Whether they’re using Malta as a base for buying a yacht or are simply sailing into port to see the local sights, Jo Caruana looks at why the islands continue to attract seafaring folk from across the globe.
It’s easy to see what people love about the seascape around the Maltese islands… stark cliffs that catapult down into the water, vibrant hues of blue, green and honey yellow, and pretty bays that promise almost complete solitude.
Malta enjoys very low registration costs and doesn’t place any restrictions on the nationality of the owner
It’s these vistas that have attracted thousands of boat owners from across the world to chug gracefully into our waters. Some will simply pass through en route to other destinations, while others will register their yacht here, make the islands their base and hop onto land to explore everything else that’s on offer. Either way, the country has proved its worth and upped its game.
“Sailing into Malta – whether as the main destination or as part of a Mediterranean voyage – has always been popular, but it has taken off even more in recent years,” explains Sebastian Ripard, a well-known local sailor, who also runs Blue Med Yacht Charters.
“There’s a wonderful leisure atmosphere associated with it. I truly believe that there’s nothing better than exploring the Mediterranean by sea.
“Once you’re out on the water, everything else ceases to exist. Life becomes simple, or, rather, it is the simple things that become important – such as whether to catch lunch and eat it on board or to sail to a beachfront restaurant in the north of the island or on Gozo. Later, we wonder whether to nap all afternoon or explore beneath the waters with a mask and snorkel. It really is an incredible way of life, and the islands are so well-suited to it.”
Ripard explains that yachting around the islands is one of the best ways to see them in their full glory. “My clients always remark on the incredible beauty that is to be found around the coastline, and much of that can only be explored by boat,” he says.
“Time and time again, the Grand Harbour impresses, especially at night when the lights shine across the bastions and cast intricate shadows over the sea. The fact that the natural splendour of the water blends so beautifully with our history makes it all the more special, and it’s something my guests always remark on.”
Ripard says his clients – some of whom book one of his charters to get a taster for what it might be like to own their own boat in Malta – are also inspired by San Lawrenz and San Dimitri around Gozo, as well as the cliffs in the north of Malta. “There really is a variety to keep them interested, and I don’t think anyone expects to be so awestruck by it,” he adds.
In fact, once sold on the idea of the island in general, several foreigners even choose to buy and register a boat here – especially as there are numerous incentives to encourage them to do so.
“Malta certainly has an extensive maritime history,” explains Frank Willems, a yacht manager at Engel & Völkers Yachting. “And it is very well-respected internationally. I guess this encourages people to automatically think of the Maltese islands when they consider yachting destinations in southern Europe, or even using Malta as a base for buying their boat.”
Within that, he explains, Malta enjoys very low registration costs and doesn’t place any restrictions on the nationality of the owner. Additionally, the registration can be done and dusted in a few days, so it is a pretty easygoing process and one many continue to find attractive.
“It’s thanks to all of this that we continue to enjoy Malta’s popularity as a yachting registration hub, and I think buyers are also impressed with the service they receive here,” says Willems.
“If people are thinking of buying a yacht, then I would recommend they meet with a reputable charter broker, who can help them to understand their needs, match their budget to the right boat and register their craft. Other services are on offer too, of course, including maintenance management, logistic services, accounting and budget controlling, security and crewing.
“Everything can be taken care of on their behalf. And with all of the details in place, they will soon be in a position to sail their own yacht off into the sunset and to enjoy the Mediterranean waters like never before!”