Trani

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Revision as of 22:24, 24 January 2013

Trani, Italy

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	41°16.98′N, 16°25.37′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Trani harbour - Click for larger view

The harbour of Trani lies on the Adriatic coast of Italy five miles NW of the port of Bisceglie and eight miles SE of the large commercial port of Barletta. Founded as recently as the 9th century AD, Trani was by the time of the Crusades one of the most important harbours on the Adriatic coast. Its monumental 12th century cathedral is one of the most impressive in the whole of Southern Italy as well as providing an unrivalled landmark for cruising yachts. Also close to the shoreline is Trani’s powerful castle, built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century. Perhaps the town’s greatest claim to fame, however, is the publication in 1063 of the Ordinamenta et Consuetudo Maris (Ordinances and Custom of the Sea), one of the earliest codes of mediaeval maritime law to survive. The harbour of Trani is a popular stopping-off point for yachts crossing the Adriatic to and from Dubrovnik. Berths can normally be found here at the municipal pontoons or those run by the Italian Lega Navale.

Charts

British Admiralty

186

Italian

921

31

196

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

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)

Approach and Navigation

The harbour is protected by a long breakwater, Molo Santa Nicola, oriented NE/E. The cathedral of Trani is very conspicuous at the root of the breakwater. Entrance is from due E, then turning to port to enter the inner harbour. Depths in the entrance are 5.5 - 6.0 metres and in the inner harbour 2.5 - 4.5 metres. Note: a shoal patch of only 1.4 metres lies at the SW corner of the outer harbour just off the cathedral. Once in the inner harbour, the municipal pontoons are straight ahead; the pontoons of the Lega Navale are in the NE corner of the harbour. Shelter is good here in all conditions.

Berthing Options

Trani municipal moorings
Click for larger view

Between the municipal pontoons and those of the Lega Navale, Trani provides a total of 550 berths for yachts up to a maximum of 16 metres. The municipal berths are on five pontoons and associated quays on the S side of the harbour. Depths at the pontoons range from 2.5 metres at the quay to 3.5 metres at the outer end. Water and electricity on the pontoons. The Lega Navale berths are on a separate set of pontoons NE of the municipal berths. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers (not very clean) for the use of yachtsmen are situated on a short pontoon between the two sections.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Italian Lega Navale

Anchorages

No anchoring permitted in the outer harbour except in an emergency.

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

Slipway. Fixed crane ( 34 T). Mobile crane (12 T). Some hard standing. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood, steel and fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the quay next to Lega Navale and a second in the outer harbour SE 150 metres SE of the cathedral. Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The waterfront of Trani
Click for larger view

The 11th century cathedral of Trani
Click for larger view

The waterfront and old town of Trani are one of the most atmospheric along this coast, their cobbled streets lined with a number of well-restored Norman and mediaeval buildings. The Norman cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, has also been beautifully restored. Inside is a crypt with Romanesque columns and displayed on the walls is a pair of exquisite 12th century bronze doors, made by the same artisan who made the doors at the magnificent Norman cathedral of Monreale in Sicily. Further W is the castle, a massive, four-towered structure built by Frederick II but much altered in the 16th century.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Several provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Restaurants and pizzerias in the town.

Internet/WiFi

Internet cafes in the town.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlet in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins close to the pontoons.

Transportation

• Buses to Bari and other local destinations.
• Local and international flights from Bari airport (34 kms).
• Train connections to most major cities.

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

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 2004--Athene of Lymington 15:36, 29 December 2010 (UTC)

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