Ambrakikos Gulf
From CruisersWiki
m (bot: Move Routes) |
m (bot: Change External Links) |
||
Line 119: | Line 119: | ||
* | * | ||
- | == | + | ==Links== |
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambracian_Gulf Wikipedia] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambracian_Gulf Wikipedia] | ||
* | * |
Revision as of 19:21, 28 April 2016
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Ambrakikos Gulf near Preveza, Greece.
The Ambrakikos (or Ambracian Gulf or Amvrakikos Gulf or Αμβρακικός Κόλπος) lies on the Ionian coast of Greece and extends inland for nearly 25 miles from the town of Preveza at its mouth to the small towns and harbours of Menidhion at its NE corner and Amfilokia at its SE corner. It also contains the popular yachting harbour of Vonitsa on its southern coast as well as numerous sheltered anchorages around its N and S coasts. At its widest, the gulf is little more than eight miles from N to S and in many places much less. The gulf is entered via the narrow channel leading up to Preveza (see Preveza page for details) and then via a dogleg leading N and E into the gulf proper.
Several rivers flow into the gulf on the N side, which is low and marshy, and consequently the water is less salty than the Ionian Sea itself and there is a steady current from the gulf past Preveza and out to sea. The area is also rich in bird and marine life (parts of it are a nature reserve) and dolphins and turtles are regularly encountered, especially towards the eastern part.
The area has an important place in history, being the site where Mark Antony and Cleopatra marshalled their naval galleys before the battle of Actium in 31 BC, when their combined forces were defeated by those of Octavian (later invested with the name Augustus as the first Roman Emperor). The Emperor Augustus subsequently founded a major city, Nikopolis, on the NW shores of the gulf, few traces of which remain.
Cruising the region
Cruising the gulf is mostly a trouble-free experience, particularly since the shelter is better than along the Ionian Sea coast and good anchorages or harbours can always be found in any adverse weather conditions. The two principal hazards are the shallow depths in many parts of the gulf, especially along the N coast, and the numerous fish farms dotted around. Actual depths are frequently less than shown on most charts in some parts of the gulf, especially along the N coast, where river sediment has built up since soundings were taken. Setting the shallow water alarm on your depth sounder is a useful practice when cruising here.
- British Admiralty
- 203 Zakinthos to Paxoi
- Imray-Tetra
- G11 – North Ionian Islands
- NOAA
- 54283 Amvrakikos Kolpos
- Greek
- 21 Ionio Sea - Northern Part Othonoi I. to Zakynthos I.
- 2131 Amvrakikos Gulf
Weather and Winds
The gulf is subject to the same conditions as the Ionian Sea when fronts or depressions pass over, although generally the winds will be less than in the open sea. During normal settled conditions, however, the mornings are often windless until in early afternoon a westerly sea breeze sets in, which can sometimes rise to 15 knots or more but rarely blows for longer than an hour or two. The sea breeze is generally stronger in the western part of the gulf than the eastern.
Overnight, an easterly land breeze off the mountains at the E end of the gulf is common, which rarely rises above 10 knots. In some of the bays along the S coast this wind can come from SE or even due S, which needs to be considered when anchoring.
Sources for weather information:
- Weather online Preveza An accurate guide to local weather, the weather station is based at Aktio airport.
- See Ionian Sea Weather
- Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides
Currents & Tides
There is usually a slight westerly current out of the gulf (little more than 0.5 – 1.0 knot), but this can be stronger in the narrow channel opposite Preveza, where 3.0 – 3.5 knots is not unknown.
See Preveza. Once through the Preveza channel, there are two starboard hand buoys to be passed before entering the gulf itself. Note that the second of these buoys marks the N end of a large shoal patch extending nearly a mile E of Cape Akri (the northernmost point of the Aktio pensinula).
Ports
The gulf has small harbours at the towns of Vonitsa and Amfilokia on its southern coast and Koronisia and Menidhion on its northern coast. However, only the first two are suitable for yachts and a visiting yacht will need to anchor off the second two. There are also several attractive anchorages around the gulf, mainly on the S side, which offer good shelter in all but northerly winds.
Anchorages
Tracking anti-clockwise from the entrance to the gulf, the main anchorages are as follows.
Ormos Ag Markou
Ormos Ag Markou
| |
The anchorage of Ag. Markou bay lies about a mile NW from the harbour of Vonitsa and consists of a deep and wide inlet sheltered from all directions except E and SE. The depths here are mostly in excess of 10-12 metres and it is necessary to tuck in close to the head of the bay (ideally on the SW side if possible) to be able to drop your anchor in 8.0 metres or so. Alternatively, you can motor as close in as your draft will allow and take a line ashore. Holding here is good in mud and weed. There are a few fish farm remains around the shore and the bottom is foul in places.
Ormos Koukouvitsa
Ormos Koukouvitsa
| |
The anchorage of Koukouvitsa bay lies half a mile E of Vonitsa behind a small, pine-clad island joined to the mainland by a picturesque, Chinese-style causeway. Shelter here is good from all directions except N. Depths are around 3.0 - 6.0 metres except around the edges, where it shoals gradually to under one metre. Holding is good in sand, mud and weed. It is possible with care to take your dinghy under the centre arch of the causeway (you will need to drag it over the shallowest part) to take a shortcut to Vonitsa town. The anchorage here is delightful and very popular during the season.
Ormos Rougas
Ormos Paliomilou
Ormos Loutrakios
Ormos Karvasaras
Ormos Kopraina (Menidhion)
Ormos Menidhion
| |
Depending on the wind strength, one can anchor either on the E side of the bay off the town of Menidhion or on the W side. Holding on both sides of the bay is good in sand and weed. Menidhion has a small harbour, which is unsuitable for yachts, but a good taverna in the harbour itself. The anchorage off here is comfortable in the prevailing winds so long as they do not exceed 10 knots. Any more, and you are better off the other side of the bay.
Koronisia Bay
Koronisia Bay
| |
There are several places one can anchor around Koronisia. If the usual W/NW winds are forecast to exceed 10 knots or so, you are better off anchoring on the E side of the Koronisia peninsula in depths of 4.0 – 5.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and weed. In winds of up to 10 knots, one can anchor with care within 100 metres of the town of Koronisia itself in 3.5 – 4.5 metres. Again, holding is good in sand and weed. There is a small harbour here, but depths in the entrance are 1.5 metres or less and it is not advisable for any but shallow draft vessels to enter.
Nisos Vouvalos
Ormos Salaora
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)
Links
References & Publications
See Ionian Sea.
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. Personal experiences?
- We spent five days in the gulf in late September 2012 and saw fewer than twenty other yachts over the whole period. While the water is a little murky to enjoy swimming very much, we saw quite a few turtles and more dolphins than you could shake a stick at. --Athene of Lymington 12:25, 30 September 2012 (BST)
This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
Contributors to this page
|
---|
Names: Athene of Lymington |