Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
- | Depending on the time you | + | Depending on the time you would like to complete the passage, your departure point, and personal preference you must decide whether to take a southern route via [[Malta]] (south of [[Sicily]]) or a northern route along the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Messina Messina Stait] in [[Italy]] (north of [[Sicily]]). |
In general the northern route is shorter and faster than the southern. Also the northern route has shorter legs and more places to stop. | In general the northern route is shorter and faster than the southern. Also the northern route has shorter legs and more places to stop. |
Revision as of 19:29, 1 April 2009
Aegean Sea to Gibraltar Passage
Aegean to Gibraltar Passage | |
Northern Route Southern Route |
Introduction
Depending on the time you would like to complete the passage, your departure point, and personal preference you must decide whether to take a southern route via Malta (south of Sicily) or a northern route along the Messina Stait in Italy (north of Sicily).
In general the northern route is shorter and faster than the southern. Also the northern route has shorter legs and more places to stop.
All the routing instructions described in this page can be reversed and equally apply for passages from Gibraltar to the Aegean Sea.
Climate & Weather Information
See Mediterranean.
Weather Windows
The months to be avoided for this passage are from November to April when violent storms are possible.
The best time of the year for this passage is either in May - June or in September - October when various ports and marinas are less crowded and the weather is usually benign. In October, however, there is a possibility of thunderstorms so one has to be cautious.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
List radio Nets covering this passage.
See Mediterranean.
Also see the charts for individual countries or islands.
Possible Departure Points
Some of the possible departure points from the Aegean Sea are:
- Dardanelles in Turkey
- Kusadasi in Turkey
- Pythagorio, Samos in Greece
- Kos in Greece
- Bodrum in Turkey
- Rhodes in Greece
- Marmaris in Turkey
- From any of the Cyclades islands in Greece
- Athens Region in Greece
Northern Route Via Strait of Messina and N of Sicily
This IS the shortest and faster route for traversing the Mediterranean from most points along the Aegean Sea except when you originate from Crete in which case you should take the Southern Route.
There are two ways to reach the Strait of Messina from the Aegean Sea:
Via the Corinth Canal to Cagliari
This route, that utilizes the Corinth Canal ,is desirable for yachts that start from anywhere in Aegean as it is the shortest. However, the canal fee is appreciable. Yachts usually arrive early at the canal entrance because there can be considerable delays before the transit (almost all other vessels have a higher priority).
After transiting the canal a yacht may stop at the Port of Corinth, or at the delightful island of Trizonia. Once you cross the Gulf of Corinth and the Gulf of Patras a natural stopover before crossing the Ionian Sea is Zakinthos (Zante).
There you can clear customs and provision. The distance from the canal to Zakinthos is about 115 nM. From Zakinthos you can sail directly W to Reggio di Calabria a port of entry into Italy a distance of 270 nM. There are no stopping possibilities.
Warning: Also be aware that south of Reggio local fishermen deploy lines with floats that are particularly hard to see during a night passage.
From Reggio di Calabria, after passing the Strait of Messina, you head W to Cagliari, Sardinia a distance of 320 nM. A nice stopover is the Aeolian Island of Ustica.
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 the passage through the Strait.
Pylos (S Peloponnese) to Cagliari
In this route you sail NW 335 nM from Pylos to Reggio di Calabria. There are no stopping possibilities.
Warning: Also be aware that south of Reggio local fishermen deploy lines with floats that are particularly hard to see during a night passage.
From Reggio di Calabria, after passing the Strait of Messina, you head W to Cagliari, Sardinia a distance of 320 nM. A nice stopover is the delightful Aeolian Island of Ustica.
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 the passage through the Strait.
Cagliari to the Balearics
From Cagliari you can sail WNW to the Balearic Islands in Spain. You can sail to either:
All of these harbors are ports of entry into Spain. None of these passages have any stopping possibilities. If you are not in any great hurry you can sail first to Mahon and then work your way S to Ibiza enjoying the islands.
Balearics to Gibraltar
From the Balearic Islands you can go along the Costa Del Sol and the Costa Del Sol of mainland Spain. Assuming departure from Ibiza astopover choisces are:
- Alicante - This lovely port is the closest mainland stopover from Ibiza. It is 100 nM WSW
- Almeria - This is a natural stopover, 237 nM SW from Ibiza and 146 n M from Alicante. Gibraltar is 150 nM due W
- Marbella - This is a fashionable resort, 127 nM W of Almeria and just 34 nM from Gibraltar
Warning: Be aware that near the capes of the coast of Spain confused seas and gusty winds are prevalent. Also, along the spanish coast there is a good W setting current that normally will be helpful but with a strong E wind, the notorious Levante, very steep seas can be experienced. This current gets very strong, reaching 6 knots, near Europa Point of Gibraltar.
Southern Route Via Malta and S of Sicily
This is NOT the shortest and fastest route for traversing the Mediterranean from points along the Aegean Sea with the exception from points in Crete.
This route goes through the Strait Sicily and offers the opportunity for a stopover in Malta. Depending on your point of origin and whether you need to formally exit Greece (see Arrival/Departure procedures for Greece) you have several choices:
Crete to Malta
In Crete you can clear customs in either Iraklio (about 525 nM) or in Chania and sail to Marsamxett(Valletta), Malta (about 460 nM). The passage is straightforward with an almost westerly heading. There are no stopping possibilities. Both of these departure ports are good places for obtaining provisions.
Cythera to Malta
The main harbor of Cythera, Kapsáli is NOT a port of entry. So, this route is not suitable for yachts that need to clear customs. The distance to Marsamxett(Valletta), Malta is about 420 nM and the passage is straightforward with a westerly heading. There are no stopping possibilities. Kapsáli is a good place for obtaining provisions.
Pylos to Malta
Pylos in the SW of the Peloponnese is a laid-back place to clear customs and a good place for provisioning. The distance from Pylos to Marsamxett(Valletta), Malta is about 338 nM and it is straightforward with a westerly heading. There are no stopping possibilities.
Malta to Cagliari
From Marsamxett(Valletta), Malta you can sail 325 nM NW to Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy and there join the Northern Route. Along the way, with a diversion of about 25 nM from the rhumb line you can stop and visit the lovely Italian island of Pantelleria.
Warning: There is very heavy shipping traffic as well as many fishing boats (not always well lit) in Strait of Sicily. You need to keep a good lookout especially during the night.
Malta to Tunisia
From Marsamxett(Valletta), Malta you can easily sail to Tunisia.
- Monastir - 180 nM. On the way, you can stop at the Italian island of Lampedusa.
- Sidi Bou Said (Tunis) - 220 nM. On the way, you can stop at the Italian island of Pantelleria.
Both destinations are ports of entry to Tunisia.
Warning: As you approach Tunisia be aware of the many tuna fishing nets that float at the surface and cover large areas.
Tunisia to Cagliari
From Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia you can sail 220 nM NW to Cagliari, Sardinia in Italy and there join the Northern Route.
Tunisia to Gibraltar via N African Coast
You can sail W from Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia along the N African Coast with stopovers in Algeria and Morocco. The distance along this route is about 775 nM.
Possible Arrival Ports
- Gibraltar
- Sotogrande - A good marina in Spain, 15 nM from Gibraltar
Distance & Duration
See Mediterranean Distances Table.
Passage Description
Because of the relative weak currents in the Mediterranean and the lack of trade winds these routes can be followed at either eastward or westward direction. But, unlike larger bodies of water such as oceans the Mediterranean is subject to more volatile weather. When the wind blows, especially in the months of November to April, it can often reach force 9 and at times force 12. During these times the seas, although not as large as in the oceans, are very steep with short wave lengths. These are at best extremely uncomfortable and at worst very dangerous.
It is best to do as Mediterranean sailors have been doing since antiquity, restrict sailing to short trips in the winter months and plan long passages during May to October.
CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
- Mediterranean (Wikipedia)
References
- Jimmy Cornell, World Cruising Routes: Companion to World Cruising Handbook, Adlard Coles Nautical, ISBN 0713687770
See also Mediterranean.
Personal Notes
- With the exception of Tunisia to Gibraltar via N African Coast I have sailed the rest of these routes, some more than once. --Istioploos
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