Recent years have seen significant growth in the Maltese yachting industry, with demand for sheltered berths of all sizes, outstripping supply. Although in part home-grown, interest has also increased substantially among foreigners seeking a new and securebase. Long attractive for the central location, stable political climate and good weather, the socio-economic turmoil in neighbouring countries has served to enhance the appeal of the Maltese Islands to yacht owners.The Msida & Ta' Xbiex Marina, operated by Creek Developments Plc, is taking up the challenge to provide a top quality product to attract and retain this expanding market over the long term.
Creek Developments Plc is a Public Limited Liability company, set up when the Creek Developments Foundation, comprising 417 owners of yachts berthed in the Marina, was informed that they were the preferred bidders for the privatisation.
The Marina taken over in January 2011, enjoyed a uniquely sheltered and central location in the heart of Msida Creek, but was in dire need of refurbishment and a comprehensive upgrade of both the facilities and the services offered.
Immediate priorities were to install 24-hour security from the first hour of operation, while at the same time ensuring a seamless transition to the new management for the incumbent yacht owners, approximately half of whom were shareholders in the fledgeling company. In an exemplary transition process, tightly controlled by the Berthing Master, by the end of the first month, all annual berthing agreements were signed, all boats properly registered and insured, and fair and transparent policies put in place regarding transfer and changes of boats, and berthing rights.
The foundations laid a regular maintenance program was instituted, to ensure the safety of all Marina users until the completion of the planned renovation. Since then, while continung to keep tariffs very competitive, an investment in excess of four million Euros has been made, ranging from the installation of market leading Marina Management software, to complete replacement of the Marina infrastructure, including new mooring blocks, chains and ropes, pontoons, power and water cables and utility pedestals.
Modern, networked CCTV cameras, SOS pedestals and access control units on every gate provide security, along with 24 hour staff patrols. Busy year-round due to the sheltered location, the renovation was all the more remarkable an achievement because it was carried out in a fully occupied Marina with minimal distruption for the owners of resident yachts.
Major works completed, the past year has seen a shift in focus to the range and quality of services provided. A major investment has been made in human resources to employ a team of highly skilled and experienced Marina Assistants to aid berthing and close quarter boat handling as well as carry out preventive and routine maintenance.
Land and water patrols further enhance the security of the Marina, while providing a 24 hour meet and greet service to both local and visiting yachts. A full range of services can be arranged by the Marina office, from underwater inspections to Cavitation cleaning, poste restante and provisioning to organising minor and major repairs at short notice.
While the majority of the boats berthed in the Msida & Ta' Xbiex Marina are resident, there has been a growing market for winter berths since the upgrade, with many ownersof high-end yachts combining a secure base for off-season sailing with a winter maintenance program.
Uniquely protected from all wind and swell directions, fifteen minutes' drive from the airport and surrounded by a well developed and mature yachting service provider industry, the Msida & Ta' Xbiex Marina is particularly well placed as to respond to the wintering yachting market. Short term berths guest berths are also available throughout the year.
Continued investment will see the Msida & Ta' Xbiex Marina consolidate its position among the top ranks of Mediterranean marinas, with Wifi access points currently being installed throughout the marina, and a move to new offices scheduled for early 2015, to include a clubhouse, business centre, showers, toilets and laundry in-house.
For further information and reservations, visit www.marinamalta.com or contact [email protected] or +356 2133 7049.