Marsamxett Harbour

From CruisersWiki

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
(Move Routes)
(Port of entry)
 
(6 intermediate revisions not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Malta}}
{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Malta}}
{{TOC block}}
{{TOC block}}
-
{{Infobox |35|53.97|N|14|30.24|E|
+
 
 +
{{Infobox
 +
| lat= 35.8995 | lon= 14.504
 +
| name= Marsamxett Harbour
 +
| portofentry= y
| zoom= 15
| zoom= 15
 +
| chartlet =
| image= Malta_Marsamxett_S.jpg
| image= Malta_Marsamxett_S.jpg
-
| imagetext= Satellite View of Marsamxett  
+
| imagetext= Satellite View of Marsamxett
-
}}
+
| summary= [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsamxett_Harbour Marsamxett Harbour] is the main yachting harbour in Malta with the greatest number of yacht berthing options available.  Marsamxett Harbour has the advantage in that it is close to the busy tourist area of Sliema, and St. Julian's and the nightlife district of Paceville are not so far away.  Marsamxett Harbour is also the focus of most of the many yacht chandleries in Malta, most of which are located in or around the Msida, Ta'Xbiex, Gzira area.  
-
{{Image right| Malta_Marsamxett_Harbour.jpg| Marsamxett Harbour form Manoel Island }}
+
-
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsamxett_Harbour Marsamxett Harbour] is the main yachting harbour in Malta with the greatest number of yacht berthing options available.  Marsamxett Harbour has the advantage in that it is close to the busy tourist area of Sliema, and St. Julian's and the nightlife district of Paceville are not so far away.  Marsamxett Harbour is also the focus of most of the many yacht chandleries in Malta, most of which are located in or around the Msida, Ta'Xbiex, Gzira area.  
+
Sliema is the area mainly on the north side of this harbour.  At the head of Lazaretto Creek is Gzira.  Between Lazaretto Creek and Msida Creek is Ta'Xbiex. ''(The letter X is generally pronounced 'sh' in Maltese.)''  Msida is the area at the head of Msida Creek.  There is no obvious distinction between these areas, which have all merged together over the years.
Sliema is the area mainly on the north side of this harbour.  At the head of Lazaretto Creek is Gzira.  Between Lazaretto Creek and Msida Creek is Ta'Xbiex. ''(The letter X is generally pronounced 'sh' in Maltese.)''  Msida is the area at the head of Msida Creek.  There is no obvious distinction between these areas, which have all merged together over the years.
 +
| notes=
 +
| news=
 +
}}
 +
{{Image right| Malta_Marsamxett_Harbour.jpg| Marsamxett Harbour form Manoel Island }}
 +
==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 23: Line 31:
''Also see [[Aegean_to_West_Mediterranean_Passages|Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages]]''.
''Also see [[Aegean_to_West_Mediterranean_Passages|Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages]]''.
 +
 +
==Communication==
 +
''See [[Malta#Radio_Nets|Malta]]''.
==Navigation==
==Navigation==
Line 33: Line 44:
''See [[Malta#Entrance|Entrance procedures for Malta]]''.
''See [[Malta#Entrance|Entrance procedures for Malta]]''.
-
 
-
==Communication==
 
-
''See [[Malta#Radio_Nets|Malta]]''.
 
==Berthing==
==Berthing==
-
* Msida Breakwater.  Stern or bow to mooring with tailed lines to the breakwater.  Electricity and water points.  This is managed as part of [[Msida Marina]].
+
* Msida Breakwater.  Stern or bow-to mooring with tailed lines to the breakwater.  Electricity and water points.  This is managed as part of [[Msida Marina]].
:: ''Note that the MMA office in the corner of the nearby Royal Malta Yacht Club was closed in February 2011''
:: ''Note that the MMA office in the corner of the nearby Royal Malta Yacht Club was closed in February 2011''
* Lazaretto Quay.  Stern or bow to mooring with tailed lines to the harbour wall on the SW side of Lazaretto Creek.  Electricity and water points.  This is understood to be managed by [http://www.sdyachts.com/ S & D Yachts].  If you have to use your own anchor, be aware of a very fouled bottom.   
* Lazaretto Quay.  Stern or bow to mooring with tailed lines to the harbour wall on the SW side of Lazaretto Creek.  Electricity and water points.  This is understood to be managed by [http://www.sdyachts.com/ S & D Yachts].  If you have to use your own anchor, be aware of a very fouled bottom.   
Line 46: Line 54:
* [[Msida Marina]].  A floating pontoon marina in Marsamxett harbour.  Now privately run by Creek Developments.
* [[Msida Marina]].  A floating pontoon marina in Marsamxett harbour.  Now privately run by Creek Developments.
* [[Manoel Island Marina]].  A marina in Marsamxett harbour on the south side of Manoel Island offering floating pontoon berths for smaller berths and stern to the quay berths for vessels up to 80 metres.
* [[Manoel Island Marina]].  A marina in Marsamxett harbour on the south side of Manoel Island offering floating pontoon berths for smaller berths and stern to the quay berths for vessels up to 80 metres.
-
* [http://www.sym-malta.com/ Sandy Yacht Marina].  Not strictly a marina in the usual sense of the word.  Sandy Yacht Marina is an organised arrangement of bow and stern mooring in Lazaretto Creek with associated support services.
+
* [https://www.gasanmamo.com/news/sandy-yacht-marina-new-safe-mooring/ Sandy Yacht Marina].  Not strictly a marina in the usual sense of the word.  Sandy Yacht Marina is an organised arrangement of bow and stern mooring in Lazaretto Creek with associated support services.
* Fort Marina on the NE side of Marsamxett Harbour, tucked in under Tignes Point, is understood to have ceased operation.
* Fort Marina on the NE side of Marsamxett Harbour, tucked in under Tignes Point, is understood to have ceased operation.
* [http://www.rmyc.org/ Royal Malta Yacht Club].  During the summer months the club has two sets of pontoons directly in front of it's clubhouse close to Msida breakwater.  It is not known if these pontoons will be available for use by visitors.
* [http://www.rmyc.org/ Royal Malta Yacht Club].  During the summer months the club has two sets of pontoons directly in front of it's clubhouse close to Msida breakwater.  It is not known if these pontoons will be available for use by visitors.
Line 52: Line 60:
[[image:RMYC Marina.jpg|frame|center| '''New pontoons at RMYC, September 2011''']]
[[image:RMYC Marina.jpg|frame|center| '''New pontoons at RMYC, September 2011''']]
-
===Anchorages===
+
==Anchorages==
==== Lazaretto Creek  ====
==== Lazaretto Creek  ====
[[Image:Lazaretto creek.jpg|frame|center]]
[[Image:Lazaretto creek.jpg|frame|center]]
Line 67: Line 75:
Many private mooring buoys (used for local fishing, luzzu and tourist-tour boats) in the Creek north of Manoel Island. Though, in fall and winter nobody seems to care about the unused moorings. It is possible to spend several days (maybe longer) there. Good access to Sliema waterfront with shops and restaurants. Swell will enter the creek in strong E-NE winds.
Many private mooring buoys (used for local fishing, luzzu and tourist-tour boats) in the Creek north of Manoel Island. Though, in fall and winter nobody seems to care about the unused moorings. It is possible to spend several days (maybe longer) there. Good access to Sliema waterfront with shops and restaurants. Swell will enter the creek in strong E-NE winds.
-
==Yacht Repairs and Services==
+
==Amenities==
-
====Marine Stores & Facilities====
+
{{tlist
-
There are numerous chandleries around the streets of Gzira, Ta'Xbiex and Msida.
+
-
====Repairs/Yards====
+
|header|Facilities
-
* There are a number of established sailmakers, canvas workers, rigging companies, etc in the area
+
-
* Various trades people (carpenters, sailmakers, etc.) may come by offering their services
+
-
::Beware that the skills of some of these people may not be all that you would like.  It is best to ask around for advice from other yachtsmen in the area
+
-
* Shipyards on Manoel Island
+
-
{{hold vertical}}
+
-
====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
+
|Water| Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas
-
{{Image right| marsamxett_fuel_barge.jpg| Shell fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour }}
+
|Electricity| Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas (standard 230v European supply.  Domestic plugs in Malta are usually of the British 13A 3 rectangular pin type)
 +
|Toilets| {{MagentaText|?}}
 +
|Showers| {{MagentaText|?}}
 +
|Laundry| {{MagentaText|?}}
 +
|Garbage| Bins along the esplanade
-
; Fuel
+
|header|Supplies
 +
|Fuel| {{Image right| marsamxett_fuel_barge.jpg| Shell fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour }}
 +
; Diesel
: Diesel tankers deliver along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and in the marinas
: Diesel tankers deliver along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and in the marinas
: Diesel is also available from the Shell diesel fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour, on the port side when heading from the harbour entrance to Msida Creek
: Diesel is also available from the Shell diesel fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour, on the port side when heading from the harbour entrance to Msida Creek
Line 87: Line 95:
: From the petrol station on Sliema water front by the bridge to Manoel Island
: From the petrol station on Sliema water front by the bridge to Manoel Island
: There are two more petrol stations on Triq Testaferrata.
: There are two more petrol stations on Triq Testaferrata.
-
; Water
+
|Bottled gas| {{Green|Give details on cooking gas (''Camping Gaz'', butane, propane, etc) suppliers. If there are no suppliers in the island just enter "None"}}
-
: Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas
+
|Chandlers| There are numerous chandleries around the streets of Gzira, Ta'Xbiex and Msida.
-
; Electricity
+
-
: Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas (standard 230v European supply. Domestic plugs in Malta are usually of the British 13A 3 rectangular pin type)
+
-
==Things to do Ashore==
+
|header|Services
-
====Tourism====
+
|Repairs|
-
{{Image right| Malta_Boats_Sliema.jpg| Fishing Boats in Sliema}}
+
* There are a number of established sailmakers, canvas workers, rigging companies, etc in the area
 +
* Various trades people (carpenters, sailmakers, etc.) may come by offering their services
 +
::Beware that the skills of some of these people may not be all that you would like.  It is best to ask around for advice from other yachtsmen in the area
 +
* Shipyards on Manoel Island
 +
{{hold vertical}}
 +
|Internet|
 +
* ''Irrera'' and the ''Black Pearl'' have wi-fi
 +
* [http://www.vodafone.com.mt Vodafone] have a small shop in Sliema where 3G SIM cards with or without dongles can be bought [http://www.vodafone.com.mt/libertyprepaidplans Online pre-paid rates] are relatively cheap for the Med and time can be bought by the day, week or month
-
Walk along the delightful waterfront of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliema Sliema] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gżira Gżira].
+
|Mobile connectivity| {{Green|Is there mobile telephone signal such as G4, G3, GPRS on the island? How strong is the signal? Are there any blind spots?}}
-
 
+
|Vehicle rentals|
-
''See also [[Malta#Tourism|Malta]]''.
+
* Available along the esplanade at Sliema
 +
* ''AVIS'' have their base by Msida roundabout. Not immediately obvious from the outside, but check the skyline as there is a large ''AVIS'' sign on top of the building
 +
}}
-
====Grocery & Supply Stores====
+
==Provisioning==
-
''Gala'' Supermarket is located on Triq ''(Street)'' Testaferrata.  Its on the left side further up the hill from the laundry.  Not always easily spotted by a newcomer, it is above a car showroom.  Access is either by an escalator inside the car showroom, or via a door in the side street.  Basement parking is available.  Delivery to yachts is available.
+
''Gala'' Supermarket is located on Triq ''(Street)'' Testaferrata.  It is on the left side further up the hill from the laundry.  Not always easily spotted by a newcomer, it is above a car showroom.  Access is either by an escalator inside the car showroom or via a door in the side street.  Basement parking is available.  Delivery to yachts is available.
-
====Eateries====
+
==Eating out==
-
* There are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along Sliema waterfont, all very touristy
+
* There are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along Sliema waterfront, all very touristy
* On Ta'Xbiex waterfront close to Msida breakwater are ''Irrera'' and [http://www.guze.com.mt ''Guze''] restaurants
* On Ta'Xbiex waterfront close to Msida breakwater are ''Irrera'' and [http://www.guze.com.mt ''Guze''] restaurants
-
* There is also a restaurant in the [http://www.blackpearlmalta.com ''Black Pearl''], an old wooden two masted vessel now permanently ashore at the root of the breakwater  
+
* There is also a restaurant in the [http://www.blackpearlmalta.com ''Black Pearl''], an old wooden two-masted vessel now permanently ashore at the root of the breakwater  
* Very good Maltese food can be had at the ''Il Meril'' restaurant (+33 2172 0942 0265) located at the foot of St. Vincent Street in Sliema
* Very good Maltese food can be had at the ''Il Meril'' restaurant (+33 2172 0942 0265) located at the foot of St. Vincent Street in Sliema
-
====Internet/WiFi====
+
==Transportation==
-
* ''Irrera'' and the ''Black Pearl'' have wi-fi
+
* There are frequent buses running along the Sliema/Gzira waterfront
-
* [http://www.vodafone.com.mt Vodafone] have a small shop in Sliema where 3G SIM cards with or without dongles can be bought [http://www.vodafone.com.mt/libertyprepaidplans Online pre-paid rates] are relatively cheap for the Med and time can be bought by the day, week or month
+
* There is a regular small ferry running between Sliema waterfront and Valletta. Cost is low and is a pleasant alternative to the bus. Note that the ferry does not run during strong NE winds.
-
====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
+
==Tourism==
-
* Available along the esplanade at Sliema
+
====History====
-
* ''AVIS'' have their base by Msida roundabout.  Not immediately obvious from the outside, but check the skyline as there is a large ''AVIS'' sign on top of the building
+
{{Green|Give a short history of the port.}}
-
====Garbage Disposal====
+
====Places to Visit====
-
Bins along the esplanade.
+
{{Image right| Malta_Boats_Sliema.jpg| Fishing Boats in Sliema}}
-
====Transportation====
+
Walk along the delightful waterfront of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliema Sliema] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gżira Gżira].
-
* There are frequent buses running along the Sliema/Gzira waterfront
+
 
-
* There is a regular small ferry running between Sliema waterfront and Valletta. Cost is low and is a pleasant alternative to the bus. Note that the ferry does not run during strong NE winds.
+
''See also [[Malta#Tourism|Malta]]''.
==Friends==
==Friends==
Line 138: Line 153:
*  
*  
-
==References & Publications==
+
==References==
-
''See [[Malta#References & Publications|Malta]]''.
+
''See [[Malta#References|Malta]]''.
{{Comments}}
{{Comments}}

Latest revision as of 17:10, 15 February 2020

WorldMediterraneanMaltaMarsamxett Harbour
Marsamxett Harbour
Port of Entry
35°53.970'N, 014°30.240'E Chart icon.png
Malta Marsamxett S.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Satellite View of Marsamxett

Marsamxett Harbour is the main yachting harbour in Malta with the greatest number of yacht berthing options available. Marsamxett Harbour has the advantage in that it is close to the busy tourist area of Sliema, and St. Julian's and the nightlife district of Paceville are not so far away. Marsamxett Harbour is also the focus of most of the many yacht chandleries in Malta, most of which are located in or around the Msida, Ta'Xbiex, Gzira area.

Sliema is the area mainly on the north side of this harbour. At the head of Lazaretto Creek is Gzira. Between Lazaretto Creek and Msida Creek is Ta'Xbiex. (The letter X is generally pronounced 'sh' in Maltese.) Msida is the area at the head of Msida Creek. There is no obvious distinction between these areas, which have all merged together over the years.

Marsamxett Harbour form Manoel Island


Charts

See Malta.

Weather

Marsamxett is exposed to the NE Gregale. When it blows there can be a strong surge, or worse, and yachts will require to be well secured. The most sheltered area is generally Msida Creek, though even here behind the breakwater there will be a notable surge.

See also Malta.

Passages

Malta is 412 nM form Cythera and 383 nM from Pylos in Greece. It is also 364 nM from Cagliari, Sardinia and about 85 nM from Lampedusa in Italy.

Also see Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.

Communication

See Malta.

Navigation

Refer to official charts and publications.

Note that there may be ships anchored off near the harbor entrance. Within the harbour there are numerous mooring buoys of all sizes, some occupied, some not.

Entrance

Marsamxett is a port of entry to Malta.

See Entrance procedures for Malta.

Berthing

  • Msida Breakwater. Stern or bow-to mooring with tailed lines to the breakwater. Electricity and water points. This is managed as part of Msida Marina.
Note that the MMA office in the corner of the nearby Royal Malta Yacht Club was closed in February 2011
  • Lazaretto Quay. Stern or bow to mooring with tailed lines to the harbour wall on the SW side of Lazaretto Creek. Electricity and water points. This is understood to be managed by S & D Yachts. If you have to use your own anchor, be aware of a very fouled bottom.
Warning: Boats on this quay may be subject to a strong surge during periods of NE winds. Strong mooring lines and old car tyres are useful

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

  • Msida Marina. A floating pontoon marina in Marsamxett harbour. Now privately run by Creek Developments.
  • Manoel Island Marina. A marina in Marsamxett harbour on the south side of Manoel Island offering floating pontoon berths for smaller berths and stern to the quay berths for vessels up to 80 metres.
  • Sandy Yacht Marina. Not strictly a marina in the usual sense of the word. Sandy Yacht Marina is an organised arrangement of bow and stern mooring in Lazaretto Creek with associated support services.
  • Fort Marina on the NE side of Marsamxett Harbour, tucked in under Tignes Point, is understood to have ceased operation.
  • Royal Malta Yacht Club. During the summer months the club has two sets of pontoons directly in front of it's clubhouse close to Msida breakwater. It is not known if these pontoons will be available for use by visitors.
New pontoons at RMYC, September 2011

Anchorages

Lazaretto Creek

Lazaretto creek.jpg
Chart of Lazarretto Creek

Lazaretto Creek is very crowded with private moorings and it is unlikely you will find space to anchor.

It is generally accepted that when no berths are readily available, newly arrived yachts may anchor for a day or so in the area between Lazaretto Creek and Msida Creek while waiting for a berth to become available.

Warning: When the NE wind blows, the dreaded Gregale will cause a very uncomfortable and possibly dangerous swell here.

Sliema Creek

Many private mooring buoys (used for local fishing, luzzu and tourist-tour boats) in the Creek north of Manoel Island. Though, in fall and winter nobody seems to care about the unused moorings. It is possible to spend several days (maybe longer) there. Good access to Sliema waterfront with shops and restaurants. Swell will enter the creek in strong E-NE winds.

Amenities

Facilities
Water Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas
Electricity Along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and on the pontoons in the marinas (standard 230v European supply. Domestic plugs in Malta are usually of the British 13A 3 rectangular pin type)
Toilets ?
Showers ?
Laundry ?
Garbage Bins along the esplanade
Supplies
Fuel
Shell fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour
Diesel
Diesel tankers deliver along the quay at Lazaretto Creek and in the marinas
Diesel is also available from the Shell diesel fuel barge in Marsamxett harbour, on the port side when heading from the harbour entrance to Msida Creek
Petrol or Gasoline
From the petrol station on Sliema water front by the bridge to Manoel Island
There are two more petrol stations on Triq Testaferrata.
Bottled gas Give details on cooking gas (Camping Gaz, butane, propane, etc) suppliers. If there are no suppliers in the island just enter "None"
Chandlers There are numerous chandleries around the streets of Gzira, Ta'Xbiex and Msida.
Services
Repairs
  • There are a number of established sailmakers, canvas workers, rigging companies, etc in the area
  • Various trades people (carpenters, sailmakers, etc.) may come by offering their services
Beware that the skills of some of these people may not be all that you would like. It is best to ask around for advice from other yachtsmen in the area
  • Shipyards on Manoel Island
Internet
  • Irrera and the Black Pearl have wi-fi
  • Vodafone have a small shop in Sliema where 3G SIM cards with or without dongles can be bought Online pre-paid rates are relatively cheap for the Med and time can be bought by the day, week or month
Mobile connectivity Is there mobile telephone signal such as G4, G3, GPRS on the island? How strong is the signal? Are there any blind spots?
Vehicle rentals
  • Available along the esplanade at Sliema
  • AVIS have their base by Msida roundabout. Not immediately obvious from the outside, but check the skyline as there is a large AVIS sign on top of the building

Provisioning

Gala Supermarket is located on Triq (Street) Testaferrata. It is on the left side further up the hill from the laundry. Not always easily spotted by a newcomer, it is above a car showroom. Access is either by an escalator inside the car showroom or via a door in the side street. Basement parking is available. Delivery to yachts is available.

Eating out

  • There are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along Sliema waterfront, all very touristy
  • On Ta'Xbiex waterfront close to Msida breakwater are Irrera and Guze restaurants
  • There is also a restaurant in the Black Pearl, an old wooden two-masted vessel now permanently ashore at the root of the breakwater
  • Very good Maltese food can be had at the Il Meril restaurant (+33 2172 0942 0265) located at the foot of St. Vincent Street in Sliema

Transportation

  • There are frequent buses running along the Sliema/Gzira waterfront
  • There is a regular small ferry running between Sliema waterfront and Valletta. Cost is low and is a pleasant alternative to the bus. Note that the ferry does not run during strong NE winds.

Tourism

History

Give a short history of the port.

Places to Visit

Fishing Boats in Sliema

Walk along the delightful waterfront of Sliema and Gżira.

See also Malta.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Malta.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Marsamxett Harbour and this page's details validated:



This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.


SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Wayward


Personal tools
advertisement
Friends of Cruisers Wiki