Milazzo
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Milazzo, Sicily, Italy
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 | 38°12.86′N, 15°14.96′E |
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 | Local chartlet |
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The large commercial port of Milazzo lies around 25 miles west of the Straits of Messina at the root of the four mile long Capo di Milazzo which juts out from the NE coast of Sicily towards the Aeolian Islands. Formerly known in ancient times as Mylae, its strategic position has made it the focus for several battles, notably between Romans and Carthaginians in 260 BC, the fleets of Octavian and Pompey in 36 BC and the forces of Garibaldi and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1860. Today, although rather grimy and industrial, the harbour of Milazzo has three marinas with a total of 620 berths, providing a useful stop-off point for yachts cruising the N coast of Sicily or en route between the Aeolian Islands and the Straits of Messina.
Charts
- British Admiralty 1976 - Capo di Bonifati to Capo San Vito
- Italian chart 918
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing wind on the north coast of Sicily during the summer is a NW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and send a heavy swell down onto the north coast. In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island and blow for several days. Milazzo is protected from most winds except from S/SE, when all its marinas become very uncomfortable.
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).
In the approach from N, the 16th century Spanish castle is conspicuous about one mile N of the harbour. From the S, the oil refinery about 1.5 miles SE is unmissable. Marina Poseidon and Porto Santa Maria Maggiore are both situated off the long sandy coast around a mile N of the commercial harbour, whereas Marina del Nettuno lies in the NW corner of the commercial harbour itself. All three marinas are well sheltered from N and W winds, but exposed to S and SE winds. With strong winds from this direction, Messina or even Reggio di Calabria on the mainland offer better protection.
Berthing options
See individual marinas.
Marinas and yacht clubs
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Marina del Nettuno 38°13.14′N, 15°14.52′E
Marina del Nettuno lies in the NE corner of the commercial harbour and consists of five pontoons extending out from the quay and protected by a concrete wavebreak. Depths in the harbour entrance are 8.0 - 12.0 metres and at the pontoons 6.0 - 8.0 metres. The pontoons provide a total of 140 berths (including 14 for yachts in transit), most of them on finger pontoons, for vessels of a maximum length of 40 metres. Water and electricity are available at all berths (separate charge). Toilets and showers. Fuel station on the quay (24 hrs). Fixed crane (60 T). Travel lift (10 T). Most engine, electrical and hull repairs. Divers. Winter maintenance. Internet. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone +39 090.9281180. Website.
Porto Santa Maria Maggiore 38°13.61′N, 15°14.62′E
Porto Santa Maria Maggiore is a new marina situated just over one mile N of the commercial harbour, off the beach of Vaccarella. Protected from N by a concrete L-shaped breakwater, the marina has three floating pontoons with a total of 320 berths for yachts up to 100 metres. Depths range from 3.0 - 25.0 metres. The marina is open to winds from S and SE. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Divers. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone: +39 090 9221002 or Email.
Marina Poseidon 38°13.47′N, 15°14.57′E
Marina Poseidon is situated 0.8 miles N of the commercial harbour in Poseidon Bay. Protected from NE by a breakwater, the marina has three floating pontoons with a total of 160 berths for yachts up to 35 metres. Depths range from 2.0 - 10.0 metres. The marina is open to winds from S and SE. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Fuel station on the quay (0800 - 2000). Mobile crane (60 T). Most engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Sail repairs. Divers. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone: +39 090 9222564 or Email.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Anchorages
- In settled weather only, anchor in the bay of Milazzo off the beach. The holding is good in 8.0 - 12.0 metres in sand. Shelter is reasonable from W and NW.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Most repairs can be organised through Marina del Nettuno or Marina Poseidon (see individual entries).
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity at all marinas. Fuel at Marina del Nettuno and Marina Poseidon.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Milazzo is not a particularly attractive spot, more a convenient stop-off. However, the 16th century castle is worth a visit.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Numerous provisions shops in the town.
Eateries
- Restaurants close to all marinas.
Internet/WiFi
At Marina del Nettuno.
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Several outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at all marinas.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- Ferries to Aeolian Islands.
- Ferries to Naples.
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:
- Information compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 17:21, 17 November 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Sicily | Milazzo | |
