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 as it is commonly known, has been a British Territory since 1704. It is a VAT free jurisdiction,and for boating enthusiasts its popularity is enhanced, as pink diesel 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 to purchase fuel 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 extends out across the water, making it appear as though you are landing on the sea. 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 Marina Bay,Queensway Quay, and Sheppards. The first two are the most well established. Marina Bay is situated on the West side of the Rock and has a draft of 4.5 metre and over 200 berths. All pontoons offer fresh water, power supply, telephone, fax, and satellite TV. There is also wireless internet available via a local provider. On the main pier there are the usual toilet facilities etc. For larger yachts there are 30 moorings which can accommodate 25-30m boats, and 15 for 30m plus yachts. Boats can be moored alongside and stern to. The maximum length of yacht 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. The nearest airport is Gibraltar which is almost walking distance!!
Queensway Quay is the newest and most modern, and is located just North of the Rock, and currently has a new breakwater under construction. It can accommodate 209 vessels, and can take yachts up to 80m. There are 14 berths for yachts between 25 and 30 metres, and only 1 for yachts in excess of 30 metres, although we understand this will increase following development within the port. The maximum draught is 4.5metres and maximum beam 15metres. Each has fresh water, power, telephone, fax and Satellite TV. Boats can be tied up alongside and stern to. All points are connected to a pc in the harbour office which allow 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 mooring alongside.
Sheppards provides the only yacht repair yard in Gibraltar, run by H Sheppard and Co Ltd. The facility currently has 150 moorings and it is mostly used by locals. It can be a problem to find space if your stay is very short. Fees vary but for a 12m plus vessel are approximately :%$pound; 0.40 per metre in low season to :%$pound;0.90 per metre in high season. The contact details are as follows : Marina Bay, Bayside Road, Gibraltar, Tel: 350 73300 or Fax 350 42656. Queensway Quay PO Box 19, Ragged Staff Wharf, Gibraltar, Tel: 350 44700 or Fax 350 44699. Finally the contact details for Sheppards is Tel: 00350 75148 or Fax 00350 42535. The VHF channel is 71.
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