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Berths & Marinas<br />
Anchorages, Marinas and Boatyards in Malta<br />
By Mario Borg<br />
http://www.maritimedirectory.com.mt/cruising.asp<br />
Courtesy: Boatcare Reservations<br />
Marinas<br />
Grand Harbour Marina<br />
Mario and Lillian Borg are both Maltese. They emigrated to Canada 40 years<br />
ago but frequently visit family in Malta. They have been cruising on their boat,<br />
SY Maltese Falcon, since 1999 and have crossed the Atlantic 3 times, visiting<br />
many countries along the way. Their report below is a very useful guide for<br />
anyone considering cruising Malta.<br />
For anyone contemplating sailing to Malta, as most have already heard, the<br />
Maltese marinas are most of the time fully booked and beyond most cruisers'<br />
budgets. There is plausible reasons for this and that is that demand exceeds the<br />
supply, everyone knows the end result. Having said all that, there are places during<br />
the summer where you can anchor safely and with very nice surroundings. If you<br />
keep an eye on the weather one can move around fairly easyily as the Maltese<br />
archipelago is small, just 17nm by 14nm in total.<br />
Anchorages<br />
Malta, West coast: All anchorages are good from May until September, but even<br />
until the end of November it is possible - with good weather forecasts - to linger<br />
around this beautiful archipelago. The worst months are December through to<br />
the end of February.<br />
Mellieha Bay: Consisting of a very deep bay with sand and weed bottom<br />
very good holding. There is a nice beach at the head of the bay, and very nice<br />
surroundings.<br />
St Paul’s Bay: This is also a large bay and anchoring is possible in several places:<br />
south of St Paul’s Island; further west below the cliffs; across the bay at Bugibba<br />
and also just before the west mooring field. Provisioning here is excellent with<br />
supermarkets, small grocery shops, two fishmongers, hardware stores all within a<br />
short walking distance. There is also many seafront bars and restaurants. There is<br />
a bus service to most of the island including the airport. You can land the dinghy<br />
behind the southern breakwater and tie up to the low wall, it is secure and you<br />
can go and explore the island from here.<br />
Marsamxett Harbour: Anchoring is possible in front of the Royal Malta Yacht<br />
Club in 30 ft over mud. This is a very spectacular place to be and also very close<br />
to all the chandleries and marine services. There are an abundance of restaurants<br />
and bars a short distance away.<br />
Marsaxlok Fishing Harbour: There are several places to anchor in this<br />
picturesque fishing village with adequate spots to tie up your dinghy. Some repair<br />
services are available and to the south west of the large bay is a yard where you can<br />
haul out for storage or short term with very reasonable prices. Provisioning is very<br />
good here and public transportation also available to most parts of the island.<br />
These spots above are the most popular on the main island, There are many small<br />
bays and coves that in good weather are great anchorages with good holding,<br />
follow the link below, it is excellent and once you start browsing through it you<br />
will be amazed at how much is there to offer.<br />
Issue 7 >> 30<br />
Manoel Island Marina: This is the best one and the most reasonable we found.<br />
It is part of Manoel Island Yard. The marina is located on the south coast of<br />
Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour. We paid €450.00 excluding Vat of 18%<br />
for one month, and you should be able to get a slip here during the summer<br />
months for a short period, showers and toilets as you enter through the gates.<br />
Utilities are extra; security 24/7, no WiFi at the moment. It is conveniently<br />
located near most of the service centers and chandleries all are within a short<br />
walk, as are many restaurants and groceries. Public transportation is available<br />
close by to most parts of the island. Contact Pierre Aquilina - Marina Manager<br />
at +356-21342618 or visit the website : http://www.miym.com.mt/<br />
Courtesy: Boatcare Reservations<br />
Grand Harbour Marina (Camper and Nicolson operation). This is a high<br />
end Marina with all the facilities but a month here for a 12 metre yacht will<br />
run around €945.00/month. There is a couple of chandleries with limited<br />
supplies but they can get you items from their other location the same day. There<br />
are very nice restaurants along the way out of the marina and 24/7 security,<br />
utilities are extra. This marina is located in a historical area of Grand Harbour<br />
and has spectacular surroundings of fortresses that date back to the 15thcentury.<br />
Provisioning is available close by within walking distance. Public transportation<br />
is not as frequent from here but there are water taxies that will take you to Valletta<br />
the Capital across the harbour. For more info visit their website: http://www.<br />
cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/grand-harbour-marina<br />
Kalkara Boat Yard and Marina: This marina is located in the second creek to<br />
your port side as you enter the Grand Harbour. They have a couple of pontoons<br />
and charge €30.00/day for 12 meters, no discounts for long term stays, showers<br />
are included. It is a small village but not much else, some restaurants around the<br />
creek and non frequent public transportation. Call for rates: +356- 21661306.<br />
Website: http://www.kalkaraboatyard.com.mt/home.php<br />
Msida Creek Marina: In 2012 it was being renovated i.e. pontoons being<br />
replaced and the marina was closed for visiting boats. The marina was paying<br />
their contract clients to go stay at other marinas around the island. From the<br />
progress I have seen, it is not likely that it will be ready to accept visitors for the<br />
summer of 2013.<br />
Sandy Yacht Marina: At the moment this is an organized mooring field with<br />
fore and aft moorings. The company has applied for a proper marina with Med<br />
moor pontoons, but as of this writing nothing has happened. They have free<br />
pickup and delivery back to your boat so you do not have to keep your dinghy<br />
in the water. More details and prices at this link: http://www.sym-malta.com/<br />
Portomaso Marina: This is a small marina located in an upscale area of Malta<br />
surrounded by high end condominiums and restaurants. There is a small<br />
chandlery with limited stock catering for the small marina and the fishing fleet<br />
nearby in Spinola Bay. This is near the heart of the entertainment district and<br />
Continued on page 32
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