Reggio di Calabria
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Reggio di Calabria
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 38°07.6′N, 15°39.1′E |
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| The Strait of Messina from Space Click for larger view | |
Reggio Calabria is the main port of the Italian mainland in the Strait of Messina. It is bustling city, a little run down, but with a nice waterfront esplanade.
The city was founded by Greek colonists in 720 BC. It then it belonged to the Roman Empire and its successor the Byzantine. In the middle ages it was the capital of Duchy of Calabria. Then, in 1127, it fell under of the Kingdom of Sicily under Roger II. which was succeeded by the Kingdom of Naples. Following the Italian Unification in 1860 it became part of the modern Italian state. In December 28, 1908 Reggio was devastated by an earthquake. In 1972 a local diver found of the coast of Riace two of the most spectacular Ancient Greek bronze statues. These are now the price of the Reggio Calabria's Museum. Yachtsmen transiting the Straits of Messina find a convenient (if expensive) berth in the small yacht basin at the NE end of Reggio di Calabria commercial harbour.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Collonne
- 1018 - Approaches to Stretto di Messina
- 917 - Stretto di Messina
- Italian
- 230
- 915
- 918
- 22 From Cape Vaticano to Reggio Calabria with Gulf of Gioia and Messina Strait
- 23 From Reggio Calabria to Bovalino Marina
- 138
- 145
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets.
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Weather
Weather conditions in the Straits of Messina can vary considerably from those encountered in the Tyrrhenian or Ionian Seas to N and S respectively. The funnelling effect of the land to either side can turn a typically light NW summer seabreeze into quite brisk winds at the N end of the Straits which, equally, can accelerate over the easternmost tip of the island of Sicily, creating testing conditions in the narrows between Capo Peloro and Punta Pezzo. With the light southerlies that are more frequent in spring and autumn, moderate to brisk headwinds will be experienced by a yacht headed S through the Straits from just off Scilla on the mainland coast as far as Reggio di Calabria and up to 10 miles beyond, where the Straits open out into the Ionian Sea. Gusting off the high land on either side is not uncommon with moderate to strong winds from any quarter. Finally, any wind against tide results in very uncomfortable conditions in the Straits, especially during spring tides, and yachts transiting the Straits should aim to accomplish at least the narrowest section between Messina and Capo Pelora at or near slack water.
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 are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily).
Warning: There are strong currents, which build heavy seas, in the Strait of Messina believed to be the location of the mythological Scylla and Charybdis. Consult the tide tables before a passage through the Strait. There are strong overfalls in the entrance to Reggio di Calabria with any wind against tide conditions. The large apartment blocks behind the harbour are conspicuous in the approach and there are usually ferries entering or leaving the harbour to guide you in. The harbour is entered from NNE.
Warning: Also be aware that south of Reggio local fishermen deploy lines with floats that are particularly hard to see during a night passage.
Check-in facilities
Click for larger view
There is only one suitable berthing place for yachts, a small basin at the NE corner of the large commercial harbor: 38°07.6′N, 15°39.1′E. The commercial port itself is very industrial and dirty and at times malodorous, but the yacht basin area is well cared for.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Reggio ‘Marina’ is located 38°07.6′N, 15°39.1′E in the basin to the NE of the large commercial harbor.
The berths here were formerly operated by the local yacht club and are now in concession to the Compagnia Portuale "Tommaso Gulli". There are a total of 57 berths here, all with laid moorings, for yachts up to 13 metres. The moorings have water, electricity, toilet, and shower facilities. There are ostensibly 10 berths reserved for visiting yachts. If no attendant comes to your help, grab a mooring line and go stern-to.
Click for larger view
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Very limited.
Repairs/Yards
Mobile cranes (up to 50T). Limited engine and electrical repairs.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- There is a fuel station on the SE quay of the basin. There is very tight maneuvering room. The station is attended every day from 0600 - 2100
- Water
- Available for every berth on the marina quay
- Electricity
- On every berth of the marina
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The one thing that any visitor to Reggio Calabria should not miss is the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia with the two absolutely incredibly well preserved early Classical Greek bronze statues, the Riace Bronzes. These were found by a diver in the beach of Riace.
 The Town of Reggio Calabria |
 Riace Warrior A |
 Riace Warrior B |
Grocery Stores
- Good food and shopping in the town, about 15 minutes on foot from the marina. Wonderful cheeses and cold-cuts.
- Camping Gaz in a store a few blocks from the museum
- North of the museum there is a good bakery
Eateries
- Several in town
- Pleasant patisserie/cafés on the esplanade
Internet/WiFi
In town.
Laundry
In town.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbor.
Transportation
Transportation to mainland or other countries, etc.
- Rail links to Naples, Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice and Florence
- Ferries to Messina and the Aeolian Islands
- Internal flights from airport (6 km to south) to Rome and Milan
- Daily buses to Rome
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
October, 2012 - we (Life Part 2) visited on our way north to stage for passing through the Strait. However, they wanted to charge 100 euro a night (in low season!) for a catamaran. We said no. They brought it down to 80 euro. We still said no, and went to the bay just north of the harbor where we anchored in 23m just off the sandy shore. The attendant was helpful, but didn't speak much English. It is a small marina - probably rarely has free berths during high season.
The marina itself looks ok, but the location is a bit of a dump. Cheap apartments strung along the road next to a railway line. Town is a 2km walk south. Apparently free internet, but we couldn't connect to it.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- October 2004 --Istioploos 12:51, 15 July 2008 (MDT)
- August 2003 --Athene of Lymington 15:49, 19 December 2010 (UTC)
- October 2012 --Life Part 2 16:03, 09 October 2012 (UTC)
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Ionian Sea | Reggio di Calabria | |
