San Vito lo Capo

From CruisersWiki

San Vito lo Capo is a small resort town and harbour on the NW coast of Sicily, some 21 miles NE of Trapani and 18 miles NW of Castellammare del Golfo. Nestling at the foot of the huge Monte Cofano, its beach is one of the finest on the island. The town is best known for its couscous festival during the third week of September when chefs from eight countries compete to produce the most engaging example of this famous North African dish. The small 'marina' here is a handy port of call for yachts cruising along the north coast of Sicily or on passage to or from Sardinia.

Charts

British Admiralty

2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco

Italian

916

Weather

The prevailing wind on the north coast of Sicily during the summer is a NW sea breeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and send a heavy swell down onto the north coast. In such conditions, Capo San Vito is a fearsome place to round, especially to windward. In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island and blow for several days.

Sources for weather forecasts:

• There is a continuous (computerized 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)

Passages

See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.

Communication

Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

The tall lighthouse on Capo San Vito is visible from several miles off. The headland on which it stands should be given a clearance of at least a mile, especially if approaching from the direction of Trapani. There are shoals extending ¾ mile N of the cape. In strong winds, a very confused sea is raised around the cape, which could be dangerous to a small yacht. Once clear of the cape, the breakwaters of San Vito are conspicuous from 2-3 miles off. The harbour is entered from SE between the long northern and shorter southern breakwaters. The better water is towards the northern breakwater.

Berthing

Visiting yachts are berthed wherever there is space on one of five privately operated pontoons in the harbour. Try calling on VHF channel 09 or 16 for berthing instructions on entering. Alternatively, mill around until you are hailed. There are laid moorings, water and electricity at all berths. The pontoons offer a total of 400 berths in depths of 2.0 - 6.0 metres. Maximum length accommodated is 40 metres. Toilets and showers.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Circolo Nautico Costa Gaia Molo Turistico v. Faro, 10 - 91010 San Vito Lo Capo - tel. +39 0923.972189

  09/2013: 60 euro (discounted from 70/per night for a 12 metres boat -- s/v Seatern 06:53, 27 September 2013 (BST)

• Circolo Nautico La Traina v. Faro - 91010 San Vito Lo Capo - tel. +39 0923.972999

  09/2013: full -- s/v Seatern 06:53, 27 September 2013 (BST)

• Diporto Nautico Sanvitese Club Nautico v. Faro, 77 - 91010 San Vito Lo Capo - tel. +39 0923.974126 - Right side of the harbor

  09/2013: 50.- euro per night for a 12 metres boat -- s/v Seatern 06:53, 27 September 2013 (BST)

Anchorages

In settled weather, anchor in the bay SE of the harbour in 4.0 - 5.0 metres. The holding is good in sand.

Stay outside the red buoy (300 metres from shore) otherwise local authorities might ask you to move and/or fine you.

Amenities

Facilities
Water	Water at all pontoon berths
Electricity	Electricity at all pontoon berths
Toilets	In the harbour
Showers	In the harbour
Laundry	?
Garbage	Bins around the harbour.
Supplies
Fuel	Fuel station on the northern breakwater with depths of 3.0 metres alongside open 0800 - 2000
Bottled gas	?
Chandlers	?
Services
Repairs	Slipway. Some engine and electrical repairs. Divers.
Internet	?
Mobile connectivity	?
Vehicle rentals	Rental outlets in the town

Provisioning

Reasonable shopping for provisions in the town.

Eating out

Several good restaurants along the main street. Cous cous is a speciality here.

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Tourism

History

Give a short history of the port.

Places to Visit

San Vito’s most spectacular asset is its mile-long golden sand beach, which attracts hordes of Italian tourists in July and August. At its northern end, Monte Cofano offers some challenging rock-climbing for experienced climbers. To the south is the Rieserva naturalle dello zingaro, the first natural reserve to be established in Sicily, which extends nearly seven kilometers along the unspoiled coastline of the Gulf of Castellammare. The town itself is not unattractive, with its slightly Moorish feel enhanced by the numerous palm trees. The main street has an impressive Norman church built like a fortress. San Vito is also a useful base for hiring transport to visit the wonderful Doric temple at Segesta.

Harbour of San Vito

San Vito beach

Norman church, San Vito

San Vito street scene

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

• San Vito lo Capo at the Wikipedia
• San Vito lo Capo at the Wikivoyage
• Pagine Azzurre San Vito lo Capo -- s/v Seatern 06:42, 27 September 2013 (BST)

References

See Italy.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to San Vito lo Capo and this page's details validated:

• September 2013 --s/v Seatern 06:58, 27 September 2013 (BST)
• May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 16:55, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

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Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington, s/v Seatern