Review: Waldemar from Malta

I am Waldemar, I live on the mostly sunny island of Malta.

Which Tiwal model do you have?

I’m the proud owner of the Tiwal 3R racing dinghy, which I’ve had for only a few months.

Where do you sail?

I mostly sail around Malta and Sicily. The Maltese islands are glorious, and on good days, the water is a sparkling paradise. I’ve been sailing since childhood and never really grew out of it—nor do I plan to.

What was your experience before Tiwal?

I started on dinghies like the 420s, 470s, and catamarans up to the Hobie Cat 18. Fast, accelerating, and an excellent way to learn the water – It’s in fact very wet. By 23, I was already a Yacht Master Ocean, which basically meant swapping small waves for bigger ones and keeping chasing this lovely combination of wind, water, and freedom.

Single-handed or doucble-handed?

I mostly sail single-handed because the Tiwal 3R was practically made for solo adrenaline junkies like me. There’s a certain thrill in having no one to blame but yourself if things go sideways.

Now and then, though, my better half joins me. Those outings are more romantic sightseeing and less about ‘hanging on for dear life’. It’s good to dial down the white-knuckle approach occasionally — or so I’ve been told.

How is it going so far?

Brilliantly, every outing feels like a full-body workout: arms, legs, core, and muscles I never knew existed. Judging by how sore I am the next day, they’re clearly protesting years of neglect.

My current speed record is 12.5 knots, which I’m rather pleased about, given I’ve only been sailing it for a few months. Twenty knots of wind? That’s like my morning espresso—it just warms me up. The best part is watching people’s faces when they realize this is an inflatable boat. They usually expect a glorified pool toy, but the Tiwal 3R is anything but.

What characteristics surprised you?

The sheer power packed into something that fits in the back of my car is incredible. I was honestly prepared for compromises, thinking an inflatable might mean slow and wobbly. Instead, it planes like a dream, responds instantly to every twitch of the sail or helm, and basically shouts, ‘Hold on tight!’ It’s an odd mix of ‘this is so easy’ and ‘Oh no, what have I done?’, which, of course, keeps me hooked.

What is your best memory with your Tiwal?

My very first capsize takes the crown. I thought ‘best’ might be a stretch if you saw me flailing about. It was blowing around 20 knots, and I discovered, the hard way, that I hadn’t actually memorized the how to get back on section of the manual.

After several ungraceful attempts and a few deep existential sighs, I began to wonder if my next port of call might be the African coast. At one point, I even started considering what my life might look like as a permanent sea drifter—maybe finding a desert island and starting a new civilization. No chance I was going to radio for help. That would be super humiliating. Eventually, I managed to right the boat, climb aboard, and sail off as though nothing had happened. Nowadays, flipping it back is a 30-second job, but the first time truly tested both my determination and upper body strength.

Where would you dream to sail with your Tiwal?

I would love to take it to the Caribbean: steady trade winds, turquoise water, and a refreshing cocktail waiting at the end of the day.

But my more realistic near-future goal is France in 2026 for the Tiwal Cup. I can’t wait to meet other Tiwal fanatics, soak up the atmosphere, and perhaps glean a few tips on how to squeeze even more speed out of this little rocket. I won’t pretend I’m going to win, but I’ll absolutely give it everything I’ve got—preferably without an unexpected swimming break.