Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,244 of 24th May 2024

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners that Yachting Malta – Sailing Regatta Race Week, will be taking place in Marsamxett Harbour, off Tas-Sliema and off Xgħajra.

The races will take place as follow:

In Marsamxett Harbour, areas A and B as shown on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

On Saturday, 18th May, 2024, from 10.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m.,

On Tuesday, 21st May, 2024, from 4.00 p.m. till 8.00 p.m.,

On Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024, from 4.00 p.m. till 8.00 p.m. and

On Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, from 4.00 p.m. till 8.00 p.m.

Off Sliema and off Xgħajra, areas C and D as shown on the chart found on Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

On Saturday, 25th May, 2024, from 10.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. and

On Sunday, 26th May, 2024, from 10.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m.

Yellow inflatable marker buoys, to indicate the racecourse within the abovementioned areas, will be laid just before the events start and will be removed once the events have finished, on each day of the events.

All vessels that are not involved in the event are to keep well clear from the competing boats and are to follow any instructions given by the race officials and the support vessels.

Commercial vessels and private vessels sailing within Marsamxett Harbour, while the event is being held, are to use the available fairways round the mentioned area.

Mariners are to note the above and are to give the areas indicated a wide berth. They are further instructed to fully comply with Rule 18 (COLREGS 1972) and to 'keep out of the way' of the sailing vessels participating in the event.

Mariners navigating in the vicinity of the indicated areas on the mentioned dates and times are to keep watch on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16 and are to cooperate with the organisers and/or enforcement personnel in the area.

Any instructions issued on VHF channel 12 and/or 16 by Valletta VTS are to be complied with.

Charts affected: BA 177, 2538, 2537.

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and the general public that repair work will be carried out on a slipway at Il-Bajja tax-Xlendi, Gozo.

The works will start on Monday, 20th May, 2024, and should be completed by Sunday, 2nd June, 2024.

A silt curtain will be laid along the line A and B, as shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt).

These works will be carried out by scuba divers who will be displaying the International Code of Signals Flag 'A' while works are being carried out.

Due to the above, the slipways mentioned above, and the adjacent side of the jetty will not be accessible while the works are being carried out. The other side of the jetty will not be affected and can be used normally.

Mariners and owners of vessels are to proceed at very low speed (no wake) when navigating close to the area, they are to keep at least 10m away from the silt curtain and are to co-operate with the contractor on site.

All mariners are to comply with any instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16, by Valletta VTS and by any enforcement personnel on site.

Chart affected: BA 211