Sciacca

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Revision as of 03:41, 3 October 2013

Sciacca, Sicily, Italy

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	37°30.05′N, 13°04.52′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Sciacca harbour from NE - Click for larger view

Sciacca is situated about 30 miles NW of Porto Empedocle and a similar distance SE of Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. Originally a 5th century BC Greek settlement named Thermae after the hot springs in the area, the town was later occupied by the Saracens, who laid out the early street plan and constructed the defensive walls in the 9th century AD. The town was subsequently further expanded by the Normans and it is their mediaeval street layout that mostly survives today. The large commercial harbour lying below the bluff on which the town sits has three pontoons for leisure craft on its western side.

Charts

Admiralty

2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero

Italian

916

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Most of the harbours along the south coast are liable to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare outside the winter months.

• From May to September, possibility of fog banks with SE winds. -- s/v Seatern 04:41, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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)

Approach and Navigation

No hazards in the approach, although Sciacca is a busy fishing harbour and fishing vessels often enter and exit at speed. The harbour is entered from NNW. The yacht pontoons are to port once inside the entrance. Depths in the basin are 5.0 - 7.0 metres.

Berthing Options

There are three pontoons for yachts, one with 150 berths operated by the Circulo Nautico di Corallo and two operated by the Italian Lega Navale with 300 berths. Both can accommodate yachts in transit of up to 20 metres, subject to availability. Try Circulo Nautico di Corallo on VHF channel 14 or Lega Navale on VHF channel 12. During the season, it is likely that an ormeggiator (mooring attendant) will be on hand to help you moor and relieve you of a small gratuity.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Lega Navale Italiana - Sezione di Sciacca - Via Consiglio 1, 92019 Sciacca - Office tel./Fax +39 0925.85879 - Marina tel./Fax +39 0925.902766 - VHF 12 - Second pontoon - Email
  09 2013: €30.- for 12 meters including water and electricity. -- s/v Seatern 04:19, 3 October 2013 (BST)
• Circolo Nautico Il Corallo v. Lido Esperando, 42 - 92019 Sciacca - tel. +39 0925.21611 - First pontoon. -- s/v Seatern 04:19, 3 October 2013 (BST)

Anchorages

Nearest secure anchorage is at Porto Empedocle.

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

Slipway. Fixed and mobile cranes. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the western quay south of the pontoons (0800 - 2000). Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The Doric temple at Selinunte
Click for larger view

The old town, Terravecchia, built on the bluff overlooking the harbour, still retains its mediaeval street plan and is well worth the climb from the port. Around its numerous squares are interesting 15th and 16th century palaces, a 12th century cathedral, some grand baroque houses and shops selling colourful local ceramics. The town is also a good base for a visit to the magnificent Doric temple at Selinunte 20 km to the west.
Also worth a visit is the nearby Terme (hot bath). -- s/v Seatern 04:36, 3 October 2013 (BST)

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Good supermarkets and provisions shops in the town.
• Supermarket just on the other side of the road/parking lot of Lega Navale (200 meters). -- s/v Seatern 04:34, 3 October 2013 (BST)

Eateries

• Many good trattorias in the old town.
• The Ristorante Miramar has great views of the harbour and does a good spaghetti alla vongole --Athene of Lymington 16:44, 29 October 2010 (UTC).

Internet/WiFi

09 2013: Lega Navale - ay01mag08xx08

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

?

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

• Pagine Azzurre Sciacca

References & Publications

See Italy.

Personal Notes

• 09 2013: Stayed overnight at the Lega Navale pontoon, competent help to dock with a 30 kts wind, very helpful staff and office person (Antonella).
  Office person (Antonella) explained to us how to get a Lega Navale annual membership (one time €100.- inscription + €190.- annually and get free docking at selected Lega Navale through Italy for 2 to 3 nights each. -- s/v Seatern 04:31, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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 16:44, 29 October 2010 (UTC)
• 09 2013 -- s/v Seatern 04:31, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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