Editorial

With Malta being an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, it is understandable that anything linked to the sea should be an attraction, to locals and foreign visitors alike. Yet, that there are no fewer than 13,000 registered vessels on the Malta Maritime Authority's Small Ships Register and that there is a waiting list of 400 for yacht (and presumably cabin cruiser) berths in local waters, is surely an indication of the relative wealth of the locals.

Many will say that for them their 'boat' is a hobby, their favourite summer pastime, a source of relaxation and family enjoyment. Yet it is true to say that for just as many more it is ostentation - not necessarily linked to social status. For some the size of their boat is income related but for many others it is more linked to how they liquidate alternative sources of income - just take a trip on a boat on most summer Sundays and you will confirm this.

There are also those who make a business or earn their livelihood from this area. Suffice it to bear in mind the number of marina berths with yachts and cabin cruisers all costing five- or six-figure sums that need to be maintained and kept 'shipshape'. There are also other initiatives to attract this business to the island through the use of facilities at the shipyards to cater for even larger superyachts.

So, when Communications Minister Censu Galea said last week that berthing fees are being looked into with a view to increasing these fees, it almost smacks of opportunism for the owners of most of these vessels do not want to have to seek an alternative berth away from the island. By how much have costs gone up to justify this increase? Can these costs be minimised? Many will argue that any increase in berthing fees should go hand in hand with an increase in the quality of service offered.

For most, they will have no option but to pay the difference because the alternative of losing their berths and having to find a new one would be unthinkable. Although Government's ultimate aim is to privatise all marinas, leaving the MMA as the regulator, it is important that there should be a high level of standards in terms of the services offered and the facilities available to boat owners either before these marinas are privatised or as a contract condition.

The decision to re-evaluate the use of Xemxija Bay as the site for a new marina will probably be welcomed, although this will undoubtedly have to be linked to more infrastructural work to enable the bay to be protected. This option should be considered in tandem with another bay with a similar orientation - Mellieha - yet many will agree that wintering in these bays will be a problem, due to their exposure to the north-easterly (gregale) wind.

A question that has to be answered is: what will the owners of the many small boats two moor in the bay do? Will they be shown the door? Any decision to build a new marine, although welcome, will mean that these new berths will not come on stream overnight. Still, for those on the list, at least it is an indication that something might become available even before other private marinas (or existing ones) will have berths available.

What can also be examined is the more efficient management of the current berths, ensuring that all dues are up to date and proceeding against those who have fallen behind. Whatever the reason for boat ownership, although for some the season may be almost over, for many it is just part of the cycle of the seasons that continually strengthens their love for the sea and our beautiful natural surroundings.