Marina berths in Malta

[oldbarn]

Does anyone have any up to date information regarding the availability of winter moorings in Malta. I understand that they may be in short supply and have tried emailing most of the marinas in/around Valleta without a response. The only response I have received is from a company called 'Portbookers', does anyone have any experience in dealing with them and whether they are able to book a berth and whether they charge for the privilege.

 

[charles_reed]

You'll definitely not get the best possible price through Portbookers, though they usually charge the marina.

Endeavours to pre-book berths around the Med, appear to be pre-destined to disappoint, especially if done by e-mail.
Phoning tends to have a slightly greater chance of success, but most will tell you to turn up and wait your turn - I've never failed to get a berth at Msida, but have had to be on a temporary berth for as long as 6 weeks, waiting for a space.
In fact pre-booking is unacceptable to the Malta Marine Authority.

Berths in Malta are in short supply - many liveaboards turn up in early September to get one of the coveted places close to the Black Pearl (free WLAN)

 

[Mrnotming]

Agree with Charles, there is a shortage of berths. Portmaso marina may have some vacancies from time to time esp if they like the cut of your jib.Cleanliness and ordered upmarket location and convenience of supermarket and restaurants are plus considerations. less so is the fact that because scend gets in, good mooring gear in winter is obligatory and supplied by marina.(Douglas Marine Italy s/s and rubber snubbers).You get to keep these when you move on, so you may be very glad of them somewhere else. Manoel Island boatyard may have spaces ashore for the winter. Manoel Island Marina might also have some space.Once you turn up, after a while a space seems to appear somewhere!

 

[Richard10002]

I left Malta 17th July and am heading back to the UK, (currently in Bayona). I have to say that if I never set foot in Malta again, it will be too soon. I feel as though I have been ripped off at almost every opportunity and, whilst you might say "buyer beware", I dont gain pleasure from being on "the lookout" all the time, Even when I discovered somebody who, whilst not cheap, seemed to be on the level, I found with hindsight, that even they had "done me up like a kipper".

I'll go into more detail on individual instances when I'm comfortably back in Glasson Dock, but felt a warning was necessary.

Nice enough place, which you will either love or hate..... but you need eyes in the back of your head.

IMHO of course

Richard

 

[charles_reed]

I left Malta 17th July and am heading back to the UK, (currently in Bayona). I have to say that if I never set foot in Malta again, it will be too soon. I feel as though I have been ripped off at almost every opportunity and, whilst you might say "buyer beware", I dont gain pleasure from being on "the lookout" all the time, Even when I discovered somebody who, whilst not cheap, seemed to be on the level, I found with hindsight, that even they had "done me up like a kipper".

I'll go into more detail on individual instances when I'm comfortably back in Glasson Dock, but felt a warning was necessary.

Nice enough place, which you will either love or hate..... but you need eyes in the back of your head.

IMHO of course

Richard

Whilst I too had an unfortunate experience of Malta I suspect that Richard had not adjusted to the Levantine habit of bargaining and tended to pay what he was asked.

Probably the biggest negative about Malta is that it went into the € with the Maltese£ at a high. Subsequently the £/€ exchange rate has crumbled, making Malta a very expensive place as well as overcrowded.
The main thing that kept me there was the winter mooring rate from MMA. 7 months for £UK 450.

 

[Richard10002]

Whilst I too had an unfortunate experience of Malta I suspect that Richard had not adjusted to the Levantine habit of bargaining and tended to pay what he was asked.

Probably the biggest negative about Malta is that it went into the € with the Maltese£ at a high. Subsequently the £/€ exchange rate has crumbled, making Malta a very expensive place as well as overcrowded.
The main thing that kept me there was the winter mooring rate from MMA. 7 months for £UK 450.

Hi Charles - I shopped around like a good 'un, and was sometimes able to negotiate, others not, (where I could, I took stuff over from the UK). Also argued the toss where apparently unfair bills were presented - I'm not particularly complaining about the cheapest liferaft at €1200, or the danbuoy at €450, (which I didnt buy!). Bad advice from people who come recommended, mickey taking by people you have grown to trust and assume will continue to be fair, and not doing work that was said to have been done, are my main gripes... as I said, I'll go into more detail in due course.

If that is a culture thing, then they can keep it - just wanted to make the OP aware of how things are.

Agree about the MMA marina fees, but I think you need to be there to move your boat between berths from time to time.

 

[charles_reed]

I did make some reasonable friends amongst the locals, however one Maltese saying " a Maltese wouldn't sell his mother for one sack of grain, but he'd consider two and jump at three"; probably summarises the society.

A tremendously crowded society, with no natural resources (except perhaps the strategic position of the island) will tend to have different values and mores to ours.

The island IMHO isn't pretty, but the skills level of the population is way above that of the rest of that sector of the Mediterranean, they've kept their economy afloat as an adjunct of the UK economy (nowhere else, in the EC, is so dependent on tourism and remittances).

I suspect they may have shot themselves in the foot in entering the € at such a high rate and may find a reduction in gullible English tourists to fleece.

IMHO the lowest ranking for gastronomy in the Med, and finding good food raw materials can be a little challenging.
However the sunshine is unrivalled and the stock-car racing fantastic.

 

[anth0ne1]

You could try the Grand Harbour Marina.They are expanding at the moment.you never know.
You can ring them on 00356 21 800 700.

 

[surveyor]

There are some new berths provided by the MMA at the very end of Drydock Creek (beyond the C&N marina). Email chrisschembri@mma.gov.mt for availability.

 

[surveyor]

There are some new berths provided by the MMA at the very end of Drydock Creek (beyond the C&N marina). Email chrisschembri@mma.gov.mt for availability. There will be berths in Ta'Xbiex (Sliema) after the Middle Sea Race (17th Oct).

 

[Mrnotming]

Waterspout ends Dingli hopes in Rolex Middle Sea Race

This was emailed to me from ed(nice guy)@scuttlebutt.com in the newsletter.

Kevin Dingli, owner of Fekruna (MLT) must surely be the most disappointed man in Malta tonight. Having spent the last six months preparing to skipper his yacht in the Rolex Middle Sea Race for the first time, a moment of extreme weather has put him out of contention just two days from the start. "We could see the waterspout developing some way away. It was huge. It kept moving about, changing direction. At one point we gybed away from it, but it came back," explained Dingli. "It all happened so quickly. When we realised we were going to be hit, we let go sheets. Then the wind caught us. We felt as though we were being lifted up, about to be thrown over, and then the mast snapped at deck level." Dingli and his crew are understandably feeling completely flat. The relief that the incidence ended without injury, is tempered by utter disappointment that the dream of taking part in the offshore race has been dashed.

We encountered these waterspouts off Corsica in 2006 "trompe de l'eau" as they called them, now I know they are dangerous! We were abt a mile away from several.Good sailing to all!

 

[liverpool]

Marina Berths in Malta

Sorry this is a very late reply but I've been travelling w/out internet access. Now in Malta and my first impressions are this is a great place to be based. Weather at this time of year is great, we have found some superb restaurants at reasonable prices and for history fans this is a terrific place. Also Middle Sea Race is a great event if offshore racing is your thing.Yes it seems difficult to get a berth but people do seem to manage - usually by being on a temporary berth for a while and eventually a longer term berth comes up. Also, quite a few boats get lifted out for the winter and are away much of the summer so perhaps only looking for a berth late spring/early summer and again in autumn. Today there was I believe an announcement re privitisation of Malta Marinas so there could be some change - and prob increases in prices which might free up a few berths. Also apparently plans for another marina which have been talked about for years are now going ahead so perhaps in a couple of years time more berths will be available. General advice seems to be that its necessary to actually be here and talk to the marinas/yards to get a berth. Good luck. Iain (Liverpool).

 

[eightpointedcross]

I left Malta 17th July and am heading back to the UK, (currently in Bayona). I have to say that if I never set foot in Malta again, it will be too soon. I feel as though I have been ripped off at almost every opportunity and, whilst you might say "buyer beware", I dont gain pleasure from being on "the lookout" all the time, Even when I discovered somebody who, whilst not cheap, seemed to be on the level, I found with hindsight, that even they had "done me up like a kipper".

I'll go into more detail on individual instances when I'm comfortably back in Glasson Dock, but felt a warning was necessary.

Nice enough place, which you will either love or hate..... but you need eyes in the back of your head.

IMHO of course

Richard

Dear Richard,

I know that my email may come in too late to repair the damage you are doing to the Maltese community. However, I beg to differ from you. I have my fair share of sailing and visiting experiences in the med and also in the UK, and whilst unfortunately some people do rip us off, it is not fair at all to paint such a picture on a whole community. You might have just spoken to the wrong people. I have based my yacht in Malta for 8 years and from my end, I can honestly say that I have never ever had a worry about it. I have used Msida Marina and Manoel Island at first, where I must say I was not happy with the cleanliness and general upkeep of the place. However I was then offered a berth at Portomaso Marina, through the services of Boatcare, a yacht agency based there, and I must say that even despite bad weather spells, and very busy summers, the service has always been excellent and even even though the prices are not the cheapest, I personally would rather sleep tight knowing that my yacht is in safe hands.

I hope you get a better service in the future!

 

[chinita]

Dear Richard,

I know that my email may come in too late to repair the damage you are doing to the Maltese community. However, I beg to differ from you. I have my fair share of sailing and visiting experiences in the med and also in the UK, and whilst unfortunately some people do rip us off, it is not fair at all to paint such a picture on a whole community. You might have just spoken to the wrong people. I have based my yacht in Malta for 8 years and from my end, I can honestly say that I have never ever had a worry about it. I have used Msida Marina and Manoel Island at first, where I must say I was not happy with the cleanliness and general upkeep of the place. However I was then offered a berth at Portomaso Marina, through the services of Boatcare, a yacht agency based there, and I must say that even despite bad weather spells, and very busy summers, the service has always been excellent and even even though the prices are not the cheapest, I personally would rather sleep tight knowing that my yacht is in safe hands.

I hope you get a better service in the future!

I agree with Richard but for slightly different reasons.

I found those I dealt with often surly and unhelpful. A few examples:

The attitude of the Msida Creek Marina Office in allocating berths to wintering arrivals is odd. Even if payment if offered upfront in person, in cash or by card they will not allocate a berth until after the RMSR; there is no need for this and creates angst and ill feeling. People are happy on a temporary berth or waiting in Gozo or anchoring AS LONG as they have a berth allocated for after the Race.

When we wintered there the global liveaboard community held a Sunday bbq on the sun terrace on the roof of the office building. This was stopped by the management - like thirty mature ocean sailors with an average age of perhaps 50 are going to let the building catch fire. We tried to reason but......

We spent several months in Mgarr Marina, Gozo. We were the ONLY liveaboard boat there. Weather was terrible and I asked the Office if I could store my push bike in their (almost empty) cellar. I was happy to pay whatever they wanted but, no, much sucking of teeth, shaking of heads.

Add to this the non-involvement policy of Malta Maritime Authority Staff (your boat could be ripping its cleats off in a Gregale and damaging other boats but the Marineros will not do anything about it - their 'policy') which means that you need to appoint an 'Agent' to oversee your boat in your absence.

The place left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[eightpointedcross]

Again.. this was your experience. This shows that you dealt with pricks but it does not make the whole country a prick-country! I was in Spain and in the UK, and I dealt with loads of pricks.. but that does not mean that I have the right to say that both countries stink!

All I am trying to say here is that you should not generalise and I highly believe that you spoke to the wrong people...

 

[Richard10002]

Dear Richard,

I know that my email may come in too late to repair the damage you are doing to the Maltese community. However, I beg to differ from you. I have my fair share of sailing and visiting experiences in the med and also in the UK, and whilst unfortunately some people do rip us off, it is not fair at all to paint such a picture on a whole community. You might have just spoken to the wrong people. I have based my yacht in Malta for 8 years and from my end, I can honestly say that I have never ever had a worry about it. I have used Msida Marina and Manoel Island at first, where I must say I was not happy with the cleanliness and general upkeep of the place. However I was then offered a berth at Portomaso Marina, through the services of Boatcare, a yacht agency based there, and I must say that even despite bad weather spells, and very busy summers, the service has always been excellent and even even though the prices are not the cheapest, I personally would rather sleep tight knowing that my yacht is in safe hands.

I hope you get a better service in the future!

Mmm!

eightpointedcross - Maltese by any chance?

New user with one post???

I'll let people figure this one out for themselves eh?

Cheers

Richard

 

[eightpointedcross]

Dear Richard,

I won't bother anymore with you. I just tried to give you advice but if you prefer to continue with your negative approach, be my guest. Should I do the same with all British people? Because there are quite a few scum bags you know!

Dear Chinita,

You really thought you could go up on an office building and have a BBQ???????? You're surprised that you were stopped?
Msida Marina does have the tendency to favour MSR contestants during the period of the race, as they have arrangements and probably commisions coming from the RMYC. However, that is their business. Besides, marinas do not offer free guardianage services, and you should have checked the regulations beforehand I guess. Those services are offered by the respective service providers.

I might add that you chose the cheapest marinas, based on the prices and not on the services, so no wonder you get disappointed then. Marinas in the UK, Spain and Italy are usually more than twice the price, so, I guess you can't have the cake and eat it!

Happy Sailing and be positive!

 

[chinita]

Dear Richard,

I won't bother anymore with you. I just tried to give you advice but if you prefer to continue with your negative approach, be my guest. Should I do the same with all British people? Because there are quite a few scum bags you know!

Dear Chinita,

You really thought you could go up on an office building and have a BBQ???????? You're surprised that you were stopped?
Msida Marina does have the tendency to favour MSR contestants during the period of the race, as they have arrangements and probably commisions coming from the RMYC. However, that is their business. Besides, marinas do not offer free guardianage services, and you should have checked the regulations beforehand I guess. Those services are offered by the respective service providers.

I might add that you chose the cheapest marinas, based on the prices and not on the services, so no wonder you get disappointed then. Marinas in the UK, Spain and Italy are usually more than twice the price, so, I guess you can't have the cake and eat it!

Happy Sailing and be positive!

Is it really beyond the wit of Maltese Man to devise some sort of 'waiting list' for berths following the MSR? Ok, give those boats priority, fine, agreed. However, the response to any request - or even any information was 'Go away and come back after the Middle Sea Race'. Even to be told that all berths were taken would be preferable so that skippers can make alternative arrangements and sail on to Tunisia, Sicily or wherever.

Regarding the BBQ; no, that is not the way it happened. We did not just go up there and light a fire! There had been at least a dozen of these harmless social events, OBVIOUSLY sanctioned by the Marina Office before some jobsworth decided to flex his muscles. He was not universally know amongst the liveaboards as 'Hitler' for nothing. Yes, it was the 'roof' but it was designed as a sunroof - if that makes sense. No harm was being done and the organisers were mature individuals, some with families and children present. Do you really think they would have acted irresponsibly?

Nobody is looking for 'free guardianage services' just a commonsense duty of care to vessels moored in their marina in severe adverse weather conditions. In my marina in Portugal, and one in Spain where I owned three berths the staff take the trouble to do just that. As an example, when I returned recently the marina staff had added some plastic hose to my mooring warp to prevent chafe. That is why I stay here.

I did not select Malta for price. I left Msida for Gozo as I became tired of the cockroaches on the pontoon and the rats scrabbling for discarded food thoughtlessly left by the people fishing from the quay for most of the night.

Before you jump in, I certainly do not begrudge anybody fishing, especially locals, they do it here in Portugal - but the place does not look like a rubbish dump each morning.

It does not matter to me anyway. I shall never return and pass on my experiences to anybody who asks. If the MMA are happy with the image they present, fine. I will spend my tourist Euro elsewhere.

 

[silver-fox]

I suspect that much of this debate is academic anyway, based on my relatively recent experience.

I arrived in Msida in late May in the hope of getting a berth there or pretty much anywhere in Malta. The ports in Malta were being privatised and no-one was interested in offering me a 12 month contract. I even went to the trouble of tracing the company that had acquired the marina management contract and was politely but firmly told "no Berths available - anywhere!

They offered to put me on a waiting list but confided that this was only a cosmetic measure as there was literally no chance of a berth becoming available.

So! We then set off for Sicily and have been delighted to be there until yesterday's recent announcement about a daily boat tax for all boats including visitors.

So it seems to me that Malta has all the yachts and income it needs and you can complain till you are blue in the face - its irrelevent unless it makes you feel better.

 

[liverpool]

Marina berths malta

I sailed into Grand Harbour Oct 2010 - got a temporary berth in GHM for 5 weeks then lifted out for the winter. Got temporary berth again for 5 weeks in April/May and then again when I returned in Sept 2011 - this time for nearly 3 months (although had to agree to move the boat within the marina when the owner of the berth I was first on returned) before being lifted out again for the winter. I am the waiting list for an annual berth but I don't have much hope of getting one in the near future. So yes it is difficult to get a berth in Malta - extremely difficult to get an annual berth - but with some perseverance I believe you can get a berth on a tempoary basis when you are here.

Quality of services is I think reasonably good (although not cheap) - certainly as good if not better than I found on south coast England and in most countries in our travels - but of course you do need to take care to ensure you are dealing with a reliable service co/supplier and of course like most countries there are poor quality services and also you do need to negotiate/check prices in advance to avoid overpaying - in my experience that's true in every country we've visited.

Hope this helps.