Bonifacio
From CruisersWiki
Bonifacio, Corsica
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Corsica.
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Background
The inlet of Bonifacio is one of the most spectacular natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Situated at the head of a deep fjord, the berths are protected from winds coming from any quarter. The town is divided into the Haut Ville, the old town built on a defensive promotory overlooking the sea, the citadel of which dates back to the 9th century, and La Marine, the area directly adjacent to the inlet, which houses the port facilities. The town takes its name from Boniface II, ruler of Tuscany, who built the first citadel here to protect the southern limit of his domain from Saracen pirates. Bonifacio is the closest harbour to the Italian island of Sardinia and is an enjoyable place to wait for the winds to die down before crossing the Strait of Bonifacio.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
The Strait of Bonifacio is one of the windiest places in the western Mediterranean, regularly experiencing nearly gale force winds whenever the prevailing winds are much above force 4/5. With anything east or west in the winds (which is most of the time), the winds are funnelled through the gap between Corsica and Sardinia and the seas whipped up into an unpleasant short swell. Consequently, the harbour is often filled with yachts waiting for a clear passage across the Strait or round to Porto Vecchio.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
Bonifacio is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and the entrance is not easy to spot when arriving from the west. However, the old town on the promontory protecting the harbour is very conspicuous, as is the lighthouse of La Madonneta on a spit at the eastern side of the inlet.
Check-in facilities
Tel =33 (0) 4 95 73 10 07
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The marina in Bonifacio has a total of 450 berths, of which 160 are designated for visiting yachts. Maximum draught in the harbour is 3.5m. Yachts moor bows or stern-to on wooden pontoons. Water and electricity on each pontoon. There are WCs and showers in the marina, plus a laundrette. A chandlery is close by on the waterfront and there is also a slipway and 40T crane. Fuel can be delivered by tanker.
Anchorages
There are two small bays where a limited number of yachts can anchor on the north side of the inlet. At busy times, it may be necessary to take a line ashore (which may be a wise move in any case to prevent swinging into shallow water if the wind changes).
Offshore Islands
The Iles Lavezzi are about six miles east of Bonifacio. Beautiful Island with 2 main anchoring spots. The approach for the one on the east is well marked with yellow buoys forming a channel. Watch out for rocks on both sides. The space is very small and it gets very busy in high season. Not protected from winds apart from SW. Depths of about 3m. Anchorage on west side more protected from Easterlies, and tend to be less crowded.(details needed).
The island features 2 cementeries with casualties of the famous shipwreck in 1855 of La Semillante, in which 700 people died. One cementary is for the captain and priest alone, and the other is for the remaining 698 people.
Tourism & things to do ashore
The best experience in Bonifacio is simply wandering around the steep and narrow streets of the Haut Ville before lunching in one of its many shady cafes. The south side of the old town is built right on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Bouches de Bonifacio and has spectacular views in good weather over to the north coast of Sardinia.
 The south side of the Haut Ville, Bonifacio |
 The coast near Bonifacio |
 Street in the old town |
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity at all berths. Fuel can be delivered.
Laundry
Laundrette in the marina.
Grocery & Supply Stores
There are two good supermarkets at the head of the inlet.
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the harbour.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
There is a good hospital in Bonifacio, which is used to treating yachting injuries (especially to feet, in view of the number of intellectually challenged yotties who sail barefoot around the island!) - s/y Athene of Lymington.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2003 --Atheneoflymington 16:28, 24 January 2010 (UTC)
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | France | Corsica | Bonifacio | |
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