Mesolongi

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Messolonghi

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38°18.95′N, 21°24.8′E
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Local chartlet

Messolonghi is situated on the N side of the Gulf of Patras on the W coast of Greece. The town lies at the eastern end of a vast expanse of shallows and salt marshes which extends almost to the island of Oxia at the northern entrance to the Gulf. Lying at the end of a mile-long channel cut through the salt marshes and fringed on both sides by large lagoons, Messolonghi played a decisive role during the Greek War of Independence. It was here that the English romantic poet Byron died of fever in the course of aiding that struggle. Today, Messolonghi offers visiting yachts a secure anchorage in the basin off the town, alongside berths on the town’s commercial quay, a section of which is reserved for yachts, or pontoon berths in the rapidly expanding Messolonghi Marina on the W side of the basin.

Messolonghi Marina from S
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Messolonghi commercial quay from SE
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Messolonghi anchorage from W
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Messolonghi traditional fishermen’s pelades
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Charts

BA
1676 Prokopos Patron and entrance to Korintiakós Kólpos
Imray-Tetra
G13 Gulfs of Patras and Corinth
NIMA
54287 PatraikosKolpos & Approaches
Greek
40 Patraikos Kolpos

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

See Patraikos Patraikos Kolpos.

Approach and Navigation

The channel leading into the basin of Messolonghi is marked at its outer end with two port and starboard pillar buoys. It is essential to identify these before attempting entry as the areas on either side are shallow. Enter between the buoys in the centre of the channel and maintain a course of 007 degrees to the next two markers, two port and starboard posts marked with red and black bands respectively. Once past these continue in the channel, which is marked with three further pairs of port and starboard markers. Depths in the channel are at least 5.5 – 6.0 metres right through to the basin. Once into the basin, be sure to continue to the centre before turning, as there are shallow areas to either side of the basin entrance. Note: Keep a good distance offshore when approaching Messolonghi from either E or W, as the areas of sandbanks extend further offshore than marked on most charts.

Check-in facilities

Messolonghi is not a port of entry. The nearest port of entry is Patras. Visiting yachts have three options once into the basin. The most secure berths are to be found in the relatively new and still expanding Messolonghi Marina, which lies at the W side of the basin. The marina is currently entered around either end of the two detached wavebreak pontoons. See separate Wiki entry for full details. Alternatively, a yacht may lie alongside the commercial quay at the NE side of the basin, where a green painted line along the quay indicates the area allocated to yachts. There is only space here for 10-12 yachts and therefore it is often necessary to raft up in busy periods. Depths at the quay are around 8.0 – 9.0 metres. There is one water point on the quay but no other facilities (although the nearby Hotel Theoxenia offers showers to visiting yachts). Finally, yachts can anchor off the marina in depths of 6.0 – 8.0 metres. Shelter here is good in all conditions and the holding excellent in mud.

Offshore Islands and Groups

  • Nisos Tourlis (at end of causeway from Messolonghi)

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

See above

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Currently limited but Messolonghi Marina will soon have a small chandlery.

Repairs/Yards

Messolonghi Marina is developing a repair facility but it is still in its infancy (September 2011).

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel by small tanker. Messolonghi Marina intends in time to have a fuel quay. Water on the commercial quay and in the marina. Electricity on the pontoons in the marina.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town of Messolonghi is not especially attractive, but for students of history or literature the Garden of the Heroes commemorates the sacrifices made by the defenders of the town on its capture by Turkish forces during the War of Independence. The garden has a small statue of Lord Byron, who met his end from fever while staying in the town during his attempt to further the cause of Greek independence. His heart is apparently buried under the statue (although the rest of his remains were eventually interred in Wetminster Abbey in London). With transport, the surrounding areas of wetlands are a delight to explore, with abundant birdlife and, on either side of the channel leading to the town, numerous examples of traditional pelades, fishermen’s shacks built above the water on stilts. If you are lucky, you may even see one of the turtles that are regular visitors to the basin.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Several supermarkets in and around the town (but some distance from the yacht berths)

Eateries

  • Cafes in the marina and near the commercial quay
  • Tavernas and restaurants in the town and on the island of Nisos Tourlis at the end of the causeway from Messolonghi.

Internet/WiFi

Available at Marina Café, via municipal wifi network (Dimos Messolonghiou) or at many coffee shops in the town.

Laundry

  • In the marina (self-service)

Motorbike & Car Rentals

  • In the town

Garbage Disposal

Bins in the marina and near the commercial quay.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

  • Buses to Athens

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

References & Publications

See Greece.

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:

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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: --Athene of Lymington 15:24, 19 September 2011 (BST)


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