| Site Sponsors |
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Noonsite Port Of The Month: Valetta, Malta
Created by
doina.
Last modified on 2006-10-02 09:31:35
Strategically placed in the very centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has been from earliest times a hub of maritime communications. Throughout its turbulent history the island of Malta has welcomed all kinds of sailors to its shores, the most famous among them being St Paul who was shipwrecked here in a violent storm on his way to Rome. In more recent times Malta has become a sought after yachting destination with some of the best facilities in the entire Mediterranean. Many of the yachts who over-winter or have even made their permanent base here were attracted not only by the quality of the services offered but also by Malta’s special status as a tax-free destination. With Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004 this special aspect has come to an end and non-EU yachts are no longer allowed to overstay the maximum period stipulated by EU regulations. While EU membership may have dented some of Malta’s attractions to yachts flying the flags of non-EU countries, its popularity seems to have remained largely unaffected and local marinas continue to be full with visiting yachts. The main yachting facilities are all concentrated in and around the capital Valetta and its various well sheltered harbours. The largest marina, with a capacity for some 700 yachts, is Msida Marina located in the southern part of Marsamxett Harbour. The marina is administered by the Malta Maritime Authority but there is a strong possibility that in the near future it will be put out to tender as a private concession as has happened to other facilities. Visiting yachts are usually directed to the first or second pontoons closest to the entrance as both the marina office and those of customs and immigration are located here. Immediately to the north lies Lazaretto Creek on whose southern shore are number of moorings along Ta’Xbiex Quay, also administered by the Malta Maritime Authority. In the northern part of the same Lazaretto Creek is the privately-run Manoel Island Marina and, next to it, Manoel Island Yacht Yard. The latter has the best repair facilities on the island, with various specialised work shops and chandleries in the area surrounding it. A new marina, Grand Harbour Marina, was opened recently in Valetta’s historic harbour. This new facility is geared primarily to larger yachts and the marina can handle super-yachts up to one hundred metres long. Smaller yachts are also well catered for and for visiting yachts this new and welcoming marina is now the best option as both Msida and Manoel Island marinas are usually full, and the facilities at Ta’Xbiex are far from satisfactory. Anyone planning to spend longer in Malta should contact the relevant marina well in advance to make a firm reservation. Grand Harbour Marina, Tel. +356 21800700, Fax 21806148, VHF Ch. 13. info Msida Marina, Tel. +356 21332800, Fax 21332141, VHF Ch. 09
info Manoel Island Marina, Tel. +356 21338589, Fax 21341714, VHF Ch. 12
info Manoel Island Yacht Yard, tel. +356 21334453, Fax 21343900
miyy |
Send Us News/Corrections/Information | © 2000-2008 Noonsite Ltd.