Sciacca

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Sciacca, Sicily, Italy

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	37°30.05′N, 13°04.52′E
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	Local chartlet

Sciacca is situated about 30 miles NW of Porto Empedocle and a similar distance SE of Mazara del Vallo. 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.

Contents 1 Sciacca, Sicily, Italy 2 Charts 3 Radio Nets 4 Local Weather 5 Approach and Navigation 6 Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration) 7 Offshore Islands and Groups 8 Marinas & Yacht Clubs 9 Anchorages 10 Yacht Repairs and Services 10.1 Marine Stores 10.2 Repairs/Yards 10.3 Fuel, Water, & Electricity 11 Tourism and Things to do Ashore 11.1 Tourism 11.2 Grocery & Supply Stores 11.3 Eateries 11.4 Internet/WiFi 11.5 Laundry 11.6 Motorbike & Car Rentals 11.7 Garbage Disposal 11.8 Transportation 12 Routes/Passages To/From 13 Cruiser's Friends 14 Forum Discussions 15 External Links 16 References & Publications 17 Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) 18 Personal Notes 19 Contributors to this page 20 Cruising Wiki Navigation

Charts

• British Admiralty 2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero
• Italian chart 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.

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.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

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.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

See above.

Anchorages

Nearest secure anchorage is at Porto Empedocle.

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.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

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.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Good supermarkets and provisions shops in the town.

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

Available?

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

Links to relevant websites.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

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)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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Contributors to this page
Names:

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