Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean, is both a passage stop and a common flag and wintering centre for yachts. A delivery from Turkey to Malta is a multi-day offshore passage via southern Greece or the Ionian.
We do not offer deliveries on this route. This page is a guide for owners planning the passage themselves. Our skippered deliveries run along the Turkish coast between Istanbul and Fethiye, and we can survey the boat before departure anywhere on the Turkish coast: calculate the survey fee.
The route
From the Aegean south of the Peloponnese, then west across open sea; or via the Ionian and Sicily. With long offshore legs, the weather window and fuel plan are decisive.
Weather
Around Malta the north-easterly gregale in the cold season can make harbour entry difficult. Passages are mostly planned for spring and autumn.
Paperwork
- Exit from Turkey, EU entry in Malta.
- Schengen for crew, VAT status for the boat.
- Insurance navigation limits must include the central Mediterranean.
The long open-sea leg
The defining part of the route from Turkey to Malta is the long open-sea leg across the Ionian. There is no harbour of refuge on this leg; if the weather turns, the boat either carries on or turns back. So the weather window is chosen to cover the whole leg with a margin, and checked again just before departure.
North or south of Crete?
Leaving the Aegean, passing north or south of Crete is chosen by wind direction and season. The northern route offers more refuges; the southern route can be more sheltered in some winds. The choice is made with the forecast and the boat's type.
Boat preparation
For the long open-sea leg, safety gear, liferaft, radio and emergency signals are checked separately before departure. Fuel, water and provisions are planned for the leg's length and a possible delay.
Arrival
Entry to Malta is at an official port of entry. In the cold season the north-easterly gregale can drive swell into some harbours, so the arrival port and berth are chosen accordingly.
Malta as a flag
If moving the boat to the Malta flag is under consideration, that is a separate legal process and can be planned alongside the delivery; details on the flag and registration page.
Rules
Entry conditions and documents are confirmed with an agent.
Watches
The open-sea leg runs day and night; a crew of three and a settled watch system make it far safer and less tiring.
Communication
There is no mobile coverage on the open-sea leg; satellite communication or similar is arranged for position reports, and the owner is told from the start how often they will come. What to do if a report is late is agreed in advance, so nobody raises an alarm too early or too late.
On arrival, the boat's condition goes to the owner with the passage records and photographic arrival record. Any small problem that appeared on the long open-sea leg is in the report too, so it can be dealt with before the boat's next use.
For a well-prepared boat and a rested crew, the long open-sea leg is a passage made safely, not a gamble. Preparation, patience with the window and good watches do most of the work before the lines are ever let go.
Patience and preparation are the keys to this route, and to arriving rested and on good terms with the boat.