Mola di Bari

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Revision as of 18:15, 10 June 2011

Mola di Bari, Italy

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	41°03.6′N, 17°05.88′E
	[ Photo gallery]
	[ Local chartlet]

Mola di Bari harbour from NE (the eastern breakwater is out of the picture
Click for larger view

Mola di Bari is a small fishing and yacht harbour on the Adriatic coast of Italy 65 miles NW of the port of Brindisi and 12 miles SE of the larger harbour of Bari. While frequently crowded, it is usually possible for a medium-sized yacht of up to about 15.0 metres to squeeze in somewhere here. At peak times (and for yachts much over 15.0 metres), Bari is a better proposition two hours to the NW. Shelter is very good here following the completion several years ago of a new 700 metre eastern breakwater protecting the harbour from easterlies.

Charts

British Admiralty 186

Italian charts 921, 30, 196

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 (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 covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia).

Approach and Navigation

A church with a distinctive onion-shaped dome is conspicuous SE of the harbour entrance. Entry to the outer harbour is from NNW between the long eastern breakwater and the western breakwater that encloses the inner harbour. Depths in the entrance are 5.5 - 7.0 metres. Once through the outer entrance, turn sharply to starboard to enter the inner harbour, taking care to stay no more than 20 - 30 metres off the western breakwater (but not too close because of ballasting). There is a shoal patch of less than 1.5 metres extending nearly 100 metres NE from the short, inner breakwater that is a trap for the unwary. Depths in the safe, starboard side of the channel into the inner harbour are 3.5 - 5.0 metres.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Vising yachts normally berth where directed on the pontoons in the inner harbour, which are operated by the Circolo Nautico Daphne (telephone: +39 080 4736419). Depths here vary from 2.0 metres at the root to 3.5 metres at the end. Laid moorings at all berths. An alternative options for shallow draught vessels is the pontoon in the outer harbour operated by the Italian Lega Navale, which extends E from the root of the inner breakwater. Depths at the pontoons are 1.5 - 2.0 metres. If there is no space on the pontoons, yachts are also permitted to berth alongside the western breakwater, where depths range from 2.0 metres at the root to 4.5 metres along the outer section. This is, however, sometimes full of fishing boats.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Circolo Nautico Daphne
• Lega Navale.

Anchorages

In settled weather, a small yacht could anchor in the SE corner of the outer harbour in depths of 3.5 - 4.0 metres. Holding is good in sand and mud. A second anchor might be necessary at avoid swinging into the shallows inshore or the fairway. The outer harbour is completely open to any winds or swell from NW round to NE.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Slipway. Fixed crane (300 T). Travel lift (100 T). Mobile crane (100 T). Some hard standing. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood, fiberglass and steel hull repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the inner breakwater (telephone for supplies). Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There is not a great deal of tourist interest in Mola di Bari other than a squat, 16th century Angiovin castle built on the harbour by Charles I of Anjou and the Chiesa Matrice, a church dating back o the 13th century. The old town still retains its mediaeval street plan and is fun to explore. With transport, one can also visit the impressive cave system of Grotte di Castellana and the World Heritage site of Alberobello with its unique trulli houses.

Angiovin castle of Mola di Bari
Click for larger view

Chiesa Matrice, Mola di Bari
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Numerous provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

• Restaurants and pizzerias around the harbour and in the town.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses to Grotte di Castellana and other local destinations.
• Local and international flights from Bari airport (30 kms).
• Trains to Bari, Brindisi and connections to most major cities.

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:

• May 2005 --Athene of Lymington 14:11, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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