Mola di Bari
From CruisersWiki
Mola di Bari, Italy
Mola di Bari
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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 metres to squeeze in somewhere here. At peak times (and for yachts much over 15 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.
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)
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 186 Vlore to Bar and Brindisi to Vieste
- Italian charts
- 921
- 30 From Torre Scanzano to Taranto, with the Armeleia Shallows
- 196
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
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.
Berthing Options
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 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.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
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.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
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
- on the inner breakwater (telephone for supplies)
- Water
- on the pontoons
- Electricity
- on the pontoons
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.
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
- Mola di Bari 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.
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)
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. |
Contributors to this page
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |