Ponza

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Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
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Revision as of 21:21, 14 May 2016

WorldMediterraneanItalyPonza

Ponza (Italy)

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40°53.84′N, 12°57.96′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet
Ponza anchorage
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Ponza, the largest of the so-called Pontine islands, lies 18 miles off the Italian mainland and around 35 miles south of the harbours of Anzio and Marina di Nettuno. Is is one of the most spectacular of all the Italian offshore islands, its busy harbour ringed with huge rock pinnacles and its shores dotted with impressive natural rock formations. Ancient colonizers of the island include the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, all of whom left their imprint on the landscape. Ponza was a popular resort of the Roman emperors, who built or extended magnificent villas on the island, and later a place of exile for those who offended the imperial regime. Today the island is a very popular tourist destination as well as a magnet for cruising yachts. In spite of the installation of a number of pontoons for visiting yachts, it is often necessary to anchor off during July and August.

Weather

Prevailing winds during summer are from NW round to SW. In very settled weather, the island often experiences light SE breezes.

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)

Charts

British Admiralty
1911 - I. del Giglio to I. d’Ischia
Italian
914

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Islands

  • I. di Palmarola
  • I. di Zannone

Navigation

Care needs to be taken of the numerous above water rocks and shoals extending along the coasts of Ponza, especially to the NE and SE. A night approach is not recommended.

Berthing Berthing space in Ponza harbour is at a premium, especially in July and August, when prices soar to giddying heights. The total of eight pontoons in the harbour (May to September) can, in theory accommodate a total of 200 vessels, maximum length 25 metres, in depths ranging from 2.0 - 6.0 metres. Water and electricity are available on several of the pontoons (although water is scarce in summer). In practice, however, they are frequently overflowing with local yachts during the season and it is more peaceful to anchor off unless you have reserved a berth.

Anchorages

The best anchorage is on the west side of the bay, well clear of the turning circle for the ferries. Anchor in 5.0 - 6.0 metres in mud. The anchorage is sheltered from all directions except NE to E. With strong easterlies, Chiaia di Luna on the west side of the island offers better shelter.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

  • Ponza Mare (first pontoon west of the ferry terminal) can accommodate up to 40 yachts in 6.0 metres (maximum length 25 metres). Call on VHF channel 09 or telephone +39 0771 80679 or e-mail [email protected]. Operates 15 April to 30 September only.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Very limited.

Marine Stores

Very limited.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

Very limited. A small yard in the bay can haul out small yachts on a slipway.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth on the quay, but in very shallow water. Water and electricity available on most of the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Ponza town is very appealing – all low, rectangular houses painted in pastel colours and whitewashed walls and pavements. The fishing fleet is very colourful and photogenic. The walk round to the lighthouse affords wonderful views of the bay. An ancient Roman tunnel connects the town of Ponza to a large sandy beach called Chiaia di Luna on the west side of the island.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Good provisioning in the town.

Eateries

Plenty of bars and trattorias around the bay, many of which are only open for the season.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

At Ponza Mare (see above).

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Scooter hire outlets in the town. Cars are banned from Ponza during the peak summer season.

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the harbour.

Transportation

Ferries to Naples, Anzio, Terracina and Formia on the mainland.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

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)

Links

Links to relevant websites.

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.

  • We anchored on the west side of Ponza bay and, on snorkeling down to check the anchor, discovered we had hooked it on the thwart of an ancient (possibly Roman) vessel, now buried deep in the mud. It may be wise to buoy your anchor, but only if the anchorage is not too full --Athene of Lymington 17:24, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Ponza and this page's details validated:



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.
SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington


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