Marsala
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| Marsala Port of Entry
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 Marsala harbour from the N |
The city of Marsala is situated at the westernmost point of the mainland of Sicily, some 18 miles south of Trapani and 16 miles NW of Mazara del Vallo. It is a popular stopping-off point for yachts heading SW to Tunisia or the island of Pantelleria. The city occupies the original site of the settlement of Lilybaeum, which was the main Carthaginian stronghold on the island until its cession to Rome in 241 BC at the end of the First Punic War. The city’s current name was given to it by the Saracens (Marsa Ali - great harbour) in recognition of the scale of its ancient port. Garibaldi landed here on 11 May 1860 at the head of his famous One Thousand to start the liberation of the island. Marsala’s other claim to fame is the eponymous wine, discovered in the 18th century by an English trader, John Woodhouse, and now popular all over the world as a chilled aperitif or dessert wine.
Charts
- Admiralty
- 2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco
- Italian
- 916
Weather
The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW sea breeze, 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 (computerized 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
See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Islands
- Isola Favignana
- Isola Levanzo
- Isola Marettimo
Communication
Contact Porto Di Marsala on VHF channel 16.
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Beware of the extensive shoals in the approach from N, especially around Capo Lilibeo. The harbour is protected by a short eastern and longer western breakwater. An additional breakwater runs due south from near the end of the western breakwater. The harbour is approached from due S, avoiding the shoals 500 metres E of the breakwater extension. There are depths of 7.0 metres right up to the entrance and 2.0 - 3.0 in the porto turistico. A heavy swell builds up in the entrance in strong SE winds and entry can be dangerous in these conditions.
Entrance
Marsala is a port of entry for Italy. For details see Entrance: Italy.
Berthing
There are 2 pontoon facing the port entrance and a marina e of them. There are laid moorings at all berths. Depths at the pontoons range from under 2.0 metres at the inner end to 3.0 - 3.5 metres at the outer end. Shelter is good from all directions, although a strong southerly sends in a swell. Water and electricity are available on the pontoons.
Caution: Marsala harbour is occasionally subject to the phenomenon of the marrobio, a tidal wave that can raise and lower the water level by as much as a metre in the space of 10-15 minutes. The phenomenon is most frequently experienced in the winter months during strong westerly winds.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Polaris Cantiere Nautico
Polaris Cantiere Nautico [[Marsala#Polaris Cantiere Nautico|Polaris Cantiere Nautico]] 37°47.270'N, 012°26.399'E 200 berths for yachts of a maximum length of 20.0 metres. Yachts berth as directed on one of the five privately operated pontoons. Water, electricity, showers, and WiFi (reported very weak).
- [email protected]; Tel/Fax: +39 (923) 999 222; Mob: +39 (329) 671 9796; VHF channel XX
- Address: Via Vincenzo Florio, 29 - Marsala, Italy
- Hours:
Anchorages
Isola Favignana
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | On the pontoons and on Polaris Cantiere Nautico |
| Electricity | On the pontoons and on Polaris Cantiere Nautico |
| Toilets | On Polaris Cantiere Nautico |
| Showers | On Polaris Cantiere Nautico |
| Laundry | There is a lauderette near the harbour |
| Garbage | Bins around the harbour |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Fuel dock on NW of the harbour |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | There is a chandlery near the harbour |
| Services | |
| Repairs | In Polaris Cantiere Nautico slipway (up to 150 T). Fixed crane (16 T). Travel lift. Outdoor storage. Engine, electrical and electronic equipment repairs. Wood and fiberglass repairs. Divers |
| Internet | WiFi On Polaris Cantiere Nautico (reported very weak) |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Outlets in the town |
Provisioning
Good shopping in the town, which is several hundred metres from the harbour.
Eating out
- Excellent restaurants in the town, especially for seafood
- The Trattoria Garibaldi does an excellent spaghetti alla vongole con bottarga (spaghetti with clams and tuna roe)
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Tourism
A stroll around the partly pedestrianized old town taking in the heady scents of the marsala wineries is a rewarding experience, especially if followed by a sampling of the wonderful marsala stravecchio at one of the many excellent trattorias. The town itself is surprisingly attractive, with numerous Spanish-style palazzi dating back to the 15th-18th centuries. On the seafront is the Museo Archaeologico Regionale Baglio Anselmi, which contains the remains of an ancient Punic ship probably sunk in 241BC during the first Punic War. The Museo degli Arazzi (Tapestry Museum) houses several superb 16th century Flemish tapestries illustrating scenes from Vespasian’s campaigns in Judaea. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury and was constructed in the 17th century on the site of a pre-existing Norman Church.
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
References
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 Marsala and this page's details validated:
- June 2004 --Athene of Lymington 17:39, 8 November 2010 (UTC)
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
