Messina
From CruisersWiki
| Messina Port of Entry
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 Marina del Nettuno, Messina 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
Weather
The prevailing winds around the Aeolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather sea breezes 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 (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 are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily)
Passages
See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Islands
None.
Communication
Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
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 wave breaker 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.
Entrance
Messina is a port of entry for Italy. For details see Entrance: Italy.
Berthing
Visiting yachts are normally directed to a 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.
- [email protected]; Tel: +39 (90) 344 139 ; Fax: +39 (90) 371 7529; Mob: +39 (392) 990 0144; VHF channel 90
- Address: Viale della libertà, Batteria Masotto, 98121 Messina, Italy
- Hours:
Anchorages
Warning: Anchoring is NOT permitted in the Strait of Messina.
Rada Paradiso
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | Available on the finger pontoons (electronic card operated)} |
| Electricity | Available on the finger pontoons (electronic card operated) |
| Toilets | In the marina |
| Showers | In the marina |
| Laundry | ? |
| Garbage | Bins around the marina. |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | The nearest fuel station is at Rada Paradiso, 1.5 miles north of the marina |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | ? |
| Services | |
| Repairs | Mobile crane at the marina (4T). Some engine and electrical repairs |
| Internet | in internet cafes in the town |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Rental outlets in the town. |
Provisioning
Numerous provisions shops and supermarkets in the town of Messina.
Eating out
Some restaurants around the marina. Better ones in the town.
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
Tourism
History
Give a short history of the port.
Places to Visit
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.
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.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Messina and this page's details validated:
- August 2003 --Athene of Lymington 14:34, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
