Port of the Month: Gibraltar

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-07-14 14:16:49
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Countries: Gibraltar

Gibraltar’s strategic location at the point of contact between the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean has been the main feature in the Rock’s eventful history and continues to be its main attraction to this very day. While commercial shipping takes the lion’s share of Gibraltar’s maritime activities, the improvement and expansion of yachting facilities is an ongoing priority of the Gibraltar government. Major changes were under way in late March 2006 when this reporter visited Gibraltar to update the information featured on noonsite. The most important change occurred at Sheppard’s Marina, the oldest in Gibraltar, which had been taken over by a property developer who is now in the process of turning it into an attractive area with residential apartments, shops, restaurants arranged around a somewhat smaller marina. The Ocean Village residential complex, and the renamed and fully refurbished Ocean Village Marina, are expected to be completed in 2007. In the meantime the marina itself is closed to visitors and arrangements are being made for the existing yachts to be docked elsewhere. Some of the very old boats that had spent years at Sheppard’s and whose owners are not able or willing to go elsewhere, will be towed out into the Straits and sunk to create artificial reefs for divers. Sheppard’s main feature, the well stocked chandlery, still operates from the same location and will continue to do so. Sheppard’s yard and repair facilities have been moved to Coaling Island where a 40 ton travelift and 35 ton crane are in operation.

Next to Sheppard’s, Marina Bay Marina, is being refurbished with all mooring chains being replaced. All work will be completed in time for the summer season.

Queensway Marina is fully operational but development work is under way there too on an artificial island that has been reclaimed next to the outer breakwater. This will become a residential area which will provide additional docking space on a number of new pontoons. To improve access into the marina, the entrance has been moved to the northern end of the breakwater.

One great improvement that came onstream in March 2006 was the closure of the customs and immigration facility at Waterport, next to Marina Bay. From now on yachts clear in on arrival at the marina of their choice and are no longer required to call first at the customs dock. On arrival, skippers are required to visit the marina office with ship’s papers, passports of all crew and the yacht’s insurance certificate.

Plans to build a new Sheppard’s Marina immediately to the north of the runway have been held up by the Royal Air Force’s refusal to allow such a development to proceed so close to the runway as it may constitute a safety hazard. Negotiations with the authorities are continuing and the project has not been abandoned, but its chances of success look slim. However, according to the Gibraltar Tourist Board, regardless of the outcome of the controversy over the new Sheppard’s marina, the government is already engaged in a long term project for the development of the east side of the Rock. This major project includes the building of a cruise ship terminal, hotel complex and a large new marina.

Most yachts that call at Gibraltar do so not only because its location makes it such a convenient stop but mainly to take advantage of the excellent provisioning and wide range of goods available. A large Morrison supermarket caters for all tastes, its shelves stacked with foods that are difficult or impossible to find anywhere in neighbouring Spain. But Gibraltar’s main attraction has always been its duty-free goods, whether jewellery, cameras, wines or spirits. As a member of the European Union, but outside the VAT area, yachting equipment sold in Gibraltar is very reasonably priced as is fuel. Due to its non-VAT status Gibraltar is also an attractive place to register a yacht and this can be easily done if the yacht belongs to a company registered in Gibraltar, which is a relatively simple procedure.

Gibraltar has been associated with yachting for nearly two centuries and the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club is one of the oldest in the world having been founded in 1829. As part of the reorganisation of the waterfront area, the club has been allocated new premises close to its old location to which it will move during 2006. Whether in the old or its new premises, the yacht club continues to welcome visiting members of reputable clubs.

Several direct flights to London and Manchester make crew changes in Gibraltar quick and convenient. This aspect will become even better if, as expected, agreement is reached with the Spanish authorities in the coming months to operate the airport jointly so that other airlines will provide flights to several new European destinations.