Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

E arlier this year, I found myself lucky enough to be anchored near the north-east of the main island of Malta on board motor yacht Amore Mio. Uninhabited since World War II, St Paul’s Island loomed overhead, laden with history and yet beautifully desolate. One solitary coastal watch tower sat above us on the cliff’s edge, the last bastion of a fortified bygone era. The entire coastline of Malta is peppered with these lookout posts built by the Knights of Malta during the 17th century. Manned nightly, they were used to watch the seaward approaches, and to raise the alarm with a fire signal in the event of an imminent threat. TheMaltese archipelago consists of three main islands –Malta, Gozo and Comino. The dramatic coastline makes for spectacular cruising, particularly when aboard a high-performance yacht such as 45m Amore Mio. She is the biggest and most powerful sports-yacht ever built in the Netherlands and is a glorious example of a custom superyacht; a true leader in her class. Built by Dutch shipyard Heesen in 2016, she is designed for outdoors living, with a vast 90sqm sundeck, and a rapid top speed of 30 knots. With angular exterior lines by Omega Architects and interiors designed by Cristiano Gatto, Amore Mio combines power with comfort in a fusion of sophisticated elegance and contemporary style. Her facilities include a cinema, pool, BBQ and infinity terrace, in addition to a 12 metre-squared swimming platform and the largest collection of watertoys on board any yacht. Since taking delivery, her owner has spent most of his time on board using her as his Maltese summer home at sea, as was intended. She is based year-round at Manoel Island Marina, which is centrally located in Gzira, and where we first step aboard the yacht. The newly launched port Marina di Valetta is the latest addition to the historic island of Malta. Located on the edge of the Baroque fortress city of Valletta and neighbouring Amore Mio’s home port it provides the perfect base fromwhich to exploremyriad treasured coves and crystal-clear bays. Accommodating up to 27m yachts within its 250 berths, it also hosts alongside transit berthing for yachts of up to 50m and provides direct access to Valletta’s cobbled streets – the first grid system of its kind. It’s an early morning in June, and the sun is rising over the historic city. The majestic dome of St John’s Co-Cathedral pierces the dramatic skyline. Baroque in character, but defined by elements of mannerist, neo- classical and modern architecture, Valletta is a brilliant feat of engineering, and a lasting legacy of the Knights of St John. Sitting up top at Amore Mio’s open helm, views of churches, spires, and imposing buildings stretch as far as the eye can see, as Captain Tripp Hock eases us out of the marina, and we glide serenely by. TheMaltese have a strongmaritime heritage, but Malta itself doesn’t form part of the Mediterranean yachting milk run. Offering something vastly different from the likes of St Tropez, Capri or Croatia, the rocky islands provide hidden bays, secluded anchorages and alternative diving. Dwejra Bay is Captain Tripp’s preferred spot, and it’s clear to see why. Located off Gozo just behind Fungus Rock (so-called for a rare type of medicinal plant that naturally grows there) this dramatic coastal formation provides a protected bay for bathers and yachts alike (even up to 80m), with an impressive backdrop of waves spilling over rocks. “It’s a tiny narrow entrance that is deep enough for us to cruise into, but as soon as you enter you have a feeling that you’re in an inland lagoon because there are high walls and cliffs surrounding you in the anchorage,” explains Captain Tripp. “It’s very unusual, and very otherworldly. And it’s definitely one of the best spots in Malta to experience by yacht.” 2 1 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I