Ponza
From CruisersWiki
Ponza (Italy)
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| 40°53.84′N, 12°57.96′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Ponza, the largest of the so-called Pontine islands, lies 18 miles off the Italian mainland and around 35 miles south of the harbours of Anzio and Nettuno. Is is one of the most spectacular of all the Italian offshore islands, its busy harbour ringed with huge rock pinnacles and its shores dotted with impressive natural rock formations. Ancient colonizers of the island include the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, all of whom left their imprint on the landscape. Ponza was a popular resort of the Roman emperors, who built or extended magnificent villas on the island, and later a place of exile for those who offended the imperial regime. Today the island is a very popular tourist destination as well as a magnet for cruising yachts. In spite of the installation of a number of pontoons for visiting yachts, it is often necessary to anchor off during July and August.
Charts
British Admiralty chart 1911 - I. del Giglio to I. d’Ischia
Italian chart 914
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
Prevailing winds during summer are from NW round to SW. In very settled weather, the island often experiences light SE breezes.
Sources for weather forecasts:
- 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).
Care needs to be taken of the numerous above water rocks and shoals extending along the coasts of Ponza, especially to the NE and SE. A night approach is not recommended.
Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)
Berthing space in Ponza harbour is at a premium, especially in July and August, when prices soar to giddying heights. The total of eight pontoons in the harbour (May to September) can, in theory accommodate a total of 200 vessels, maximum length 25 metres, in depths ranging from 2.0 - 6.0 metres. Water and electricity are available on several of the pontoons (although water is scarce in summer). In practice, however, they are frequently overflowing with local yachts during the season and it is more peaceful to anchor off unless you have reserved a berth.
Anchorages
The best anchorage is on the west side of the bay, well clear of the turning circle for the ferries. Anchor in 5.0 - 6.0 metres in mud. The anchorage is sheltered from all directions except NE to E. With strong easterlies, Chiaia di Luna on the west side of the island offers better shelter.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Ponza Mare (first pontoon west of the ferry terminal) can accommodate up to 40 yachts in 6.0 metres (maximum length 25 metres). Call on VHF channel 09 or telephone +39 0771 80679 or e-mail [email protected]. Operates 15 April to 30 September only.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Also see each Port
Marine Stores
Very limited.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
Very limited. A small yard in the bay can haul out small yachts on a slipway.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel berth on the quay, but in very shallow water. Water and electricity available on most of the pontoons.
Offshore Islands
- I. di Palmarola
- I. di Zannone
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Ponza town is very appealing – all low, rectangular houses painted in pastel colours and whitewashed walls and pavements. The fishing fleet is very colourful and photogenic. The walk round to the lighthouse affords wonderful views of the bay. An ancient Roman tunnel connects the town of Ponza to a large sandy beach called Chiaia di Luna on the west side of the island.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Good provisioning in the town.
Eateries
Plenty of bars and trattorias around the bay, many of which are only open for the season.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
At Ponza Mare (see above).
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Scooter hire outlets in the town. Cars are banned from Ponza during the peak summer season.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the harbour.
Transportation
Ferries to Naples, Anzio, Terracina and Formia on the mainland.
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:
- July 2003 --Athene of Lymington 17:24, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
- We anchored on the west side of Ponza bay and, on snorkeling down to check the anchor, discovered we had hooked it on the thwart of an ancient (possibly Roman) vessel, now buried deep in the mud. It may be wise to buoy your anchor, but only if the anchorage is not too full --Athene of Lymington 17:24, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
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