Marsamxett Harbour : Profile

Location

Malta has been blessed by nature with one of the best natural harbours in the Mediterranean and the decline of its traditional role as a Navy base and shipping centre has led to the development of its yachting facilities, which are already among the best in the region.

Marsamxett Harbour is on the northern side of the peninsula on which sits the city of Valletta, the other side of which is Grand Harbour.

Clearance

On arrival all yachts arriving from non-EU waters have to report at the Customs Office at Grand Harbour.

After clearing all formalities, yachts may proceed to one of the guest berths.

Yachts may remain on anchor in mid stream until a berth is allocated by the berthing master who must be contacted at the yachting centre office or via VHF on Ch 13.

Customs Clearance is possible with help of the Msida Marina Office. The Immigration Police office is in a building on the South side of the Marina.

Last updated September 2011 - with information from SY Lime Light

Yachting Centre Administration
Tel:21 332800
info@mma.gov.mt

Docking

The main marine facilities are in the creeks leading off Marsamxett harbour. A breakwater at the opening of Msida Creek has increased the protection of the Msida and Ta’ Xbiex Marina. Lazaretto Creek has stern-to moorings on either side (Lazaretto and Ta'Xbiex quays) and these are used mainly by larger yachts. It is very exposed to the swell caused by the "gregale", a north easterly wind, and yachts should not be left unattended here when it is blowing.

No visiting yachtsman should tie up to any of the large yellow mooring buoys in Sliema Creek; these are private buoys, not available for general use.

All pleasure craft berths are administered by the Malta Maritime Authority, Yachting Centres Directorate. This office, known as The Yachting Centre, is on Msida Point at the entrance to the Msida and Ta’ Xbiex Marina. It allocates berths on a "first come, first served" basis, and they cannot be pre-booked. The most difficult period is during September/October when visitors arrive for a winter stay, and local yachts have not yet been hauled out. By November, there is usually space available for boats wishing to over-winter here. Though Msida Marina can be crowded, the newer Manoel Island Marina has more space available.

Space for anchoring is very limited, but it might be possible to do so off the Manoel Island Slips & Haulout Facility (NOT Manoel Island Marina).

Attention: Two jetties have been laid by the RMYC at the entrance to the Msida and Ta’ Xbiex Marina, which are neither in NAVIONICS charts nor in the IMRAY guides. When you approach the entrance to the marina during night - be careful.

Last updated September 2011

Msida & Ta'Xbiex Marina
53/1 Ta' Xbiex Seafront, Msida MSD 1515
Tel:+356 2133 7049 / Marina Security and after hours number: +356 7933 7249, Fax:+356 2133 7048, VHF Channel 13
http://marinamalta.com/, info@creekdevelopments.com
Under new management (Creek Developments plc) since 1 January 2011. Customs Clearance. 15 floating pontoons for 730 yachts up to 18 metres long. On the inside of the breakwater are guest berths operated on a strictly first-come first-served basis. Further guest berths may be available by prior arrangement. Water and electricity are available at each berth (except those on the south side on the main road). Yachts moor to double lines attached to heavy chain ground tackle. Currently (September 2011) no showers or toilets are available.
Very popular for its shelter from all wind directions, reasonable pricing, and the central location close to banks, hotels, restaurants, chandlery, shops and yacht agencies. 24 hour Security guards on site.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club
Tel:+ 356 21 333 109, Fax:+356 21 331 131
info@rmyc.org
Opening Hours: 0930-1700 Tuesday to Sunday
The RMYC has moved into a building at the entrance to the Msida Creek Marina, behind the "Black Pearl". They have laid two jetties which can be used by visiting yachts, reported to be quite expensive.
Members of recognised clubs may use its facilities for two weeks after which they have to become temporary members.