Marina for sailing events proposed at Ta’ Xbiex

The Royal Malta Yacht Club is proposing a new marina consisting of two floating 20 metre pontoons with a capacity of 72 boats.

The new facility is aimed to cater for mariners competing in the club's sailing events.

The site is located in Marsamxett Harbour at Ta' Xbiex point just outside the Msida Marina in the vicinity of the club premise.

The pontoons will be anchored to 42 concrete blocks laid on the seabed.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club is an organiser of sailing events, like the Malta Syracuse Race (which has been held every year for 50 years) and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which attracts a fleet of some 70 boats.

According to a Project Development Statement presented to MEPA, the provision of berths for these events is becoming problematic in Malta's marinas, as these are occupied by permanent berth holders.

The new berths will be used also to accommodate visiting yachtsmen and club members on a temporary basis when not in use for events. The pontoons will be dismantled after the end of October and re-installed the following March.