Messina

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Messina, Sicily, Italy

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38°11.7′N, 15°33.66′E
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[ Photo gallery]
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[ Local chartlet]
Marina del Nettuno Photo courtesy of Marina del Nettuno
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The port of Messina 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

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

Italian chart 918

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

Prevailing winds in the Straits during the summer are from N or NW. Southerly winds are more common in the spring and winter. In unsettled weather the Straits can be subject to very strong gusts off the land which, combined with the strong currents, can make passage dangerous for smaller yachts.

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)

Call Marina del Nettuno on VHF channel 09 or telephone: +39 090 344139 or e-mail: [email protected]. 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.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

???

Anchorages

  • 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.

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

The nearest fuel station is at Rada Paradiso, 1.5 miles north of the marina. Water and electricity are available on the finger pontoons (electronic card operated).

Tourism and 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

???

Laundry

???

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the marina.

Transportation

Car ferries to Villa San Giovanni. Hydrofoils to Reggio di Calabria and (summer only) the Aeolian Islands. Bus services to Taormina and Catania and long distance service to Rome. Catania airport is 90 kilometres away.

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.

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:

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)


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