Corinth Canal
From CruisersWiki
Corinth Canal
Photo: NASA
Background
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
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
Greek 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
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 | File:CorinthCanalW h.jpg Chart of Poseidonia Entrance to Corinth Canal Click for larger view |
Click for larger view
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
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
References & Publications
See Greece
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
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:
- September 2004 --Istioploos 05:27, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
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