Overwinter Malta?

[Thames 4 Blood]

Hi All!
We are enjoying our 1st year in the Med. Sailed from Plymouth, UK on 2 May.
Currently in Almerimar and about to head up the Costa Blanca.

I had assumed we would winter in S. Spain or even Canaries before heading east next spring for Greece.

However, due to Spanish matriculation tax worries I am now going to leave Spain by mid September.

It actually makes sense for our plans for next season to head a bit further east anyway!

So... Does anyone have any recommendations for a nice overwinter, liveaboard marina in either Sicily or Malta?

Thanks.

Mark

 

[sailaboutvic]

Regusa on Sicily has been a good liveaboard base for the winter for the last two years , we was there in 2011 and there a good change we be back there this year .

www.dufour385.webs.com

 

[sailaboutvic]

Just PM you

 

[Thames 4 Blood]

Thanks

 

[RobGill]

We stayed in Grand Harbour, Malta in 2010 over winter and really enjoyed it. Lots of history, friendly people, easy flights home and fairly cheap.
Also met a few fellow liveaboards, crews on mega yachts etc and had a fairly good time. Was sad to leave.

We also visited Ragusa in 2010 but marina was really empty as had just opened but liked the town and plenty of places to visit by bus/rental car. There was not much in the way of chandleries at the time and they had not opened the boatyward but imagine that things have improved by now. I think quite a few people use it for over wintering now judging by this forum.

 

[Thames 4 Blood]

Thanks. How was the weather?

 

[multihullsailor6]

Can't talk about wintering in Malta but both Marina di Ragusa (where I spent the last winter period) and Licata are good choices if you are looking at Sicily and good berthing rates.

 

[Richard10002]

If you winter in Malta, make sure you get some big steel springs for your mooring lines ... About €120 for a pair a few years ago. The Gregale winds kick up an enormous swell and most moorings are pretty badly affected.

 

[RobGill]

We had no problem with swell in Grand Harbour (Camper Nicholson marina) but we were fairly well tucked away as we are only 9.7m. We were there 2010 and had great weather. 24 degress on Christmas day! Maybe the swell is bad in Msida marina?

 

[chinita]

We wintered in both Msida Creek and Mgarr, Gozo. The swell was horrific from the Gregale in Mgarr. Casual observers could not believe we were living aboard as the boat was bucking like a mad thing. We just about coped with it by using snubbers made from small tyres nicked from a local scrappie.

Less of a problem in Msida but be aware that there are no marina staff keeping an eye on the boat if you are away so you need to discuss this with fellow liveaboards.

I don't know if this is stil the case but the MMA used to charge a premium for liveaboards residing over so many months. It is therefore prudent not to mention your status when booking in.

Perhaps somebody can update or confirm this?