Scilla
From CruisersWiki
Scilla, Italy
 (Click links for more information)
| |
 | 38°15.34′N, 15°43.03′E |
|---|---|
 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Click for larger view
The tiny harbour and settlement of Scilla lies at the northern entrance to the Straits of Messina, 15 miles NE of the port of Reggio di Calabria. In settled weather only, it provides a handy stopping-off point for smaller yachts transiting the Straits. The settlement takes its name from the monster of Greek mythology, which is described in Homer’s Odyssey as a six-headed she-monster ready to devour passing mariners. The she-monster was said to live in a cave above the entrance to the Straits, opposite the parallel danger of Charybdis, a powerful whirlpool ready to drag unwary ships down into its depths. The tiny harbour has a short quay where a yacht may anchor moor with care and a series of mooring buoys which smaller vessels may pick up if one is free.
Charts
- British Admiralty 1941, 1016, 917
- Italian charts 918, 23, 138, 145
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
Weather conditions in the Straits of Messina can vary considerably from those encountered in the Tyrrhenian or Ionian Seas to N and S respectively. The funnelling effect of the land to either side can turn a typically light NW summer seabreeze into quite brisk winds at the N end of the Straits which, equally, can accelerate over the easternmost tip of the island of Sicily, creating testing conditions in the narrows between Capo Peloro and Punta Pezzo. With the light southerlies that are more frequent in spring and autumn, moderate to brisk headwinds will be experienced by a yacht headed S through the Straits from just off Scilla on the mainland coast as far as Reggio di Calabria and up to 10 miles beyond, where the Straits open out into the Ionian Sea. Gusting off the high land on either side is not uncommon with moderate to strong winds from any quarter. Finally, any wind against tide results in very uncomfortable conditions in the Straits, especially during spring tides, and yachts transiting the Straits should aim to accomplish at least the narrowest section between Messina and Capo Pelora at or near slack water.
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 are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily).
The harbour of Scilla is difficult to identify until close in. The most prominent feature is the conspicuous Ruffo Castle on a rocky crag above the harbour. Closer in, the short breakwater of the harbour and the lines of small craft moorings are clearly identifiable. Beware of a barely visible unmarked rock at the east side of the anchoring, it lies in front of the village 0.3Nm E of the breakwater 0.2 Nm off the waterfront.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Larger yachts (over 10 metres) will have to do an anchor moor, if there is space, to the short quay of the breakwater. Depths here are from 3.0 metres at the inshore end to 8.0 metres at the outer end. The bottom is reportedly not good holding here and there are foul areas. Smaller yachts of up to 10 metres can pick up one of the numerous mooring buoys, which are in place from 1 May to 30 September. A small boat operated by the concessionaire for the buoys will pick yachtsmen up and return them to their vessels if required. Shelter in the harbour is only moderate and really Scilla should only be used in settled weather.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
None.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel can be delivered by tanker. No water or electricity.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The town is a steep walk up from the harbour, but there are superb views over to Sicily and (on a good day) even the Aeolian Islands. The 13th century Ruffo Castle can also be visited.
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Limited provisions up in the town
Eateries
- Restaurants along the beach. Others up in the town.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Some bins near 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
Publications, Guides, etc.
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 15:16, 19 December 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
|
|---|
|
Names: |
| |
|---|
| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Scilla | |
.
