Corinth Canal

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Revision as of 18:03, 10 June 2011

Corinth Canal

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing through the Corinth Canal.

(Click links for more information)
West Entrance
	°37′57.2, N°22′57.44
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
East Entrance
	37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The Corinth Canal is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnesian peninsula from the Greek mainland and therefore effectively making the former an island. The canal is 6.3 kilometre (4 nM) in length and was built between 1881 and 1893.

Yachts are given the lowest priority for transiting. Also some days, usually Tuesdays, the canal is closed for repairs.

It best to contact canal operator by either e-mail, telephone (+30 27410 30 880) or on the VHF channel 11 (must do so before entering anyways) for the latest information or to call the Limenarchio (Coast Guard) (+30 27410 37 777 VHF channel 12).

Charts

Corinth Canal
Photo: NASA

BA

1600 Korinthiakós Kólpos - Diórigha Korinthou

Imray-Tetra

G13 Gulfs of Patras and Corinth

NIMA

54338 Approaches to (A) Korinthiakos and (B) Isthmia

Greek

232 Korinthiakos Kolpos

413 Saronikos Kolpos

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 or Tel. +30 27410 30 880
• Canal Authority - VHF channel 11 or Tel. +30 27410 37 777, fax +30 27410 30 884, Web
• Olympia Radio - VHF channels 02 & 64

Approach and Navigation

Poseidonia West End

37°57.2′N, 22°57.44′E In general, on the West End (Poseidonia) side you will have anchor off and wait your turn which may take several hours. Once you are given clearance you must stay in contact with the controller via the VHF ( a hand held unit on the cockpit is a real help). After the transit you will have to tie the boat side-to in Isthmia and go to the canal office and pay the fee. Corinth Canal, W entrance Click for larger view

Chart of Poseidonia Entrance to Corinth Canal Click for larger view

Isthmia East End

Chart of Isthmia Entrance to Corinth Canal
Click for larger view

37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E
If you approach from the East End (Isthmia), you must first tie side-to, go to the office and pay the fee, and then wait your turn. They usually give you an estimate of the waiting time. There is a restaurant where you can kill some of this time.

Warning: While you are tied side-to on the E side be aware of the very strong turbulence created by the large ships. Use plenty of spring lines and fenders.

Check-in facilities

See above.

Passage through the Canal

While transiting the canal you must stay in contact with the controller via the VHF ( a hand held unit on the cockpit is a real help).

In general the passage through the canal is uneventful if you maintain enough speed to have complete control of your yacht but resists the urging of the control operator to speed up. Remember that they are used to large ships and not small yachts.

Danger: While transiting try to stay well behind a large ship ahead of you to avoid losing control because of the turbulence.

Warning: There is a 1-3 knot current in the canal. Its direction can be either way.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Circumnavigating the Peloponnese

Forum Discussions

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

External Links

• Corinth Canal Authority
• Current fees

References & Publications

See Greece.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• September 2004 --Istioploos

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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