Grignano

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 18:08, 10 June 2011

Grignano, Italy

(Click links for more information)
	45°42.4′N, 13°42.77′E
	[ Photo gallery]
	[ Local chartlet]

Grignano Harbour from NNW
Click for larger view

The harbour of Grignano is situated nine miles SE of Monfalcone and five miles NW of the city of Trieste on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Although quite isolated, the small marina here offers a more peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Trieste eight kilometers to the S by the coast road. It is at the heart of one of the smallest marina nature reserves in the Mediterranean, the Riserva Naturale di Miramare, and also a handy stop-off point for a visit to the Castello di Miramare, 300 metres S round the headland (see below for details). The harbour has a total of 350 berths for yachts of up to 20 metres in depths of up to 9.0 metres.

Charts

British Admiralty 204, 1471

Italian charts 924, 39, 239

Radio Nets

‘’Also see World Cruiser’s Nets’’

Local Weather

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).

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).

Approach and Navigation

The harbour of Grignano sits immediately N of the headland of Punta Miramare, protected by a long breakwater extending N/NE from the headland and a short mole extending WNW from the shore. There are no hazards in the approach. Depths in the entrance are 6.0 - 6.5 metres.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Inside the harbour yachts berth on four long pontoons and associated quays along the shore and the breakwater. The berths are managed by three separate concessionaires. There are spaces for 350 yachts of up to 20 metres. Thee are laid moorings at all berths with pick-up buoys. Berth wherever you can find space (but check you are not on a local yacht’s berth if leaving your yacht for any length of time). Depths in the harbour range from 2.5 - 9.0 metres. In settled weather, it is possible for yachts in transit to tie up alongside on the N side of the mole. Shelter here is very poor, however, with any winds from N and W. There are no facilities in the harbour, other than water and electricity.

Yacht moorings in Grignano Harbour
Click for larger view

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Slipway. Small travel lift (20 T). Some hard standing.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel station. Water and electricity at most of the berths.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There is little of tourism interest in Grigano, other than the Castello di Miramare, more a palace than a castle, constructed in the 19th century for the Austrian Archduke Maximilian, brother to the Emperor Franz Joseph, who later met his end in Mexico after a futile attempt to install him as Emperor Maximilian I of that country. A restless soul and constant traveler during his period as head of the Austrian navy, Maximilian was also a keen botanist and, in addition to the splendid interiors of the castle, he took a close personal interest in the landscaping of the grounds, which are filled with a wide range of tropical species. The castle is open from 0900 - 1900 every day.

The 19th century Castello di Miramare
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

There is a small supermarket in the residential area around the harbour, but little else. Grignano is a place best visited with a full refrigerator.

Eateries

There is a hotel with bar and restaurant on the hill just above the harbour.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses into Trieste.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

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)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

• Website of Castello di Miramare: [1]

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible--Athene of Lymington 17:49, 2 February 2011 (UTC))

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Template:Guide1

.