Gela

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Gela, Sicily, Italy

Gela is a large industrial city and commercial port situated around 30 miles NW of Marina di Ragusa and 20 miles E of Licata in Sicily. Once an important Greek colony, Gela was largely destroyed by the Carthaginians in 405 BC and only revived in the 13th century AD under the rule of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. Gela was later the principal focus of the allied landings in Sicily in July 1943 during the operation to liberate the island from the Axis powers. More recently, the city was a hotbed of Mafia intrigue, a situation that has only begun to change in the past decade with some modest investments in the historical centre and the sea frontage. Although an important commercial harbour, Gela is subject to continual silting and considerable care is needed both on entering and maneuvering inside in view of the variable depths. Entry is only recommended in daylight and in settled conditions.

Charts

Admiralty

2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero

Italian

917 - Da Capo Rassello ad Augusta e Isole Maltesi

Weather

The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Most of the harbours along the south coast are liable to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare outside the winter months.

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

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

None.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

The harbour is subject to silting. The best water on entry is to starboard, close to the eastern breakwater, where depths are 2.5 - 3.0 metres.

Entrance

Gela is a port of entry to Italy.

Please submit details about facilities for checking-in, location of immigration & customs, etc.

Berthing

Berth wherever you can find space on one of the four pontoons in the inner part of the harbour. One of the pontoons is ostensibly reserved for visitors. Depths at the pontoons are between 2.5 and 3.0 metres. Maximum length 20 metres. Shelter here is good, although there can be a swell in strong southerly winds.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

The nearest alternative shelter is at Licata, 20 miles to the W.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Slipway. Mobile crane (45T). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Steel, wood and fibreglass repairs. Divers. Toilets and showers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the north side of the inner harbour. Water on the pontoons. No electricity.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

List 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

• Gela 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 Gela and this page's details validated:

• Information compiled from web research and accounts by yachtsmen (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 17:59, 28 October 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