Arthur and I left our 27 ft Vancouver, Badger at Kalkara Boatyard over the winter of 09-10. Kalkara Boatyard is a new yard; it is small but very neat and well run. The people are very friendly, competent, and did some fine work for us over the winter; Badger is in better shape than when we left. The area around the yard is not too rich but is safe and relatively clean. Kalkara is going to build a marina next year and put in mooring balls this summer. NE winds are somewhat difficult here as there is some swell but one sailboat has remained intact all winter while at anchor in the Kalkara inlet. Malta is a fabulous place and extremely interesting. Tremendous history, English speaking people, Mother Goddess ruins older than Stonehenge and the Piramids, an ancient cave, ferry rides to Gozo and lots of touristy places in Valletta. I recommend it if you have time to stop here. We are about 50 miles from the south coast of sicily.