Ognina (Porto Ulisse)

From CruisersWiki

Ognina is a natural inlet three miles north of Catania and 10 miles south of Stazzo in Sicily. A breakwater has been built out from the southern shore creating a small harbour that is usually full to bursting at most times of year. A series of pontoons provides berths for up to 500 vessels. In practice, however, virtually all of these are taken by small power boats and the quay inside the breakwater is similarly occupied by fishing boats.

Charts

Admiralty

1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne

1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina

Italian

918

Weather

Prevailing winds in the Straits during the summer are from N or NW. Southerly winds are more common in the spring and winter. In unsettled weather the Straits can be subject to very strong gusts off the land which, combined with the strong currents, can make passage dangerous for smaller yachts. Currents at Riposto are weaker than in the Straits, although gusts will still be experienced off the high land in NW winds.

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)

Passages

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

None.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

The harbour is difficult to spot even in clear conditions. A red navigation beacon on the end of the breakwater and the apartment blocks around the harbour are conspicuous once close in.

Berthing Although there are technically 500 berths in the harbour, usually the only place it is possible for a yacht to moor is on the inside of the breakwater. Often this space is fully occupied with fishing boats. Porto Ulisse is a harbour where you either squeeze in wherever you can or move on.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Mobile crane (30T). Fixed crane (5T). Limited engine and hull repairs.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station in the harbour. Water and electricity on the pontoons (but probably inaccessible to a yacht). Some water points on the quay.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Ognina is a suburb of Catania and a busy residential area, but not really a tourist destination in its own right.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Limited provisions.

Eateries

Restaurants around the harbour.

Internet/WiFi

No.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the harbour.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

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

List links external to the wiki such as in Wikepedia.

References & Publications

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 Ognina (Porto Ulisse) and this page's details validated:

• Information based on internet research (please update if you visit) --Athene of Lymington 13:44, 17 August 2010 (UTC)

This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington