Superyachts vs Small Boats: Marina row ends in approval

At the Development and Planning Commission, a heated exchange between Queensway Quay Management and the neighbouring Cormorant Camber Boat Owners’ Club saw superyachts and small boat owners pitted against each other.

Cormorant Camber had applied to extend its marina, adding 19 additional berths. However, the Commission heard this could impact larger vessels currently berthing to the north of the Sails, potentially leaving insufficient space for them to manoeuvre safely.

Representing Queensway Quay Management, lawyer Ian Farrell argued the proposals would encroach on his client’s waters and interfere with existing operations. He warned the dispute could ultimately be resolved in court, adding that the Captain of the Port had already assessed the plans and raised concerns about navigational safety.

However, representatives for the Boat Owners’ Club disputed this, claiming that Queensway Quay regularly berths vessels that exceed their allocated space and encroach into club waters. Treasurer of the Club Alfred Vasquez said there was no legal right to do so.

“That berth is not a superyacht berth,” he said.

Minister Leslie Bruzon supported the application, saying it would be unfair to require the club to reduce its berths while not enforcing existing boundaries on Queensway Quay.

"I’ve got to put the interests of the people on the waiting list for berths first,” he said.

Minister Pat Orfila added "we have enough troubles with our waters as it is, without fighting internally".

The proposals were ultimately granted full planning permission, with six members voting in favour.

And also given full planning permission at Thursday’s Development and Planning Commission meeting were plans for a boutique hotel at the Mount as well as an upgrade to the existing fuel pipework and a new pump room at the North Mole.