Augusta

From CruisersWiki

Augusta is a large commercial and naval port 20 miles south of Catania and 12 miles north of Siracusa in Sicily. It is not really suitable for yachts to berth and should only be entered in an emergency. Once inside the harbour breakwaters, shelter is good although there is a considerable chop in the harbour with strong southerlies in view of the fetch of over four miles. A yard at the northern end of the harbour has pontoons with laid moorings and there is a small basin, Cala del Molo, on the east side 2.5 miles north of the entrance which can be entered in an emergency.

Charts

Admiralty

1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne

Italian

918

Weather

Prevailing winds on the east coast of Sicily are NE during the summer. During spring and winter winds are often from SE and W in addition to NE. Strong SE winds can make some of the harbours along this coast uncomfortable and even untenable. In such circumstances, Augusta may be used as a port of refuge, although it is preferable to head for Catania or Siracusa.

Sources for weather forecasts:

• There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation
• The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16
• Navtex weather forecasts are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily)

Passages

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

None.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

Enter the harbour between the two long breakwaters and head NNW for Cala del Molo or the yard.

Berthing

Go alongside in Cala del Molo 37°13.3′N, 15°13.02′E wherever there is space. The pilot and coastguard vessels moor in here, so you may need to be ready with a good excuse if you enter.

Alternatively, head up to the yard 37°14.4′N, 15°12,27′E, where there are two small craft pontoons and an anchorage in 5.0 - 8.0 metres.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

To the west of Capo S. Croce 37°14.2′N, 15°13.5′E, outside and due north of the harbour. Shelter is adequate in prevailing NE winds but poor in southerlies. Anchor in 5.0 - 6.0 metres in sand and mud.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Yard at N end of harbour (details needed)

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel in Cala del Molo. Water at Cala del Molo and the yard.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

None. Go to Catania or Siracusa.

Grocery & Supply Stores

None.

Eateries

None.

Internet/WiFi

No.

Laundry

No.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

No.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at Cala del Molo.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

• Augusta at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

See Italy.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Augusta and this page's details validated:

• Information based on internet research (please update if you visit) --Athene of Lymington 16:02, 18 August 2010 (UTC)

This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington