Gazimağusa municipality TRNC finalizing plans to build its own Yacht harbour

Gazi Mağusa municipality is planning to build its own yacht harbour, it has been revealed.

The announcement was made after organisers of the annual Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally (Emyr), which concluded last month, visited the town’s mayor lsmail Arter to discuss the difficulties they have been encountering due to a lack of international recognition of the TRNC’s ports.

Netherlands-based Emyr group leader Ms Zwaagstra Lammert, who was among the delegation that met Mr Arter, said: “Cyprus is on our path. But when we visit South Cyprus, we are not allowed to go to the North.

“We have shared our problems with President Mustafa Akinci who has said that he will make proposals to the Greek Cypriot side as part of confidence building measures for yachts to be able to use all ports in Cyprus freely.”

Emyr organiser Hasan Kaçmaz said: “The mayor explained that they would start making enquiries to build a yacht harbour in the town and said he will consult the appropriate authorities.

“The mayor is actually thinking of an area near to Palm Beach hotel which is a military area at present, which is the most convenient area for such a project and most feasible.”

Mr Arter confirmed the plans, saying: “Gazi Mağusa is a town of massive historical importance and has tourism potential. There is a need to work hard to build a yacht harbour for the town, but I can say that we have such a intention for this project.”

At present, the TRNC has two yacht harbours, the Girne Delta Marina and the Karpaz Gate Marina.

Kerem Hasan for Cyprus Today