Malta anyone??

[brandg]

I dont know why I've got Malta on my mind but I would certainly appreciate any comments from those that are familiar with the Island - safety - boating - living conditions.

I some how have it in my mind that I would like to use Malta as a base to explore the Med. I'm not totally fixated on Malta, Greece has also been on my mind - I would appreciate any advice or comments to help me get off my rear and make a decision.

I'm the process of selling my boat locally and would be looking to aquire something in the 34 - 36 ft range - well equipt and suitable for 2.

Many thanks

Gary B
brand3@sympatcio.ca

 

[Sneds]

Malta.
Clear seas, loads of sun.
Loads of bays to anchor in.
A wealth of marine companies to help look after your boat.
Good food that won't give you the squits, everyone speaks English, low cost of living (beer and fillet steak anyway).
Safe to walk around at night.
What the hell I am doing here in the UK? Oh, I remember, work!

 

[Carolwildbird]

I've been to Gozo a couple of times, the second to bring a boat back to S Spain. The island is lovely, but I didn't rate the sailing very highly- Gozo has few anchorages- surrounded mainly by vertical cliffs. In Gozo whilst waiting to leave (long story including having the boat impounded by customs!) we met several people from mainland Malta- the view seems to be that its great for a year or so, but not much longer- after a year they had explored Malta pretty fully. Its a fair way to other islands- slightly isolated. Great as a stop off en route E or W.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Gary,

Check out my web site, the 'sailing' tab. It is designed to answer your question. Malta is a very small cruising area in it's own right - more a reliable place for wintering or a weekend retreat than a cruising area.

 

[brandg]

thanks so much for your input - what a great web site

Gary

 

[Bejasus]

Malta, same size as Bute so around 17 x 6 miles. Very bright lump of rock, gets very hot, after a year or so gets boring. Do NOT confuse Maltese Pounds with Sterling. Scary drivers( they only drive in the shade you see). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Mainly friendy bunch. Fairly dry island but Gozo nicer & greener. Never sailed there, but did live there for a bit. Maltese men tend to think Brit women are pretty much fair game.(It's their own fault really) whilst their own women(gorgeous and golden skinned as they are), are pretty much off limits, and erm...................that's about it.

 

[richardwatson]

Malta.

Its very safe, both personally and for winter storage. Good place to get work done well and fairly cheap, however they are getting the euro shortly so that may well change a bit. Gozo and Comino very pretty. Rolex Middle Sea race every year brings all the fast racers; Alfa Romeo, ABN Amro et al. Dry climate and a long season. Cheap diesel, cheap marina at Msida Creek. Lots to like about Malta.

 

[charles_reed]

It's a small overcrowded island, don't know where these anchorages are 'cos the place is full of boats.
Warm all-year round, excellent boatyard facilities and workmanship at about 50% UK wage-rates, but parts prices are probably more expensive.

I'll be spending my 3rd winter there, because the rates are about 40% of other parts of the Med.

If you look there are quite a lot of tourist interest sites but I wouldn't like to spend more than the 6-8 weeks a year that I do there.

Maltese are great fun, they speak (a sort-of) english, are extremely friendly and aren't the world's greatest gastronomes - local produce (if you know where to find it) is superb, living costs similar to S Italy which comes to UK expats as a welcome relief.

Good cheap interconnecting flights and I don't have to use that awful bore O'Leary.

 

[Silverado]

We've just brought our boat there last week. We intend to stay there for at least one winter. First impressions are great, why don't you give it a go.

 

[MaltaBob]

Most of the comments are fair, we've lived here for four years. Sorry, but if you are active and involved, you could not fail to be busy with so many things. We have several boat clubs and ours organises local and more distant cruises on a regular basis.It is said " you either love Malta or hate it ", personally I find the Maltese are very helpful and more resourceful than many others. No one puts anything on their plate, they make it happen! Indicative of a small Med. Island and refreshing to see some character in its people.Definately not a Tony Blair nanny state, but warm friendly people who love to enjoy life, which can't be bad eh ! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Will send our club website Malta Cruising Club

 

[Bejasus]

maybe I need to revise my opinion of the place which was from the early Eighties, but I still think most of what I said would apply today. I mean, it is only a 17 x 6 limestone rock in the middle of nowhere, but since I have taken up the cruising life, then I guess it will appear over our horizon at some point.

 

[brandg]

I would be interested in knowing why you chose to purchase in Malta - was it the price - taxation - the right boat was there or a combination of all of those things..

What I'm really trying to do is benefit from some of your experiences in searching out boats in the Med.

Look forward to your response

Gary

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
I would be interested in knowing why you chose to purchase in Malta

[/ QUOTE ]

"brought", not "bought" ???

 

[starfire]

I agree with the love it or hate it quote. For me, I love it.
May be something to do with my first night there, dinner on the Yacht Club terrace, looking over the water to the bastions.
Instantly hooked.

Some observations:-

Park cars anywere you like, unless you have a rented car.
Leave car unlocked & keys in, will not be touched.
Leave a cycle unlocked for a few moments, it will vanish.
I could never understand why, I for one would not cycle on maltese roads !
Learn a few basic Maltese words, they will be greeted with a smile.

 

[brandg]

oops - must have been that second glass of wine - sorry for the confusion