The past few years have seen Vittoriosa’s Grand Harbour Marina assume an important role as a fast growing destination for luxury boats and yachts especially for superyachts.
Over the last two years alone Grand Harbour Marina has hosted 230 different superyachts from 30 to 130 metres in length while 13 superyachts hold a permanent berth – with a collective value of €18 million.
“This, however, only relates to superyachts, but when one also considers that our pontoon berths, which cater for yachts of up to 25 metres, are full and that our waiting list has been growing, the conclusion is that these figures confirm Grand Harbour Marina’s constant commitment of putting Malta’s Grand Harbour as one of the most sought after ports of call in the Mediterranean,” comments Grand Harbour Marina General Manager Ben Stuart.
“Although we have registered great international success by selling 13 superyacht berths, we are continuing to offer more berths for sale for which interest remains strong and constant.
“One of the main reasons to which this success can be attributed would be the constant support which has been forthcoming from successive governments of Malta that supported the yachting sector in many important ways. Certainty, combined with fairness on the tax front, facilitating the infrastructure of yachting with legislation related to yacht registration, and enabling a network of industry professionals to develop who between them can service the needs of the Maltese and international yachting community, all contributed to this effect.”
There are other factors that have led to Grand Harbour Marina’s achievement of its high international status as a world-class marina, thus helping Malta establish its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in the yachting sector, he explains.
“The marina has been mapped out in a way that can cater for size of yacht, whether six metres or 100 metres long and even more and at the same time include wide fairways for easy manoeuvring, and wide berths for privacy and safety. We have invested thoroughly in an electricity supply that can accommodate the largest of yachts, with up to 600 amps – as much as a small village. A new power cable connecting the marina to the local area energy substation was installed recently with the aim of ensuring reliability. Independent surveyors have certified our superyacht mooring system, so Captains can have peace of mind that their yachts are secure. Basically, the whole design and equipping of the marina, in every detail, has been done to the best international standards.
"By offering a full and complete service to our clients we are not only securing our business but also enhancing Malta’s reputation as a yachting destination supported by the unique natural beauty of Grand Harbour itself. Indeed Grand Harbour Marina, with all the backing from world renowned yachting brand Camper & Nicholsons, offers extreme potential as a fine venue for the world’s finest yachts, an opinion already shared by the 13 superyachts who are now enjoying all the benefits of their permanent berths.”