Roccella Ionica
From CruisersWiki
Rocella Ionica, Ionian Coast, Italy
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 38°19.52′N, 16°25.84′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
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| Marina of Rocella Ionica from NW Click for larger view | |
Local Weather
During the summer the prevailing winds in the Ionian are light to moderate SW or SE seabreezes. In spring and autumn northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the lee of high mountain ranges. Winds in summer are generally light from the Straits of Messina until reaching the Golfo di Squillace between Rocella Ionica and Le Castella. With anything W in the wind, it tends to funnel down here over the mountains of southern Calabria, bringing strong gusts and raising an uncomfortable sea. The conditions to avoid, however, when cruising this part of the Ionian coast are strong southerlies. The harbours here are few and far between and none of them are really safe to enter in such conditions.
For sources of weather forecasting info see Italy - weather.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Collonne
- Italian charts
- 918
- 919
- 24 - From Bovalino Marina to Point Stilo
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The harbour of Rocella Ionica is difficult to identify until close in. The most prominent feature is a ruined castle on the ridge above the town. Once closer in, the breakwater of the harbour and the masts of moored yachts are clearly identifiable. Great care is needed in the approach as the marina entrance is subject to constant silting and the channel shifts with strong storms. In particular, the area around the southern arm of the breakwater (to the starboard side on entry) is silted to a depth of around a metre. Maximum depths in the entrance (December 2010) are reported as 5.0 metres, though 3.5 - 4.0 metres is closer to the experience of most recent visiting yachts. The best approach is on a dog-leg about 200 metres off the end of the breakwater, only turning when the entrance is open due E. If in any doubt, call the marina office on channel 14 or 16 for advice. With strong southerlies, the wise course is to stand off altogether until conditions improve.
Once past the fishing boat basin and into the marina area, the first set of pontoons on the landward side seem to have been set aside for visitors. There are finger piers spaced such that two 35 foot yachts will fit together between two finger piers, but probably not two 45 footers. There are berths on both sides of the pontoons though during our visit most of the berths on the land side of the pontoon were cleared in preparation for a regatta.
08/2013: First set of pontoons on the port side when entering is still reserved for visitors; also possible to moor alongside the end of the concrete pier where the first pontoons are located and along the mole on the starboard side once inside the basin. s/v Seatern 07:08, 12 October 2013 (BST)
Berthing Options
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Marina of Roccella Ionica - Port Services Agency S.r.l. (Yachting and Shipping Agency) - Francesco Lombardo, Managing Director - Cell. +39 338.4997392 - Email - VHF Channel 14 The marina has space for over 400 yachts up to maximum length of 44 metres (although draft is really the limiting factor). A total of 39 berths are reserved for yachts in transit. Berths are on 12 pontoons with fingers and associated quays. Laid moorings at berths without fingers. Depths at the pontoons are from 3.0 - 5.0 meters.
As at July 2010 a fixed charge of 20 Euros per day was being made irrespective of boat size. This is collected by the Marina of Rocella Ionica / Port Services Agency. Basic toilets and showers are available in the facility located at the end of the parking lot.
Also free bicycles are available for a donation.
Anchorages
In settled weather, anchor just west of the port as depth permits.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Limited. Mobile crane on request (30 T). Some basic engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Hull repairs. Sail repair. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- can be delivered by tanker (0700 - 1900), but in July 2010
- it was easier to use jerrycans and a ride in a rental car to a fuel station in the town or borrow the tricycle which has a large carry basket.
- Water
- on the pontoons
- Electricity
- outlets on the pontoons but not yet connected
Things to do Ashore
Click for larger view
Tourism
It is a bit of a hike into the town, but the town has lots of shops and cafes. The town is pleasant but not very inspiring. The walk up to the ruined castle is the only obvious pastime (unless you are here in August during the annual jazz festival)
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Provisions in the town (3 kms W of the marina)
Eateries
- Good pizzeria in the marina; Pizza by the 'meter' renown locally. In summer 800 to 1000 pizzas served every evening along the port.
- Other restaurants in the town (3 kms away) and along the new promenade linking the harbour with the town
Internet/WiFi
Wi-fi at the bar in the marina building. Charged.
Laundry
There is a self service laundrette in a friendly camping area half a mile to the East of the harbour. Two large washing machines, 40 minute cycle, 3 euros. No driers.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
- Free bicycles available in the marina for a donation.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the harbour.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
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
See Italy.
Personal Notes
- In July 2010 we entered and left on a transit that led directly though the middle of the outer and inner breakwaters and into the inner marina area. (Probably about 055M). Minimum depth on this approach was more than 4 metres and once inside depths varied 3.5 - 5.0 metres. --Wayward
- We encountered a thunderstorm with 35 knot gusts on arriving at Rocella Ionica. Wisely we waited for it to pass before entering, having observed the rusting wreck of a yacht closer into the beach which obviously hadn’t. --Athene of Lymington 17:35, 19 December 2010 (UTC)
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 17:35, 19 December 2010 (UTC)
- July 2010 : Some additions and amendments --Wayward
- September 2013 -- s/v Seatern 14:12, 12 October 2013 (BST)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington, Wayward |
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