Pescara
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Pescara
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The city of Pescara lies on the Adriatic coast of Italy around 12 miles NW of the port of Ortona and 22 miles SE of Giulianova, at the mouth of the river of the same name. In antiquity the city was named Aternum and was an important port for trade between Rome and the eastern empire, being connected to the capital by the Via Tiburtina and Via Valeria by the time of the Emperor Claudius (49 BC). The city was subsequently a battleground between Lombards, Normans, Venetians and various adventurers until its fortification by the Aragonese in the 15th century. The city beat off a determined attack by a Turkish fleet in 1566. It was, however, very badly damaged in a later conflict, being almost flattened during world War II. Since then the city has been substantially rebuilt and is a popular summer resort. It hosts every July an internationally famous jazz festival and also boasts one of the largest marinas along the central Adriatic coast, the Marina di Pescara with over 1000 berths, as well as further moorings for smaller yachts (mostly occupied by local vessels) at the Porto Canale in the canalised River Pescara.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 200
- Italian
- 922
- 34
- 211
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
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).
Fog is also a common problem along the coast, especially in the early morning, although it usually clears by early afternoon.
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)
Islands
The town of Pescara straddles its own river and can be identified from distance by a cluster of tall aerials on the hills behind. Closer in, the buildings of the city and the long detached breakwater protecting the harbour will be seen. A tall white-painted lighthouse is also conspicuous on the S bank of the canalized entrance to the river.
To enter the Porto Canale pass either side of the detached breakwater and head for the channel between the two training walls, leaving the green buoy marking a shoal patch to starboard. The berthing areas lie around half a mile up the channel to port and starboard below the road bridge. Depths in the Porto Canale are 3.5 - 4.0 metres and along the quays 2.5 - 4.5 metres. The channel is narrow and care is needed on entry (fishing vessels tear in and out). Important note: a new pedestrian footbridge at the end of the entrance channel restricts access to yachts with a maximum air draft of 14.5 metres.
To enter the Marina di Pescara pass to the SE end of the curved breakwater that protects the marina, which will be evident from the numerous yacht masts. The marina is entered from SSE between this breakwater and a short western mole. It is important to pass down the centre of the channel bounded on the W side by a series of four orange buoys and on the E side by the marina breakwater, leaving each buoy about 10 metres to port. Depths in the channel are variable between 2.5 and 3.5 metres and if in doubt call the marina on channel 06 and a RIB will guide you in. Yachts drawing over 2.5 metres should not attempt to enter.
Note: Strong northerly winds can make entry difficult or even dangerous to both the Porto Canale and the marina.
Entrance
Pescara is a port of entry to Italy.
Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.
Berthing Options
Porto Canale
In the Porto Canale, a small visiting yacht with suitable air draft may find a berth on the N quay, wherever there is space. Most of the N quay is reserved for concessionaires L'Ancora, Circolo Nautico Mimadea Club and Club Nautico Porto Canale and it is usually necessary to seek permission from them to take up a berth. There are electricity and water points at the club berths. The remainder of the N quay and all of the S quay are reserved for fishing boats.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
No anchoring is permitted in the harbour.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
In Porto Canale: Slipway. Mobile crane (120 T). Wooden hull repairs. Divers. For details of marina yard services, see Marina di Pescara.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station in the marina. Water and electricity in the marina.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The old town centre, inside the line of the line of the Aragonese defensive walls, is pleasant to stroll around. Not much of Pescara’s older architecture survived the attentions of World War II. The city is, however, only some 40 kilometres from the Parco Nazionale della Majella with its wild, mountainous landscape and rare wildlife, including wolf, bear, chamois, otter and golden eagle and is probably the best place to base yourself for a visit.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Conad supermarket 15 minutes from marina, half way down Viale Amerigo Vespucci
- Vodafone, 3 and Wind mobile 'phone shops in Viale Guglielmo Marconi
Eateries
- Several restaurants and café/bars in the marina.
- Filippo fish restaurant half way along Viale Amerigo Vespucci (and close to Conad supermarket) is excellent value and much frequented by locals.
Internet/WiFi
In the marina.
Laundry
In the city.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Numerous rental outlets in the city.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the Porto Canale and in Marina di Pescara.
Transportation
- Buses to most local destinations from the city. Direct buses to Rome.
- Railway stations (three) with connections to most destinations.
- Airport (4 kms) with flights to several international destinations.
- Ferries and hydrofoils to Croatia.
Routes/Passages To/From
See Adriatic.
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)
Links
- Pescara at the Wikipedia
References & Publications
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 Pescara and this page's details validated:
- May 2015 --Athene of Lymington
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. |
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Names: Athene of Lymington |