In Malta and Gozo, we have been slow to appreciate and take advantage of the economic benefits of marina and boatyard facilities, so it was good to read (March 18) of plans in hand to increase the number of berths at Mġarr Marina.

To reap the full benefit, a marina must have boatyard facilities. There are no such facilities in Gozo and Maltese yards are full to capacity.

The requirements are quite simple: adjacent to a marina, lift-out and launch facilities with ‘mast-in’ secure storage. Owners are always willing to pay for this type of winter storage.

The most important job-creating condition would be boat owners’ freedom to employ whomsoever they choose to work on their boats.

This would encourage the type of small enterprise that is the backbone of the Gozitan private sector economy.

Many of the required skills already exist on Gozo including ships carpenters, stainless steel fabricators, canvas workers, marine engineers, etc.

This facility would increase demand for their services at a time when the fishing fleet is in decline. It would also create a demand for new skills and bring more visitors to the island, many in the low season.

Potential customers would come from each of the following categories: local owners who currently winter their yachts at various locations on the island having removed the mast; local owners who currently go to Malta; and foreign owners currently wintering in other central Mediterranean ports.

Just look at Tunisia’s success. Apart from this ‘out of season’ work, there is a smaller but constant ‘in season’ demand.

There was an almost ideal site adjacent to Mġarr but unfortunately it was decided to spend loads of money turning it into a car park that will generate zero employment once completed. Can an adjacent site be found to make up for this poor decision?