Gibraltar – Gateway to the Mediterranean

by Nancy Knudsen on 22 May 2006 At the southern tip of Spain, spearing down into the ocean is the ancient guardian rock of the Mediterranean Sea, the Rock of Gibraltar. Today, it is a heavily populated British Outpost, much frequented by sailors from many countries. It’s also a bustling commercial centre, with over 80,000 vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar each year

All visitors are assured of breathtaking scenery, both natural and through its architecture. As a VAT free jurisdiction, the protectorate has a unique flavour which is enhanced by its value added shopping experience in famed Main Street.

The greatest value for sailors, of course, is as a stop when entering or leaving the Mediterranean. Yachting is important to Gibraltar, with each of the three existing marinas being refurbished or enlarged. There’s a repair and maintenance facility for super-yachts at the Cammel Laird yard that has proved particularly successful and the further development of facilities for such yachts, of which more and more call at Gibraltar regularly, is a first priority for the authorities.

For visiting sailors the absence of VAT also makes registering a yacht in Gibraltar an attractive option. In order to make their visit as painless as possible, the authorities have now simplified clearance procedures for sailors who no longer need to visit customs and immigration offices on arrival, but can complete all formalities at one of the three marinas.

What to see when you get there:

Whether on a one day sight-seeing tour or a week-long stay, Gibraltar offers a great deal to see. Get the tax-free shopping over and done with then get your camera out. There are few visitors to the rock that don't undertake the rock tour. The best way to do this is take one of the organised tours or one of the special taxis. There are many things to see on the tour including the famous rock apes.

The Great Siege Tunnels
Constructed in the sieges of the 18th century, a network of tunnels into the rock to allow the mounting of a prototype gun (the first ever to be able to fire downwards). The tunnels you can visit are actually part of a network of more than 32 miles of tunnel.

St. Michael's Cave
A vast underground cavern with an auditorium at the base which is now used to hold concerts. Coloured lighting is used to great effect in the cave and don't miss the giant cross-section of a stalagmite that shows the history of its growth.

The Ape's Den
See the Barbary Apes, first introduced to the rock in the 18th century. They are one of the major symbols of Gibraltar.










Background:

THE STRATEGIC location of Gibraltar explains why, for centuries, the Rock has been used as a naval fortress and why so many battles have been fought over this tiny peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, this same quirk of geography has allowed Gibraltar to become a maritime centre of excellence. Located at a crossroads of Mediterranean and Atlantic shipping lanes, Gibraltar is ideally placed to provide a wide range of services to vessels of all sizes and types.

Down the centuries, Gibraltar has been a place of fierce conflict as well as successful commerce. In ancient times the Rock was used by the Phoenicians, followed by the Carthaginians and the Romans. The Moors held sway from 711 until 1462 when Spain seized control. The Spanish ruled the Rock until 1704 when it was surrendered to Anglo-Dutch forces during the Spanish War of Succession. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht and has remained British ever since.

The development of Gibraltar as a naval port was prompted in part by Lord Nelson. His flagship, 'Victory', was one of several warships repaired at the naval dockyard. The construction of dry docks took place between 1891 and 1906. The naval dockyard continued to be operated by the British Government until 1985 when it became a private concern.

Here’s your choice of three marinas:

Marina Bay
73300 (24 hours)
Tel from Spain: (9567) 73300 (24 hours)
Fax: 42656
Fax from Spain: (9567) 42656
Email: pieroffice@marinabay.gi
Contact Name: Karl Bisset

Marina Bay is located at the northern side of the rock, but faces west and is protected from the humid, east wind called the 'Levant'. The marina offers 209 modern births with computerised service to administer all the basic amenities as well as satellite TV. Showers and bathroom facilities are available and staff are on duty 24 hours a day. There is also a repair service here for larger vessels.

A variety of businesses are located in this marina including financial services and a supermarket. There are also numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of local, Spanish and international cuisine.

And then there’s Sheppards Marina
Sheppard's Marina is located directly opposite Marina Bay and also looks out over the airport runway (which is built over the water). Here there are berths for 150 yachts. It has a system of concrete piers with floating pontoon berths, in a sheltered location, provides very secure berthing in all weather conditions all year round. There are both alongside and stern-to berths.
Telephone (00 350) 75148
Fax (00 350) 42535
VHF Channel 71 (156.575MHz)

Queensway Quay, Gibraltar:
Queensway Quay Marina is the main port and is a British naval base. It is however also used for commercial and recreational purposes.

Queensway Quay is noted for its peace and tranquility in spite of being right in town. It is also a popular place to have a meal as there is a variety of restaurants and bars here. Water is not in short supply on the Rock but is costly, being obtained by desalination. Mooring is Mediterranean style, with (double) stern pick up lines on the pontoon
Telephone 44700
Fax 44699
Email qqmarina@gibnet.gi
VHF Channel 71 (156.575MHz)
Call sign Queensway

Weather:
Weather forecast 8989
Sailing forecast telephone: 8988

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