Lerici

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Revision as of 03:32, 23 January 2013

Lerici, Italy

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	44°04.53′N, 09°54.45′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Lerici harbour - Click for larger view

The harbour of Lerici lies at the eastern entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia on the Italian coast of Liguria, four miles NE of the harbour of Portovenere. Its strategic position at the entrance to the gulf is illustrated by the 12th century Genoese castle which dominates the harbour. Lerici’s principal claim to fame, however, is the former residence there of the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was on a return trip from Livorno to Lerici by boat that Shelley drowned somewhere off the coast near Viareggio. Today, the town is the haunt of wealthy Italians enjoying the summer in their smart villas overlooking the beach. Most of the anchorage here is filled with local boat moorings, but there is also a pontoon which can be used by visiting yachts of up to 15 metres if there is space. Shelter here is good from all directions except SW round to NW.

Local Weather

The prevailing wind along the eastern part of the Ligurian coast during the summer is 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)

Charts

British Admiralty

1998 - Nice to Livorno

Italian

909

115

3

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

Approaching from W, a yacht passes through the channel between Portovenere and Isola Palmaria (if settled) or the channel between Isola Palmaria and Isola Tino (if not). Lerici is four miles NW or NNW respectively across the gulf of La Spezia. From E, a yacht passes a succession of five small coves before rounding the long promontory of Capo Maralunga, when the breakwater of Lerici and the conspicuous castle on the headland above will be seen half a mile to the N. The breakwater extends NW then due N for 300 metres, enclosing a large bay filled with permanent moorings.

Berthing options

There are two options for a visiting yacht in the bay of Lerici. A long pontoon supplied with laid moorings extends N from the root of the breakwater. If there is space, pick up one of the moorings (there are supposedly eight spaces allocated to yachts in transit). Maximum length 15 metres. Depths at the pontoon range from 1.0 metres at the root to 3.0 metres at the end. If the pontoon is full, anchor off in the bay outside the permanent moorings in 8.0 - 10.0 metres. This position is exposed to any winds from SW round to NW, in which case it is better to seek a berth on the western side of the gulf. Note: be aware if you attempt to anchor moor to the mole that there are underwater obstructions along the first 50 metres from the shore.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

A yacht can anchor off in the bay, as described above, in 8.0 - 10.0 metres. The bottom is mud and good holding. If the winds are westerly, a better anchorage is at Isola Palmaria in one of the bays on the N or E coast of the island, depending on wind direction.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Isola Palmaria
• Isola Tino

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

Very limited. A much better option is the yards in La Spezia.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

There is a fuel station on the shore, but the water is too shallow for most yachts.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town of Lerici has a beautiful setting at the base of wooded slopes and there are pleasant walks around the headland. The castle, originally 12th century and rebuilt by the Genoese in the 16th, is impressively intact and well worth the climb for the views alone. Inside there is an interesting museum of palaeontology.

Lerici castle
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Good shopping for provisions in the town

Eateries

• Several trattorias and bars along the waterfront and in the town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

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

See Italy.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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 16:57, 2 December 2010 (UTC)

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