Messina

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WorldMediterraneanItalySicilyMessina

Messina, Sicily, Italy

Messina
38°11.7′N, 15°33.66′E Chart icon.png
MarinaNettuno.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Marina del Nettuno - Click for larger view
Photo courtesy of Marina del Nettuno

The port of Messina in Sicily is conveniently situated at the northern entrance to the Straits of Messina, five miles south of Capo Peloro and a similar distance NW of the port of Reggio di Calabria on the Italian mainland. The city itself is industrial and rather unattractive, having been destroyed both by an earthquake in 1908 which killed more than 80,000 people and again by wartime bombing in 1943. However, its marina is a handy stop-off for cruisers navigating the Straits between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The commercial harbour of Messina is unsuitable for yachts, which are in any case discouraged in view of the extremely heavy ferry traffic. Yachts are usually directed to the Marina del Nettuno to the NW of the entrance to the port.

Charts

British Admiralty
1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne; chart 1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina
Italian
918

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

The prevailing winds around the Aolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather seabreezes can be encountered from any direction blowing onto and between the islands. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and careful forward planning is necessary as there are only two harbours which offer adequate shelter (and even then, not in strong southerlies). In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island group and blow for several days.

Sources for weather forecasts:

  • There is a continuous (computerised 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 are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily)

Approach and Navigation

The commercial harbour of Messina is easily identified on the west side of the Straits of Messina, some five miles south of Capo Peloro. Closer in, a large statue is conspicuous on the end of the eastern harbour breakwater. The marina entrance is half a mile to the NW of this statue, protected by a long concrete wavebreaker pontoon. Beware of eddies in the approach, especially when the north-going stream is strong. Also of the numerous ferries charging in and out of the commercial harbour. The marina is entered from NNE.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Messina is a port of entry/exit to Italy.

Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.

Berthing Options

Visiting yachts are normally directed to berth in Marina del Nettuno.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marina del Nettuno

The marina has a total of 160 berths for yachts of up to 35 metres. Depths in the marina are 4 - 40 metres. Yachts berth alongside on finger pontoons. Marina staff are usually on hand to assist with mooring. Daily berthing costs for a typical 12.5 - 15 metre yacht are Euros 100 during peak season and Euros 80 during low season. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets & showers.

Call Marina del Nettuno on VHF channel 09 or telephone: +39 090 344139 or Email.

Anchorages

Rada Paradiso

Rada Paradiso, 1.5 miles north of the harbour. Anchor in 8.0 - 10.0 metres in sand and weed, clear of the numerous small craft moorings. The anchorage is completely open to the east.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Mobile crane at the marina (4T). Some engine and electrical repairs.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
The nearest fuel station is at Rada Paradiso, 1.5 miles north of the marina
Water
Available on the finger pontoons (electronic card operated)
Electricity
Available on the finger pontoons (electronic card operated)

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Messina is hardly a tourist destination and most visitors are just passing through on the ferries. However, there are a few remnants of its glorious past that survive the earthquake and bombing, including two 16th century fountains and the ancient 12th century church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Numerous provisions shops and supermarkets in the town of Messina.

Eateries

Some restaurants around the marina. Better ones in the town.

Internet/WiFi

Internet cafes in the town.

Laundry

???

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the marina.

Transportation

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

References & Publications

See Italy.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

  • The shelter in the marina is not as good as it looks. Yachts experience ferry wash most of the night. It is a good idea to use mooring compensators if you are here any length of time - --Athene of Lymington 14:34, 12 August 2010 (UTC)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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



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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington


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