have enjoyed planned events, complete With customised menus, drinks, and music.
Running a successful private charter business, Keith emphasises, is about more than just owning boats. “Though we might not be very visible during the winter and shoulder months, running a charter business is a year-round venture,” he qualifies.
“When not in the water, the boats need maintenance, cleaning and all sorts of interventions to ensure that they are sea-worthy in the upcoming season. Other than that, it takes utmost dedication to the craft and an unwavering focus on client satisfaction,” Keith notes.
For Keith, the true reward lies in the feedback from his clientele. "When we receive glowing reviews and see repeat customers coming back for another trip, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,” Keith concludes.
