MMA's marinas host 3,400 yachts in two years

A total of 3,434 yachts berthed at the Malta Maritime Authority marinas between 2000 and 2002, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said yesterday.

Last year the authority's marinas provided for 1,024 berths while private marinas provided for 240 berths.

Capacity in the private marinas will increase by another 230 berths later this year when the Grand Harbour Marina is launched in Cottonera.

Dr Zammit Dimech was addressing a press conference together with the Tunisian Ambassador, Abdessalem Hetira, to give details about the forthcoming Malta-Tunisia Regatta, dubbed The Phoenicia Experience.

The 650-km race is being held between July 9 and 17. It is open to both sailing and powerboats and will take competing yachts from Malta to Lampedusa, Monastir and El Kantaoui, finishing at Hammamet.

The MMA runs three marinas: at Ta' Xbiex, Msida and Mgarr.

Msida Marina is situated in the innermost part of Marsamxett Harbour, in safe and sheltered surroundings. Berthing is provided on floating pontoons, providing 700 berths up to 18 metres in length on double mooring lines. There is also berthing at Ta' Xbiex.

Mgarr Marina in Gozo consists of 208 berths in the island's major harbour where safety was increased through the building of a breakwater.

Private marinas are situated at Cottonera, Manoel Island and Portomaso and others are being constructed.