Tuesday 26^th May – Mgarr, Gozo - Valletta, Malta

35:53.799N 14:29.614E

This morning we pretended that we didn’t have hangovers, left Gozo and headed for Malta; the weather was very hot and there was very little wind so we had to motor. 

On the way we took Pyxis into the other two anchorages on the north of Comino to look at them with the intention of putting the hook down for mid morning coffee.  The first anchorage, San Niklaw, had a hotel along its western side and so not as secluded as we had expected.  The second bay, Santa Mariya, shallowed very quickly with weed and rock on the seabed so we would have had to anchor quite a way out.  In the end we just carried on to Malta having a drink en route.

When we arrived at Valletta we took Pyxis in through the entrance to Grand Harbour to have a look around – we had decided not to berth in the marina there as it is quite expensive.

We then came out round to Marsamxett Harbour and headed for Msida marina; however, when we called them on the radio we were told that they were full and that we would need to try the neighbouring marina on Manoel Island. 

We motored in anyway as Big Sky are berthed just inside the breakwater and we wanted to let them know.  We were circling around chatting to Con and telling him that we wouldn’t be able to join them when the marinaro called back on the radio and said he had found us a berth.  We were very grateful and went off to find the slot.  The marina is huge and we are tucked right down inside it, miles away from the normal visitors’ berths.  However, it seems like a nice place and pretty sheltered but, being in the city, very different to the tranquillity of Gozo. 

This evening we took the dinghy up to visit Big Sky and meet Con’s brother and sister-in-law who are visiting.

It has been incredibly hot today, around 35°C – we were relieved this evening when the cabin finally cooled down to 30°C.

Valletta:  Grand Harbour

Valletta:  Colourful cruise ships

Valletta:  Slime line with its own eco-system

© Pyxis 2009