Porto di Vasto

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Revision as of 22:09, 20 January 2013

Porto di Vasto, Italy

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	42°10.64′N, 14°42.66′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The harbour of Porto di Vasto lies at the promontory of Punta Penna on the Adriatic coast of Italy four miles N of the town of Vasto and 18 miles NW of the harbour of Termoli. Essentially a commercial and fishing harbour, there are pontoons managed by the local yacht club which provide a useful overnight stop for yachts cruising this coast. The harbour is potentially dangerous in strong northerly winds and should not be used if such conditions are forecast. In these circumstances, Ortona or Termoli provide better shelter.

Local Weather

During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. In the southern Adriatic, the “scirocco”, a S/SE wind blowing up from North Africa which can last for several days, is more common. Unlike the “bora”, which can arrive without warning, a “scirocco” tends to build in strength over 24-48 hours, sometimes reaching gale force (especially in winter).

Sources for weather information:

• 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 covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)

Charts

British Admiralty

200

Italian

922

33

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

The harbour lies on the N side of the promontory of Punta Penna. The tall lighthouse on the point is visible from all directions. The coast is fringed with rocks in the approach from NW and S and a vessel should keep at least half a mile offshore. Entry to the harbour is from NE inside the two long outer breakwaters. The inner harbour is protected by two further short moles.

Berthing options

Visiting yachts berth where directed on the two long pontoons and associated quays at the NW corner of the inner harbour, the Molo Mondracchio. The moorings here are administered by the Circolo Nautico Vasto (website: [1]). There are 100 berths in total, of which 10 are reportedly available for yachts in transit. Maximum length 18 metres. Depths at the pontoons and quays are 4.5 - 6.0 metres. No mooring is permitted elsewhere in the harbour.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Circolo Nautico Vasto (website: Website)

Anchorages

No anchoring in the harbour.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Tremiti Islands

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 (50 T). Basic engine repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the quay. Some water points. No electricity.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The old mediaeval town of Vasto six kilometers S is worth a visit. With transport it is also possible to visit some of the attractive hill villages of the Abruzzi region.

Old town of Vasto
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Minimarket near the harbour. Better provisions shops in the town of Vasto (6 kms)

Eateries

• Restaurants in Vasto town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• Rental outlets in the town of Vasto.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the pontoons.

Transportation

• Buses to most local destinations from the town of Vasto.
• Railway station at Vasto with connections to most destinations.
• Airport at Pescara (one hour N).

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.

• Municipal website

References & Publications

See Italy.

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:

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 16:21, 4 January 2011 (UTC)

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