More yacht berthing spaces to be provided at Manoel Island

The number of berths at the Manoel Island marina is expected to rise by some 100 in the coming months.

Two pontoons are being extended, while the quay at Medserv is also being developed for another 300 metres up to Lazzaretto Wharf, said Pierre Balzan, director of Harbour Management Ltd, the company operating Manoel Island Marina. Medserv Ltd is moving off Manoel Island.

Mr Balzan said the Medserv quay would cater for yachts of up to 85 metres.

Concern has, however, been raised over the lack of areas where boats can be kept out of the water, known as hardstanding.

Earlier on in the year, the Malta Sailing Federation had voiced concern over the lack of on-land space for boats and had said the situation for the yachting community was deteriorating, with the closing down of three yacht yards on Manoel Island.

Stephen's Boat Care, Trader Marine Yacht Services Ltd and A & J Baldacchino Boat Yard will no longer be operating due to the MIDI consortium development, and the reduction in the number of yards would create problems not only for the yards' owners, but also for Maltese and foreign boat owners, the federation had said.

However, Mr Balzan questioned the need for more space. Manoel Island Marina has set up a temporary yard, which can cater for 30 to 40 boats, and is available to everyone.

He said demand was not as high as expected and until the end of November the yard had only serviced around five boats. Bookings were being received for January.

"If there was such a demand, how is it that boat owners are not running after us for storage space and services?" Mr Balzan wondered.

As operators of the marina, Harbour Management Ltd has not felt the urgent need for hardstanding space and has not experienced a "bombardment" of requests, he said.

Its yard, part of which covers the area previously used by Trader Marine Yacht Services Ltd, is equipped with fresh water, electricity and security measures, including CCTVs and floodlights.

Yet, it is empty, Mr Balzan pointed out.

The system of lifting boats out of the water for on-land services to accommodate clients, has also been facilitated and rendered more professional and safe, Mr Balzan explained.

He said the setting up of the temporary yard was a short-term measure and was aimed at bridging the gap, until other companies organised their own yards elsewhere.

The duration of its presence depended on how the Manoel Island project would develop.