The Marinas Of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar guards the entrance to the Mediterranean, and has traditionally provided the starting point for super and mega yachts over wintering in the Caribbean. The Rock has been a British Territory since 1704 and as a VAT free jurisdiction its popularity is enhanced, particularly with the cost of red diesel, which is significantly cheaper than on mainland Spain. This is one of the reasons many powerboat enthusiasts tend to be based along the Costa del Sol, as it is cheaper to motor to Gibraltar and fill up there, than on the mainland! Whether this continues to be the case will depend on the EU.

There are many direct flights to Gibraltar, which is still a military base, with an airport to match! – arriving there is not for the feint hearted as cross winds can make it a very bumpy landing. The only runway is built into the sea making it appear as though you are landing on the water. In addition the main frontier road crosses the runway, with traffic held at level crossing gates whilst planes arrive and depart.

There are a total of three marinas which are Queensway Quay, Marina Bay and Sheppard’s Marina, of which the first two are the major ones. Marina Bay is situated on the West side of the Rock and has a draft of 4.5 metre and over 200 berths. All the berths offer fresh water, power supply, telephone, telefax, and satellite TV. There is also Wifi available via a local provider. On the main pier there are the usual toilet facilities etc. For larger yachts there are 30 berths for the 25-30m boats, and 15 for 30m plus yachts. Berthing is both alongside and stern to. The maximum length is 75m with a max draught of 4.3m. There is no limit on the beam. As a rough guide to prices, in high season an 18-21m boat will cost 30 GBP per night, and 19 GBP in low season approximately. The nearest airport if ofcourse Gibraltar which is almost walking distance!!

Queensway Quay Marina is the newest and most modern, and is located just North of the Rock and currently has a new breakwater under construction. The marina currently has 209 berths and can take yachts up to 80m. There are 14 berths for yachts between 25 and 30 metres, and 1 berth for yachts in excess of 30 metres’ although we understand this will increase following development within the marina. The maximum draught is 4.5metres and maximum beam 15metres. Each berth has fresh water, power, telephone, telefax and Satellite TV. Berthing is alongside and stern to. All points are connected to a pc in the harbour office allowing statements to be prepared promptly so that owners can get underway quickly. A local company is currently constructing waterside properties which will each have their own 20 metre berth alongside.
Sheppard’s marina provides the only yacht repair yard in Gibraltar, run by H Sheppard and Co Ltd. The marina currently has 150 berths. The marina is mostly used by locals and short stay berths are often not available. Berthing is alongside and stern to. Fees vary but for a 12m plus vessel are approx. £ 0.40 per metre in low season to £0.90 per metre in high season approx.

By: david coulling

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David Coulling is a director of Marinablu International Ltd. The company specialises in arranging leasing, marine mortgages, and berth finance for international boat owners. For further information and details please click on the following link : berths,marine,Gibraltar,leasing,boats