October marked the first historic arrival of ‘The Gotheborg of Sweden’ the worlds largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship which visited Malta’s Grand Harbour enroute to Spain during its the vessel is on a two-year Asia Expedition to Shanghai. Much excitement was had by those who visited the boat and when it left as is tradition she fired her canons.
Valletta’s Grand Harbour was host to the 43rd edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race which has just wrapped up. Boasting a global fleet of 120 yachts competing from 25 countries in the prestigious annual yachting race featuring Maxi multihulls and maxi monohulls who participated in the 606 nautical mile course, from Malta to Sicily, circumnavigating the Italian island and returning to Malta. The weather conditions certainly put the skippers and crew skills to the test as commented ‘You ask any sailor, the highest skill you need is to sail with no wind,”. Malta is an attractive destination for maritime industry and in September noted that there are 1,030 superyachts sporting the Maltese flag. Malta’s first National Policy for Yachting which is expected to be released in the coming months
Taking to the skies on the radar is the Aviation Industry which is not only a fundamental pillar for the Maltese economy but crucial to the global community promoting tourism, connectivity and generating economic growth to the tune of 4.1% of global gross domestic product. Sustainability in aviation is getting great attention as Malta is embracing the technology as a possible supplier and distributor. Aircraft registration and support services are flying high and attracting an increased presence of players such as Ryanair, Lufthansa’s Eurowings, EasyJet and new arrival Whizzair. Emirates has resumed their daily flights between Malta and Dubai, alongside Turkish Airlines being a great connection for those travelling between southern Africa.