Grado

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==Grado, [[Venice to Trieste]], [[Italy]]==
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{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Italy|Venice to Trieste}}
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{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 30em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
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{{TOC block}}
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|-
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | {{Small info}} ''(Click links for more information)''
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{{Infobox
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|-
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| lat= 45.68134 | lon=13.38041
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! <center>[[image:World_icon.png]]</center>
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| name= Grado
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| {{Coord|45|40.72|N|13|22.23|E|}}
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| portofentry=
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|-
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| zoom= 14
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! <center>[[image:Photo_icon.png]]</center>
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| chartlet = y
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| [http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=45.685417&ln=13.404868&z=4&k=2&a=1&tab=1&pl=all Photo gallery]
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| image= GradoAerial.jpg
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|-
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| imagetext= Grado from the NW
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! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center>
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| summary= The town of '''Grado''' is situated on a low sandy spit at the mouth of the lagoon of the same name, 11 miles E of [[Lignano]] and five miles SW of  [[Monfalcone]] on the northern Adriatic coast of Italy. During the Roman era, the town was an important staging post for the major settlement of Aquileia on the northern coast of the lagoon of Grado. Today there are several traces of the town’s former strategic importance dotted around the lagoon, but its principal tourist attractions are Grado’s beaches and thermal baths. Yachtsmen visiting the town of the lagoon can find berths in the basin of '''Porto San Vito''' at the western end of the town, at the pontoons of the Italian '''Lega Navale, Grado''' immediately E of Porto San Vito along the northern end of town or the small canal basin of '''Darsena San Marco''' at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere 200 metres N of the town just W of the bridge. Alternatively, a smaller yacht of modest draft can berth at the S end of the Grado canal in the (noisy) '''Grado town basin''' in the centre of town or continue four miles NNW from the entrance to Grado along the channel to the Natissa river, where the '''Marina di Aquileia''' lies 1.5 miles upstream from the river entrance.  As with most harbours along this coast, Grado is best entered on a rising tide close to high water and never with strong onshore winds.
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| [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=45.6786111&lon=13.3869444&scale=25000&type=0&zoom=100&bpid=MAP0060030900&latlontype=DMS&searchscope=int&CFID=18293118&CFTOKEN=13569456 Local chartlet]
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| notes=  
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|-
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| news=
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | [[Image:GradoAerial.jpg|350px]]Grado from NW - ''Click for larger view''
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}}
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|}{{TOCleft}}The town of Grado is situated on a low sandy spit at the mouth of the lagoon of the same name, 11 miles E of [[Lignano]] and five miles SW of  [[Monfalcone]] on the northern Adriatic coast of Italy. During the Roman era, the town was an important staging post for the major settlement of Aquileia on the northern coast of the lagoon of Grado. During the decline of the Roman empire in the 5th century AD, there was a major population shift to Grado from the less protected settlements inland.  The town was later to become an important naval base for the Byantines and subsequently the Lombards in the 6th century AD.  By the 15th century Grado had declined to become a minor outpost of the Venetian empire, a position which was further reinforced by its sacking by English and then French forces in the early 19th century.  The area was ceded to Austria in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna following the defeat of Napoleon’s forces and Grado remained part of the Austro-Hungarian empire until the conclusion of hostilities in 1918, when it finally became part of the unified kingdom of Italy.  Today there are several traces of the town’s former strategic importance dotted around the lagoon, but its principal tourist attractions are Grado’s beaches and thermal baths. Yachtsmen visiting the town of the lagoon can find berths in the basin of '''Porto San Vito''' at the western end of the town, at the pontoons of the Italian '''Lega Navale, Grado''' immediately E of Porto San Vito along the northern end of town or the small canal basin of '''Darsena San Marco''' at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere 200 metres N of the town just W of the bridge. Alternatively, a yacht of modest draft can continue four miles NNW from the entrance to Grado along the channel to the Natissa river, where the '''Marina di Aquileia''' lies 1.5 miles upstream from the entrance.  As with most harbours along this coast, Grado is best entered on a rising tide close to high water and never with strong onshore winds.
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<div style="clear: left;"></div>
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==Charts==
==Charts==
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==Radio Nets==
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==Weather==
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During the summer months, the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal sea breezes.  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).
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''Also see [[HF_Radio|World Cruiser’s Nets]]''.
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==Local Weather==
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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).
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Sources for weather information:  
Sources for weather information:  
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* There is a continuous (computerized voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation.
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* There is a continuous (computerized voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation
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* The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16.
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* The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16
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* Navtex weather forecasts covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia).
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* Navtex weather forecasts covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)
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==Approach and Navigation==
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==Passages==
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The entrance to the Grado lagoon lies at [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|45|39.6|N|13|20.9|E|}}, where there is a fairway buoy just under two miles offshore.  Dangerous sandbanks extend for almost two miles on both sides of the entrance, so approach is only safe from this buoy, near high water and in settled weather.  Approach should be made on a course of 030 degrees.  The entrance channel, which is dredged to a depths of just 3.0 metres, is marked by piles on either side.  Once inside the entrance, the channel forks.  The starboard channel  curves E round to Grado town and the moorings of '''Porto San Vito, Lega Navale''' and '''Darsena San Marco'''.  The port channel turns W then N towards the Natissa river and the '''Marina di Aquileia'''.
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''See [[Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages]]''.
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==Berthing Options==
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==Islands==
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There are four berthing options in Grado or the lagoon of Grado:
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None offshore, but in the lagoon:
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'''Porto San Vito''' at [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|45|40.9|N|13|22.65|E|}}
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* Isola Barbana
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* Isola Marina dei Menzi
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* Isola Gorgo
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[[Porto San Vito]] is the first small basin to starboard after entering the channel to Grado.  It offers 165 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 3.5 metres. Click on the link for details.
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==Communication==
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{{Green|Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.}}
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*
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*
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'''Lega Navale, Grado''' at [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|45|40.96|N|13|22.83|E|}}
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''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
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The Italian [[Lega Navale, Grado]] operates
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==Navigation==
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: 70 berths on five pontoons immediately E of Porto San Vito; depths at the pontoons range from 1.0 - 3.0 metres.
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There is a red fairway buoy just under two miles offshore at the entrance to the {{mark | lat= 45.67993| lon=13.370163 |zoom=15| type= waypoint| name= Grado lagoon}}. Dangerous sandbanks extend for almost two miles on both sides of the entrance, so the approach is only safe from this buoy, near high water and in settled weather. The approach should be made on a course of 040 degrees. The entrance channel, which is dredged to a depths of just 3.0 metres, is marked by piles on either side. Once inside the entrance, the channel forks. The starboard channel curves E round to Grado town and the moorings of '''Porto San Vito, Lega Navale''' and '''Darsena San Marco'''.  The port channel turns W then N towards the Natissa river and the '''Marina di Aquileia'''.
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: 59 berths in the small basin right in the heart of town, which is accessed by a long canal extending for 500 metres due S from just past the tiny basin at the end of the pontoons. Depth in the basin from 2.0 - 2.5 metres. <br />''Click on the link for details''
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'''Darsena San Marco''' at [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|45|41.07|N|13|23.09|E|}}
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==Berthing==
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{{poi | lat= lat=45.67845| lon=13.38571
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| type= harbour
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| name= Grado town basin
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| zoom= 15
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| image= GradoMoorings.JPG
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| imagetext= Moorings in Grado canal basin
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| text= There is a small basin right in the heart of town, which is accessed by a long canal extending for 500 metres due to the S from just past the tiny basin at the end of the Lega Navale pontoons. The canal itself is packed with fishing boats and there is no room for yachts, but at its end are around 59 moorings, 12 of which on the W side of the basin can be used by yachts in transit. Yachts take a line around an orange buoy and secure stern lines to a chain that runs along the quay. These moorings would not suit a yacht of much over 11 metres and are very noisy as a busy main road runs around the basin. Depths are between 2.0 and 2.5 metres. Water and electricity points on the quay.
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}}
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[[Darsena San Marco]] is located on the W side of the bridge connecting the town of Grado to the mainland, at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere, 200 metres NE of the Lega Navale pontoons.  It offers 70 berths on both sides of the canal for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres. Click on the link for details.
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The other four berthing options in Grado or the lagoon of Grado, all are marinas.
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{{hold vertical}}
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===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
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{{poi | lat= 45.682619| lon=13.376942
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| type= marina
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| name= [[Porto San Vito]]
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| zoom= 16
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| image= PSVMoorings.JPG
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| imagetext= Porto San Vito
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| text= Porto San Vito is the first small basin to starboard after entering the channel to Grado.  It offers 165 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 3.5 metres.  
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}}
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'''Marina di Aquileia''' at [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|45|45.07|N|13|21.3|E|}}
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{{poi | lat= 45.68346| lon=13.38047
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| type= marina
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| name= [[Lega Navale, Grado]]
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| zoom= 16
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| image=
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| imagetext=
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| text= The Italian ''Lega Navale'' operates 70 berths on five pontoons immediately E of [[Porto San Vito]]; depths at the pontoons range from 1.0 - 3.0 metres. The Lega also manages the berths in the [[#Grado town basin|Grado town basin]].
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}}
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{{hold vertical}}
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{{poi | lat= 45.68599 |lon=13.38464
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| type= marina
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| name= [[Darsena San Marco]]
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| altname=
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| url =
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| zoom= 17
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| portofentry=
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| image= GradoDarsena2.JPG
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| imagetext= Darsena San Marco, Grado
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| text= Darsena San Marco is located on the W side of the bridge connecting the town of Grado to the mainland, at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere, 200 metres NE of the [[Lega Navale, Grado]] pontoons. It offers 70 berths on both sides of the canal for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres.
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}}
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[[Marina di Aquileia]] lies at the N side of the lagoon of Grado, 1.5 miles up the Natissa river and a total of 5.5 miles from the lagoon entrance. It offers 300 berths for yachts of up to 18 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres. Click on the link for details.
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{{poi | lat= 45.75735| lon=13.35711
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| type= marina
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| name= [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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| zoom= 17
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| image=
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| imagetext=
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| text= Marina di Aquileia lies at the N side of the lagoon of Grado, 1.5 miles up the Natissa river and a total of 5.5 miles from the lagoon entrance. It offers 300 berths for yachts of up to 18 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres.
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}}
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For a map showing the marinas in central Grado, click on this link:
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==Anchorages==
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[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=210561298658189797082.00049b14619770b05304b&ll=45.682094,13.381433&spn=0.008845,0.016458&z=16]
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Anchoring is possible anywhere in the lagoon where the depths are suitable and you are not obstructing the channels.
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===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
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{{Note}}Fore and aft anchors may be necessary to stop swinging into the channel.
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''See above''.
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===Anchorages===
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==Amenities==
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Anchoring is possible anywhere in the lagoon where the depths are suitable and you are not obstructing the channels.  Fore and aft anchors may be necessary to stop swinging into the channel.
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{{tlist
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==Offshore Islands and Groups==
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|header|Facilities
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None offshore, but in the lagoon:
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* Isola Barbana
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|Water| In [[#Grado town basin|Grado town basin]], [[Porto San Vito]], [[Lega Navale, Grado]], [[Darsena San Marco]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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* Isola Marina dei Menzi
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|Electricity|  In [[#Grado town basin|Grado town basin]], [[Porto San Vito]], [[Lega Navale, Grado]], [[Darsena San Marco]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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* Isola Gorgo
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|Toilets| In [[Porto San Vito]], [[Lega Navale, Grado]], [[Darsena San Marco]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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|Showers| In [[Porto San Vito]], [[Lega Navale, Grado]], [[Darsena San Marco]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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|Laundry| In [[Porto San Vito]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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|Garbage| Bins at the [[#Marinas & Yacht Clubs|marinas]]
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==Yacht Repairs and Services==
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|header|Supplies
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====Marine Stores====
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|Fuel| Fuel station [[Lega Navale, Grado]], [[Darsena San Marco]]
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Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
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|Bottled gas| {{MagentaText|?}}
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*
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|Chandlers| In[[Darsena San Marco]], and [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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====Repairs/Yards====
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|header|Services
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''See marina entries for details''.
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|Repairs|
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* [[Porto San Vito]] - Boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (50 T). Limited hard standing. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood, steel, and fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs. Divers
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* [[Lega Navale, Grado]] - None
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* [[Darsena San Marco]] - Small boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (40 T). Mobile crane (16 T). Hardstanding. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass hull repairs. Maintenance and replacement of winches. Sail repairs
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* [[Marina di Aquileia]] - Boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (50 T). Fixed crane (12 T). Hardstanding (on grass). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs
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|Internet| {{MagentaText|?}}
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|Mobile connectivity| {{MagentaText|?}}
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|Vehicle rentals| Rental outlets in [[Grado]] town and Aquileia
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}}
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====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
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==Provisioning==
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''See marina entries for details''.
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* Good provisions shops in [[Grado]] town, within walking distance of the town marinas
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* Also in Aquileia, about one kilometer N of [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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==Things to do Ashore==
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==Eating out==
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====Tourism====
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* Bar and restaurant in [[Porto San Vito]]
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Most tourists come to Grado for its beaches and for spa treatments at the town’s thermal baths.  However, the old centre, especially around the inner basin, is attractive to explore.  Grado also boasts an imposing Basilica di Sant’Eufemia with a 6th century mosaic floor and an octagonal baptistery.  A trip by boat to the island of Barbana at the northern end of the lagoon is also recommended to visit the Sanctuary of Barbana, constructed in 582 AD to house a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.  Grado is also a good base for visiting the World Heritage listed Roman site of Aquileia, one of the most important archaeological sites in N. Italy, which lies near the modern town of Aquileia two miles up the Natissa river on the N coast of the lagoon.  In addition to Roman remains, Aquileia contains an impressive Byzantine cathedral and an excellent National Archaeological Museum.
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* Restaurant in [[Lega Navale, Grado]]
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* Restaurant/pizzeria at [[Darsena San Marco]]
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* Bar and restaurant in [[Marina di Aquileia]]
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* Numerous bars and restaurants in [[Grado]] old town
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<center style="clear: both;"><gallery caption="Gallery" widths="190px" heights="140px" perrow="2">
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==Transportation==
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Image:GradoHarbour.jpg|Harbour of Grado
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Buses to Aquileia and other destinations from bus station.
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Image:GradoSanctuary.jpg|The island Sanctuary of Barbana
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Image:GradoBarbana.jpg|Interior of Barbana Sanctuary
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Image:GradoAquileia.jpg|Roman ruins at Aquileia
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</gallery></center>
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====Grocery & Supply Stores====
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==Tourism==
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* Good  provisions shops in Grado town, within walking distance of the town marinas
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====History====
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* Also in Aquileia, about one kilometer N of Marina di Aquileia
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During the decline of the Roman empire in the 5th century AD, there was a major population shift to Grado from the less protected settlements inland. The town was later to become an important naval base for the Byzantines and subsequently the Lombards in the 6th century AD. By the 15th century, Grado had declined to become a minor outpost of the Venetian empire, a position which was further reinforced by its sacking by English and then French forces in the early 19th century. The area was ceded to Austria in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna following the defeat of Napoleon’s forces and Grado remained part of the Austro-Hungarian empire until the conclusion of hostilities in 1918 when it finally became part of the unified kingdom of Italy.
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====Eateries====
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====Places to Visit====
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* Numerous bars and restaurants in Grado
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Most tourists come to Grado for its beaches and for spa treatments at the town’s thermal baths. However, the old centre, especially around the inner basin, is attractive to explore.  Grado also boasts an imposing Basilica di Sant’Eufemia with a 6th century mosaic floor and an octagonal baptistery.
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* Restaurant at Darsena San Marco.
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* Bar and restaurant in Marina di Aquileia.
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*
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====Internet/WiFi====
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A trip by boat to the island of Barbana at the northern end of the lagoon is also recommended to visit the Sanctuary of Barbana, constructed in 582 AD to house a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.
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None.
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===Laundry===
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Grado is also a good base for visiting the World Heritage listed Roman site of Aquileia, one of the most important archaeological sites in N. Italy, which lies near the modern town of Aquileia two miles up the Natissa river on the N coast of the lagoon. In addition to Roman remains, Aquileia contains an impressive Byzantine cathedral and an excellent National Archaeological Museum.
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None.
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====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
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{{hgallery|
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Rental outlets in Grado town and Aquileia.
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{{himage|GradoCathedral.JPG|Grado's 6th century Basilica di Sant’Eufemia}}
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{{himage|GradoOldTown.JPG|Grado old town}}
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{{himage|GradoSanctuary.jpg|The island Sanctuary of Barbana}}
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{{himage|AquileiaBasilica.JPG|Aquilea's World Heritage listed Basilica}}
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{{himage|AquileiaBasilicaMosaics.JPG|The Basilica's stunning 4th century mosaic floor}}
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{{himage|AquileiaRomanHarbour.JPG|The remains of Aquilea's Roman harbour}}
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}}
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====Garbage Disposal====
 
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Bins at the marinas.
 
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====Transportation====
 
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==Routes/Passages To/From==
 
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Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
 
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==Cruiser’s Friends==
==Cruiser’s Friends==
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==Forum Discussions==
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==Forums==
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
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==External Links==
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==Links==
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* Pagine Azzurre [http://www.pagineazzurre.com/english/port/id_fri017/info_grado.htm Grado]
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* {{wikipedia|Grado,_Friuli-Venezia_Giulia}}
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* [http://www.comune.grado.go.it/html/portale/comune_grado/documenti/comune.d2w/index.asp Municipal website]
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* {{Wikivoyage}}
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* [http://www.pagineazzurre.com/english/port/id_fri017/info_grado.htm Grado Pagine Azzurre]
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* [https://www.comunegrado.it Municipal website]
* [http://www.grado-tourism.com/en/ Tourism website]
* [http://www.grado-tourism.com/en/ Tourism website]
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* [http://www.gradoit.it/uk/ Bach and thermal baths website]
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* [http://www.grado-tourism.com/en/grado-water-park-and-spa.html Thermal baths]
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==References & Publications==
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==References==
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''See [[Italy#References & Publications|Italy]]''.
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''See [[Italy#References|Italy]]''.
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==Personal Notes==
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{{Comments}}
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Personal experiences?
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====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)====
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{{Verified by}}
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''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
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* June 2015 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
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* Data compiled from web research (please update if possible) --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 18:41, 30 January 2011 (UTC)
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{{Guide2}}
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{{Page useable}}
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'''Names''': [[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
 
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{{Contributors|[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]}}
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[[Category:Ports - Italy]]
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[[Category:Ports - Italy]] [[Category:Marinas - Italy]] [[Category:Anchorages - Italy]]

Latest revision as of 07:46, 21 August 2018

World ▶ Mediterranean ▶ Italy ▶ Venice to Trieste ▶ Grado

Contents

Grado
45°40.880'N, 013°22.825'E Chart icon.png
lat=45.68134 | lon=13.38041 | zoom=14 | y
GradoAerial.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Grado from the NW

The town of Grado is situated on a low sandy spit at the mouth of the lagoon of the same name, 11 miles E of Lignano and five miles SW of Monfalcone on the northern Adriatic coast of Italy. During the Roman era, the town was an important staging post for the major settlement of Aquileia on the northern coast of the lagoon of Grado. Today there are several traces of the town’s former strategic importance dotted around the lagoon, but its principal tourist attractions are Grado’s beaches and thermal baths. Yachtsmen visiting the town of the lagoon can find berths in the basin of Porto San Vito at the western end of the town, at the pontoons of the Italian Lega Navale, Grado immediately E of Porto San Vito along the northern end of town or the small canal basin of Darsena San Marco at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere 200 metres N of the town just W of the bridge. Alternatively, a smaller yacht of modest draft can berth at the S end of the Grado canal in the (noisy) Grado town basin in the centre of town or continue four miles NNW from the entrance to Grado along the channel to the Natissa river, where the Marina di Aquileia lies 1.5 miles upstream from the river entrance. As with most harbours along this coast, Grado is best entered on a rising tide close to high water and never with strong onshore winds.

Charts

British Admiralty
204 - Sedmovrace to Trieste and Ravenna to Venezia
1471 - Golfo di Trieste and Approaches
Italian
924
39
235

Weather

During the summer months, the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal sea breezes. 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 (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 covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)

Passages

See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.

Islands

None offshore, but in the lagoon:

  • Isola Barbana
  • Isola Marina dei Menzi
  • Isola Gorgo

Communication

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

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

There is a red fairway buoy just under two miles offshore at the entrance to the Grado lagoon/wiki/Grado#Grado_lagoonWorld icon.png Grado lagoon [[Grado#Grado lagoon|Grado lagoon]] 45°40.796'N, 013°22.210'E . Dangerous sandbanks extend for almost two miles on both sides of the entrance, so the approach is only safe from this buoy, near high water and in settled weather. The approach should be made on a course of 040 degrees. The entrance channel, which is dredged to a depths of just 3.0 metres, is marked by piles on either side. Once inside the entrance, the channel forks. The starboard channel curves E round to Grado town and the moorings of Porto San Vito, Lega Navale and Darsena San Marco. The port channel turns W then N towards the Natissa river and the Marina di Aquileia.

Berthing

Moorings in Grado canal basin

Grado town basin

Grado town basin/wiki/Grado#Grado_town_basin
Harbour icon Grado town basin [[Grado#Grado town basin|Grado town basin]] °'N, 013°23.143'E
There is a small basin right in the heart of town, which is accessed by a long canal extending for 500 metres due to the S from just past the tiny basin at the end of the Lega Navale pontoons. The canal itself is packed with fishing boats and there is no room for yachts, but at its end are around 59 moorings, 12 of which on the W side of the basin can be used by yachts in transit. Yachts take a line around an orange buoy and secure stern lines to a chain that runs along the quay. These moorings would not suit a yacht of much over 11 metres and are very noisy as a busy main road runs around the basin. Depths are between 2.0 and 2.5 metres. Water and electricity points on the quay.

The other four berthing options in Grado or the lagoon of Grado, all are marinas.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Porto San Vito

Porto San Vito

Porto San Vito/wiki/Grado#.5B.5BPorto_San_Vito.5D.5D
Marina icon Porto San Vito [[Grado#Porto San Vito|Porto San Vito]] 45°40.957'N, 013°22.617'E
Porto San Vito is the first small basin to starboard after entering the channel to Grado. It offers 165 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 3.5 metres.

Lega Navale, Grado

Lega Navale, Grado/wiki/Grado#.5B.5BLega_Navale.2C_Grado.5D.5D
Marina icon Lega Navale, Grado [[Grado#Lega Navale, Grado|Lega Navale, Grado]] 45°41.008'N, 013°22.828'E
The Italian Lega Navale operates 70 berths on five pontoons immediately E of Porto San Vito; depths at the pontoons range from 1.0 - 3.0 metres. The Lega also manages the berths in the Grado town basin.
Darsena San Marco, Grado

Darsena San Marco

Darsena San Marco/wiki/Grado#.5B.5BDarsena_San_Marco.5D.5D
Marina icon Darsena San Marco [[Grado#Darsena San Marco|Darsena San Marco]] 45°41.159'N, 013°23.078'E
Darsena San Marco is located on the W side of the bridge connecting the town of Grado to the mainland, at the entrance to the Canale di Belvedere, 200 metres NE of the Lega Navale, Grado pontoons. It offers 70 berths on both sides of the canal for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres.

Marina di Aquileia

Marina di Aquileia/wiki/Grado#.5B.5BMarina_di_Aquileia.5D.5D
Marina icon Marina di Aquileia [[Grado#Marina di Aquileia|Marina di Aquileia]] 45°45.441'N, 013°21.427'E
Marina di Aquileia lies at the N side of the lagoon of Grado, 1.5 miles up the Natissa river and a total of 5.5 miles from the lagoon entrance. It offers 300 berths for yachts of up to 18 metres in depths of 2.0 - 4.5 metres.

Anchorages

Anchoring is possible anywhere in the lagoon where the depths are suitable and you are not obstructing the channels.

Note: Fore and aft anchors may be necessary to stop swinging into the channel.

Amenities

Facilities
Water In Grado town basin, Porto San Vito, Lega Navale, Grado, Darsena San Marco, and Marina di Aquileia
Electricity In Grado town basin, Porto San Vito, Lega Navale, Grado, Darsena San Marco, and Marina di Aquileia
Toilets In Porto San Vito, Lega Navale, Grado, Darsena San Marco, and Marina di Aquileia
Showers In Porto San Vito, Lega Navale, Grado, Darsena San Marco, and Marina di Aquileia
Laundry In Porto San Vito, and Marina di Aquileia
Garbage Bins at the marinas
Supplies
Fuel Fuel station Lega Navale, Grado, Darsena San Marco
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers InDarsena San Marco, and Marina di Aquileia
Services
Repairs
  • Porto San Vito - Boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (50 T). Limited hard standing. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood, steel, and fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs. Divers
  • Lega Navale, Grado - None
  • Darsena San Marco - Small boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (40 T). Mobile crane (16 T). Hardstanding. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass hull repairs. Maintenance and replacement of winches. Sail repairs
  • Marina di Aquileia - Boatyard. Slipway. Travel lift (50 T). Fixed crane (12 T). Hardstanding (on grass). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs
Internet ?
Mobile connectivity ?
Vehicle rentals Rental outlets in Grado town and Aquileia

Provisioning

  • Good provisions shops in Grado town, within walking distance of the town marinas
  • Also in Aquileia, about one kilometer N of Marina di Aquileia

Eating out

Transportation

Buses to Aquileia and other destinations from bus station.

Tourism

History

During the decline of the Roman empire in the 5th century AD, there was a major population shift to Grado from the less protected settlements inland. The town was later to become an important naval base for the Byzantines and subsequently the Lombards in the 6th century AD. By the 15th century, Grado had declined to become a minor outpost of the Venetian empire, a position which was further reinforced by its sacking by English and then French forces in the early 19th century. The area was ceded to Austria in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna following the defeat of Napoleon’s forces and Grado remained part of the Austro-Hungarian empire until the conclusion of hostilities in 1918 when it finally became part of the unified kingdom of Italy.

Places to Visit

Most tourists come to Grado for its beaches and for spa treatments at the town’s thermal baths. However, the old centre, especially around the inner basin, is attractive to explore. Grado also boasts an imposing Basilica di Sant’Eufemia with a 6th century mosaic floor and an octagonal baptistery.

A trip by boat to the island of Barbana at the northern end of the lagoon is also recommended to visit the Sanctuary of Barbana, constructed in 582 AD to house a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.

Grado is also a good base for visiting the World Heritage listed Roman site of Aquileia, one of the most important archaeological sites in N. Italy, which lies near the modern town of Aquileia two miles up the Natissa river on the N coast of the lagoon. In addition to Roman remains, Aquileia contains an impressive Byzantine cathedral and an excellent National Archaeological Museum.

Grado's 6th century Basilica di Sant’Eufemia
Grado old town
The island Sanctuary of Barbana
Aquilea's World Heritage listed Basilica
The Basilica's stunning 4th century mosaic floor
The remains of Aquilea's Roman harbour


Cruiser’s 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

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.

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