Over winter in Malta

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ctarmey

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We are planning to leave our NordWest 420 in Malta over winter October 2013 to May 2014. Looking in the Imray pilot books Grand Harbour marina looks impressive and Msida Marina is also recommended. anyone stayed at either or a better alternative.

Currently moored in the Arno River A few miles downstream from Pisa.

Ctarmey
 
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ctarmey said:
We are planning to leave our NordWest 420 in Malta over winter October 2013 to May 2014. Looking in the Imray pilot books Grand Harbour marina looks impressive and Msida Marina is also recommended. anyone stayed at either or a better alternative.

Currently moored in the Arno River A few miles downstream from Pisa.

Ctarmey
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I really like Grand Harbour marina but the downside is that its a tad pricey. Much quieter than Msida that has traffic all round.

Boat or bus to Valetta easy. Enjoy your stay, Its fab!
 
you might want to consider the gozo marina, cheaper then the marinas in malta.
i am currently in malta, if you need any help drop a line. :)

madeline.
 
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Grant harbour, Manuel island and Msida already full for over winter. Looks like option is to lift out for the winter at Manuel island yard or take a berth At Kalkara Marina which at least allows us to use the boat over the winter if the mood takes us. Anyone been in this marina ?

Ctarmey
 
If everywhere is full, try Sicily -I think a few people have like Ragusa?

When I was in Malta, the word was that you would always be told that the Maria's were full if you enquired in advance from a distance, but if you turned up, Msida would probably find you a berth. Once you have a berth, you might then have to swap and change overthe winter.
 
you are right, some pontoons are not well sheltered from northwest winds (i think). also insurance companies will not insure you.
 
Gozo marina is open to NE-E not so bad in the first two pontoons behind the break water, and very dangerous to strong SW swells (a rare occurrence). Most local insurance AFAIK insure all year round in Gozo....

Both the marinas in Grand Harbour (Birgu and Kalkara Marina) are open to the East and NE, although in my book Kalkara Marina have a better service to price ratio, although a bit more open to the swells....

Msida Marina is safe with any winds, and the more inside you are the less you know what is happening outside with any winds, problem is space.

Manoel Island Marina is again open to E and NE winds. They are also giving berth services at the other side of Maneol Island by the other side of the island looking to the N at the yacht yard and this is quite safe, but they have only a handful of berths, and you have to get used of having a boat yard behind you.

Anyways what size of boat are you coming with, if you want help send a PM.
 
Gozo marina is well protected other than from the south east. Quite a lot of damage was sustained there a couple of winters back, but the marina is excellent and most of the buidling work surrounding it is complete now. The ferries have very little effect. You would hardly know it was a ferry port. I have a boat on Kalkara marina. The staff are excellent and I cannot speak highly enough of the family that runs this boatyard and marina. The location attracts swell that bounces in from the harbour walls particularly South Easterlies. Most days yachts are swaying back and forward more than you would expect. However the marina are coming up with ways to damp this down. Grand Harbour marina is horrendously expensive in comparison to either of these two but is well protected, and well placed for local restaurants. It also has British style pontoons.
 
Delphini said:
Gozo marina is well protected other than from the south east. Quite a lot of damage was sustained there a couple of winters back, but the marina is excellent and most of the buidling work surrounding it is complete now. The ferries have very little effect. You would hardly know it was a ferry port. I have a boat on Kalkara marina. The staff are excellent and I cannot speak highly enough of the family that runs this boatyard and marina. The location attracts swell that bounces in from the harbour walls particularly South Easterlies. Most days yachts are swaying back and forward more than you would expect. However the marina are coming up with ways to damp this down. Grand Harbour marina is horrendously expensive in comparison to either of these two but is well protected, and well placed for local restaurants. It also has British style pontoons.
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The worst wind in Gozo Marina in SW (the damage sustained a couple years back came from that wind, it damaged 3 pontoons), and NE to E is not so nice. Grand Harbour Marine is also swelly with NE-E, you are safe in GHM and a bit better if you are in the first 3 pontoons in the inside.

I don't know how someone living in Sussex can tell me about my local marinas which I have been navigating not for a couple years but since decades....
 
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