Malta needs to invest in yachting facilities if it is to reap the economic benefits that this sector affords, the Yachting Services Trade Section of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise said.

"The true picture is that Malta did not keep pace with the development of this industry. It is regrettable that, while countries surrounding us have developed yachting facilities, in most cases incepted after us, they have overtaken us and are miles ahead of us in the facilities and services they offer," the section said in a memorandum for the political parties.

The trade section was set up last year because of the sector's concern over what it termed as lack of recognition and consultation by the government and also because of the urge to "exploit the potential of the yachting industry as a valuable economic sector in Malta".

The section highlighted the need for facilities for visiting yachts, noting that at present local boats took up 90 per cent of the 1,701 berths available.

"A much healthier economic outlook would prevail if the proportion of local to foreign yachtsmen having permanent berths were in the ratio of 60:40," the memorandum said. There are 300 boats on the waiting list for a permanent berth.

The lucrative superyacht sector was also clamouring for berths and services, although there are some earmarked for these yachts at Grand Harbour Marina and at Manoel Island Marina.

"Such stagnate circumstances are hindering the trade from operating properly and from making any appropriate projections.

Consequently, efforts to secure overseas clients for a Malta sojourn and for auxiliary work for local repair yards cannot be sustained.

"It is imperative that an in-depth study of possible venues for new marinas is carried out and implemented without further delay. More pontoon marinas are an immediate must for the future of the industry with locations like Xemxija, Sliema Creek, Kalkara, Marsascala and Qala offering potential sites," it said.

The other pending issue is the privatisation of the Malta Maritime Authority's marinas.

"Here one expects safeguarding measures to ensure that fees would not only reflect the services utilised but, furthermore, that any increase in the cost of berthing fees should be realistic and not done in a one-step sharp upsurge proportion. Ideally, a gradual percentage increase should be guaranteed.

"Naturally, the incumbents are to be safeguarded and given the right to retain a safe berth compatible with the size of their craft."