Destination of the Week- Malta

by Nancy Knudsen on 10 Nov 2008 Malta, that stony island with the long military history and the picturesque architecture, has always had a sailing-mad community, and flocks of visiting yachts from other parts of the Mediterranean. Now it's also becoming more and more a favourite destination for super yachts.

Whatever you think of superyachts, you can't really blame them for choosing this historic sailing Mecca. It's ideally located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the locals speak English, it has great facilities, mild winters, a fascinating and colourful culture and even top-class cappucinos!

There are also plenty of places to sail and it would be easy to spend a week exploring the delightful local anchorages. As the Maltese are enthusiastic boaters, some of the anchorages - like the popular Blue Lagoon, tend to be very busy, especially weekends. The archipelago actually consists of three islands, with Gozo as the other large island, and small Comino, between the two. Gozo is less crowded than Malta, with excellent anchorages and a pleasant marina in the main port of Mgarr.
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There are several berthing/mooring options, from very economical to highly expensive. In waterways off to the right from Marsamxett Harbour is the most popular with visiting yachts, Msida Marina, but you have to go to Grand Harbour these days to check-in. The newer Manoel Island Marina is also located nearby, and the marinas are economical probably because they are operated by the Maltese Government. Now that a Customs office - and a more relaxed one we hear - is at Gozo's Port of Mgarr, one may find more cruising sailors stopping there in the future.

Next year, all the marinas will be privatised, so you can expect to see some significant changes - certainly the prices shall probably rise.

However, it's back in Valetta, in Grand Harbour, that you find a little luxury. Grand Harbour Marina is a comparatively elegant affair, but more difficult for accessing the range of services normally required by long-range cruisers. It is here that the superyachts are starting to be seen in ever increasing numbers, in the Camper & Nicholson's Grand Harbour Marina.

Grand Harbour Marina is also favourably situated, as it is sheltered in deep waters and, for superyachts, it has the advantage that Malta Superyacht Services is located in the creek next to the marina. They provide enclosed dry-docking and a one-stop-shop for marine services.

Ben Stuart, general manager of the Grand Harbour Marina said, “In today’s climate, Grand Harbour Marina and Malta provides owners, management, captains and crew a very attractive and cost effective location to berth Super Yachts both during the winter and in the summer months”

Grand Harbour Marina already enjoys a good reputation as an attractive centre for super yachts. Over the past few years the marina has welcomed over 400 visiting yachts and has recently added to its operating berthing space.

Asked to comment about the imminent announcement of the privatisation of part of the marinas owned by the government, Mr Stuart is enthusiastic, believing that privatisation is a key and essential component if the industry is to retain its freshness. “Camper & Nicholsons was here in the early days of yachting in Malta and firmly believes in the potential of Malta.”