Malta Updates 2012

For anyone contemplating sailing to Malta, as most have already heard, the Maltese marinas are most of the time fully booked and beyond most cruisers’ budgets. There are plausible reasons for this and that is that demand exceeds the supply, everyone knows the end result. Having said all that, there are places during the summer where you can anchor safely and with very nice surroundings. If you keep an eye on the weather one can move around fairly easily as the Maltese archipelago is small, just 17nm by 14nm in total.

Anchorages:

Malta, West coast: All anchorages are good from May until September, but even until the end of November it is possible – with good weather forecasts – to linger around this beautiful archipelago. The worst months are December through to the end of February.

Mellieha Bay: Consisting of a very deep bay with sand and weed bottom very good holding. There is a nice beach at the head of the bay and very nice surroundings.

St Paul’s Bay: This is also a large bay and anchoring is possible in several places: south of St Paul’s Island; further west below the cliffs; across the bay at Bugibba and also just before the west mooring field. Provisioning here is excellent with supermarkets, small grocery shops, two fishmongers, hardware stores all within a short walking distance. There is also many seafront bars and restaurants. There is a bus service to most of the island including the airport. You can land the dinghy behind the southern breakwater and tie up to the low wall, it is secure and you can go and explore the island from here.

Marsamxett Harbour: Anchoring is possible in front of the Royal Malta Yacht Club in 30 ft over mud. This is a very spectacular place to be and also very close to all the chandleries and marine services. There is an abundance of restaurants and bars a short distance away.

Marsaxlok Fishing Harbour: There are several places to anchor in this picturesque fishing village with adequate spots to tie up your dinghy. Some repair services are available and to the south-west of the large bay is a yard where you can haul out for storage or short term at very reasonable prices. Provisioning is very good here and public transportation also available to most parts of the island.

These spots above are the most popular on the main island, There are many small bays and coves that in good weather are great anchorages with good holding, follow the link below, it is excellent and once you start browsing through it you will be amazed at how much is there to offer.

http://www.maritimedirectory.com.mt/cruising.asp

Marinas:

Manoel Island Marina: This is the best one and the most reasonable we found. It is part of Manoel Island  Yard. The marina is located on the south coast of Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour. We paid €450.00 excluding Vat of 18% for one month, and you should be able to get a slip here during the summer months for a short period, showers and toilets as you enter through the gates. Utilities are extra; security 24/7, no WiFi at the moment. It is conveniently located near most of the service centres and chandleries all are within a short walk, as are many restaurants and groceries. Public transportation is available close by to most parts of the island. Contact Pierre Aquilina – Marina Manager at +356-21342618 or visit the website: http://www.miym.com.mt/

Grand Harbour Marina (Camper and Nicolson operation). This is a high-end Marina with all the facilities but a month here for a 12-metre yacht will run around €945.00/month. There is a couple of chandleries with limited supplies but they can get you items from their other location the same day. There are very nice restaurants along the way out of the marina and 24/7 security, utilities are extra. This marina is located in a historical area of Grand Harbour and has spectacular surroundings of fortresses that date back to the 15th century. Provisioning is available close by within walking distance. Public transportation is not as frequent from here but there are water taxies that will take you to Valletta the Capital across the harbour. For more info visit their website: http://www.cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/grand-harbour-marina

Kalkara Boat Yard and Marina: This marina is located in the second creek to your port side as you enter the Grand Harbour. They have a couple of pontoons and charge €30.00/day for 12 meters, no discounts for long-term stays, showers are included. It is a small village but not much else, some restaurants around the creek and non-frequent public transportation.  Call for rates: +356- 21661306.  Website: http://www.kalkaraboatyard.com.mt/home.php [Broken Link]

Msida Creek Marina: In 2012 it was being renovated i.e. pontoons being replaced and the marina was closed for visiting boats. The marina was paying their contract clients to go stay at other marinas around the island. From the progress I have seen, it is not likely that it will be ready to accept visitors for the summer of 2013.

Sandy Yacht Marina: At the moment this is an organized mooring field with fore and aft moorings. The company has applied for a proper marina with Med moor pontoons, but as of this writing, nothing has happened. They have free pickup and delivery back to your boat so you do not have to keep your dinghy in the water. More details and prices at this link: http://www.sym-malta.com/ [Broken Link]

Portomaso Marina: This is a small marina located in an upscale area of Malta surrounded by high-end condominiums and restaurants. There is a small chandlery with limited stock catering for the small marina and the fishing fleet nearby in Spinola Bay. This is near the heart of the entertainment district and easy public transportation to the rest of the island. This is the most expensive marina in Malta simply because of its location.

Mgarr Harbour Marina: This is the only marina located on the island of Gozo, it has very nice surroundings and if you like a more relaxed atmosphere this is the place to be. Gozo is a fantastic island with very nice scenery and you will find anything you want here. Ferry service every 30 minutes to Malta right from the harbour. This is an all year marina with the most reasonable rates and the one you are most likely to get a shot at for the summer. Rates and contacts on this link: http://www.gozomarina.net/tariffs.shtml

Boatyards:

Manoel Island Yacht Yard: This is the largest boatyard in Malta with slipways and travel lift, a large area for hard standing with 24/7 security, we were quoted for our 12-meter boat as follows:

Ground rent including Shore Services of Water and Electricity Per Week €66.00

Minimum ground rent charge €120

Many services included

For more info. and contacts visit their website: http://www.yachtyard-malta.com/

Klakara Boat Yard: This is the same yard mentioned above. All I can tell you is that it has become the most expensive yard on the island since we wintered our boat there for the winter of 2000/2001. There are very clean showers. This is a totally enclosed yard with 24/7 security. Rates are individually quoted: Visit their website for more info: http://www.kalkaraboatyard.com.mt/home.php [Broken Link]

Marsaxlokk Harbour Yard: This yard is located in the very south of the island close to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. It has a 300-ton travel lift and many services we couldn’t acquire. This is where the large tour boats, gullets and large fishing boats hauled out for repairs. If you are interested to haul out here anchor in the bay of Marsaxlokk and dinghy over to get more info. This is a very good place to anchor with good holding and almost all-around protection.

A&J Baldacchino Boatyard Ltd: This is just for hard standing, but you are not allowed to DIY and they do not like very long-term storage.

Contact: Mr Joseph Baldacchino;

Tel: +356-2165 2904

Email: info@ajbaldacchinoboat

Services:

Anything can be made in Malta, including stainless steel and aluminium fabrication and welding, canvas, sail making and repairs and also upholstery, electronics repairs and many more. There are many suppliers in Gzira where the hub of the boating industry is, with many chandleries offering turnkey services. Quality of workmanship is excellent by any standard. For diesel call none other than Fred Wood at 356-9986-4844, Fred is the Perkins rep and works on all diesel engines.  Any engine manufacturer is represented here.

Mario Borg

SY Maltese Falcon