La Spezia

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Revision as of 11:10, 30 June 2011

La Spezia, Italy

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	44°06.00′N, 09°50.50′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The Porto Mercantile (showing Marina Assonautica but prior to the construction of Porto Mirabello SE of the artificial island)
Click for larger view

The port of La Spezia, lying at the head of the gulf of the same name, is one of Italy’s most important naval and commercial harbours. While there is little in the town to make it an essential tourist destination, its good transport links, wide choice of mooring arrangements and excellent range of boatyards make it a useful port of call for yachtsmen planning a quick trip home, making a crew change or undertaking repairs/refitting. Mooring options include the two marinas of Marina del Fezzano and Porto Lotti on the western and eastern outskirts of the town respectively and, in the Porto Mercantile (commercial harbour) close to the town centre, the new, exclusive (and expensive) marina of Porto Mirabello; the older marina of Marina Assonautica and the specialist catamaran pontoon of CAT Sardinia. Other options, especially if you are having work done, include the three yards of Cantiere Valdettano, Navalmare and Cantieri Navali di La Spezia.

Charts

British Admiralty 1998 - Nice to Livorno Italian charts 909, 115, 3, 59, 60

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

The prevailing winds along the eastern part of the Ligurian coast during the summer are a W or NW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and are typically caused by depressions further west in the Golfe du Lion which bring strong N winds as they move further E. In winter, the tramontana, a strong N wind off the Alps, is more frequent, although the libecchio is a strong SW wind that can affect the whole of the Ligurian coast and blow for several days, causing heavy seas.

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 La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia).

Approach and Navigation

For the Porto Mercantile (commercial harbour), a yacht should pass either E or W of the long breakwater at the entrance to the gulf, the Diga Foranea, and steer for a group of three chimneys with alternating red and white bands, which lie directly behind the port. The Porto Mercantile lies immediately N of the long breakwaters of the naval harbour to the W. For the approaches to the marinas, see the separate marina entries.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

See marina entries.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Isola Palmaria
• Isola Tino

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Marina del Fezzano
• Porto Lotti
• Porto Mirabello
• Marina Assonautica
• CAT Sardinia

Anchorages

A yacht can anchor off in the bay of Le Grazie in 9.0 - 10.0 metres. The holding is good in mud and sand. Alternatively, anchor at Isola Palmaria in one of the bays on the N or E coast of the island, depending on wind direction. The bay of Lerici offers good shelter in easterly winds.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

• Cantiere Valdettano (see entry for Marina del Fezzano)
• Navalmare (download: http://www.navalmare.it/upl/modules/article/attachs/20100205112629153.pdf for details)
• Cantieri Navali di La Spezia (visit: http://www.cnlaspezia.com/index_eng.php for details)

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

See marina entries.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

La Spezia is not the most attractive of towns, but is still worth a day to explore. The pedestrianised Via del Prione in the old town takes its name from the pietrone or large stone, from where public announcements were once read. The Museo Amedeo Lia, an art gallery in a restored 17th century convent, contains a wonderful range of works by Italian master such as Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese. The 14th century Castello di San Giorgio contains an archaeological museum. Of particular interest to yachtsmen is the Museu Tecnico Navale, one of Italy’s most important naval museums, which contains figureheads from ships of the 15th - 17th centuries, ship models of all periods and mementoes of Italy’s 20the century naval exploits.

Gallery

Via Prione in the old town

The Museu Tecnico Navale

The Castello San Giorgio

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Numerous provisions shops in the town. Minimarkets in some of the marinas (see individual entries).

Eateries

• Numerous restaurants and bars on the waterfront and in the town. Also in some of the marinas (see individual entries).

Internet/WiFi

See marina entries.

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

Bins at all marinas.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

• Direct trains to Rome, Genoa and Pisa
• Airports at Genoa and Pisa

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, 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.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 16:09, 1 December 2010 (UTC)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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