Thanks to an agreement signed today between Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa and U-Sail, a new collaboration is in place whereby six berths have been provided for U-Sail’s fleet of 6 sailing boats thus making Grand Harbour Marina, their new home.
The agreement was signed by Ben Stuart, Manager of Grand Harbour Marina and Peter Dimech, Director of U-Sail during a launch presentation for the media at Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa. During the signing, further details were announced including the near future plans to organise a series of sailing events within the Grand Harbour.
Addressing all the guests present, Ben Stuart explained how this new collaboration with U-Sail forms part of Grand Harbour Marina’s efforts to create a more maritime activity inside the harbour. “We are essentially speaking of an initiative which is about to give a new dimension to our Grand Harbour whereby now, this port will not only be seeing commercial activity but also activity in the form of pleasure and sport sailing,” expained Mr Stuart.
“We are delighted with this opportunity to collaborate with U-Sail and by giving a home to its fleet of sailing boats, we aim to establish the marina as a launching pad for a series of sailing events aimed at the yachting community, both local and foreign as well as to all those who are interested in practising this sport.”
U-Sail will be able to offer an organized selection of sailing events to a wide array of potential audiences ranging from corporate companies to individuals who would like to start learning sailing, from experienced sailors who would be interested to charter the boats for private sporting events to tourists who would like to consider an alternative holiday in Malta to come and sail within the unique setting of the Grand Harbour,” added Mr Stuart.
Peter Dimech, Director of U-Sail expressed his satisfaction at the reaching of this agreement which is bound to promote the pleasures of sailing not only on a local basis but also for the first time within the Grand Harbour. “We are envisaging a number of events in the Spring and Autumn, such as One Design Fleet racing, team racing and possibly match racing events, as well as a winter series, all with Grand Harbour Marina as the supporting and hosting venue. We have also agreed to provide sailing courses to GHM’s staff so that they will become more familiar with the characteristics of sailing boats and yachts and the environment within which they operate in order to be in a position to offer more value to their clients who berth at the marina. We are actively encouraging foreign Yacht and Sailing clubs, especially the North Europeans, to take advantage of our mild climate and excellant sailing conditions. We are just a short flight away for many and now have a fleet of identical boats ready to sail.”
Mr Dimech also highlighted that throughout its operations, U-Sail will be constantly seeking to promote further awareness of Safety at Sea and will comply with the requirements of the Commercial Vessels Regulations and that sailing events hosted within the Grand Harbour will be coordinated with the respective authorities to ensure the smooth running of all maritime activity including the safe manoeuvring of ships.
In fact, besides the Grand Harbour Marina, U-Sail will be operating within the Grand Harbour under the auspices of Transport Malta.
Capt David Bugeja, Chief Officer for the Ports & Yachting Directorate within Transport Malta stated “ Transport Malta also welcomes this initiative which fits well with its role to promote Malta as a yachting destination. To further facilitate the growth of the sector, Transport Malta has recently issued new Yachting Centre Regulations that establish minimum safety and quality standards that are applicable to both Marina operators and users”.
W: www.u-sail.com