Msida Marina, Marsamxett harbour : Profile

Clearance

Prior to arrival contact Port Control on VHF channel 12 for berthing/anchoring instructions.

The guest berth is located on the Breakwater Quay at the opening to Msida Creek. All formalities are carried out at the Yachting Centre located close to Breakwater Quay. Port police (Immigration) and Customs have officers on duty there. The office hours are 0800-1700 daily, but extended until 2000 from 16 June to 30 September. If the customs berth is full it is possible to anchor and come in by dinghy for clearance.

Yachting Centre
Malta Maritime Authority, Ta'Xbiex Seafront, Ta'Xbiex MSD 11, Malta
Tel:(356) 21 33 28 00 , Fax:(356) 21 33 21 41, VHF Channel 09
http://mma.gov.mt , info@mma.gov.mt
This centre deals with deals with clearance and berthing.

Docking

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Manoel Island Marina
Manoel Island, Gzira, GZR 06
Tel:+356 2133 8589, Fax:+356 2133 1714
info@manoelislandmarina.com
A new marina with water and electricity to each berth. Other facilities include showers, fire hoses, CCTV security, grey and black water disposal. Less crowded than Msida Marina and also closer to shopping, bus transportation and technical facilities of the nearby boatyard.

Msida Marina
Msida MSD 08, Malta
Tel:21 235 711, 21 235 713
Fifteen floating pontoons provide berths for 700 yachts up to 18 metres long. Water and electricity are available at each berth. Yachts moor to double lines attached to heavy chain ground tackle. Showers, toilets, overseas telephones, poste restante and restaurant at the Administration Block which also houses Customs and Police. Close to banks, hotels, restaurants, chandlery shops and yacht agencies.

Yacht Clubs

The Royal Malta Yacht Club
Couvre Port, Manoel Island, Gzira
Tel:21 333 109, Fax:21 331 131
Opening Hours: 0930-1700 Tuesday to Sunday
The club is located in Fort Manoel. Members of recognised clubs may use its facilities for two weeks after which they have to become temporary members.

Valletta Yacht Club
Tel:356 2133 1131
Information on chartering is available.

Related Reports

World Cruising Handbook Corrections and Updates 3: Mediterranean (08 Jan 2007)

Mediterranean Westbound Passage Notes from Argonauta 1 (2004) (23 Jun 2006)

Registration Of Yachts In Malta With 5.4% VAT (17 Jan 2006)

Worrying Midnight Encounter (19 Aug 2005)

World Cruising Handbook, Corrections August to November 2004 (18 Dec 2004)

Ten New Members Join European Union (14 May 2004)

A Personal View of Malta (01 Feb 2003)

Related News

Noonsite Book Of The Month: North Africa (13 Nov 2006)

Noonsite Port Of The Month: Valetta, Malta (02 Oct 2006)