Milazzo
From CruisersWiki
Milazzo, Sicily, Italy
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| 38°12.86′N, 15°14.96′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Yachts in Milazzo harbour - Click for larger view |
The large commercial port of Milazzo lies around 25 miles west of the Straits of Messina at the root of the four mile long Capo di Milazzo which juts out from the NE coast of Sicily towards the Aeolian Islands. Formerly known in ancient times as Mylae, its strategic position has made it the focus for several battles, notably between Romans and Carthaginians in 260 BC, the fleets of Octavian and Pompey in 36 BC and the forces of Garibaldi and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1860. Today, although rather grimy and industrial, the harbour of Milazzo has three marinas with a total of 620 berths, providing a useful stop-off point for yachts cruising the N coast of Sicily or en route between the Aeolian Islands and the Straits of Messina.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1976 - Capo di Bonifati to Capo San Vito
- Italian
- 918
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Local Weather
The prevailing winds around the Aolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather seabreezes can be encountered from any direction blowing onto and between the islands. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and careful forward planning is necessary as there are only two harbours which offer adequate shelter (and even then, not in strong southerlies). In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island group and blow for several days.
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)
In the approach from N, the 16th century Spanish castle is conspicuous about one mile N of the harbour. From the S, the oil refinery about 1.5 miles SE is unmissable. Marina Poseidon and Porto Santa Maria Maggiore are both situated off the long sandy coast around a mile N of the commercial harbour, whereas Marina del Nettuno lies in the NW corner of the commercial harbour itself. All three marinas are well sheltered from N and W winds, but exposed to S and SE winds. With strong winds from this direction, Messina or even Reggio di Calabria on the mainland offer better protection.
Berthing Options
Marinas and yacht clubs
Marina del Nettuno
38°13.14′N, 15°14.52′E
Marina del Nettuno lies in the NE corner of the commercial harbour and consists of five pontoons extending out from the quay and protected by a concrete wavebreak. Depths in the harbour entrance are 8.0 - 12.0 metres and at the pontoons 6.0 - 8.0 metres. The pontoons provide a total of 140 berths (including 14 for yachts in transit), most of them on finger pontoons, for vessels of a maximum length of 40 metres. Water and electricity are available at all berths (separate charge). Toilets and showers. Fuel station on the quay (24 hrs). Fixed crane (60 T). Travel lift (10 T). Most engine, electrical and hull repairs. Divers. Winter maintenance. Internet. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone +39 090.9281180. Website.
Porto Santa Maria Maggiore
38°13.61′N, 15°14.62′E
Porto Santa Maria Maggiore is a new marina situated just over one mile N of the commercial harbour, off the beach of Vaccarella. Protected from N by a concrete L-shaped breakwater, the marina has three floating pontoons with a total of 320 berths for yachts up to 100 metres. Depths range from 3.0 - 25.0 metres. The marina is open to winds from S and SE. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Divers. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone: +39 090 9221002 or Email.
Marina Poseidon
38°13.47′N, 15°14.57′E
Marina Poseidon is situated 0.8 miles N of the commercial harbour in Poseidon Bay. Protected from NE by a breakwater, the marina has three floating pontoons with a total of 160 berths for yachts up to 35 metres. Depths range from 2.0 - 10.0 metres. The marina is open to winds from S and SE. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Fuel station on the quay (0800 - 2000). Mobile crane (60 T). Most engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Sail repairs. Divers. Call on VHF channel 09 prior to entry or telephone: +39 090 9222564 or Email.
Anchorages
In settled weather only, anchor in the bay of Milazzo off the beach. The holding is good in 8.0 - 12.0 metres in sand. Shelter is reasonable from W and NW.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Most repairs can be organised through Marina del Nettuno or Marina Poseidon (see individual entries).
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity at all marinas. Fuel at Marina del Nettuno and Marina Poseidon.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Milazzo is not a particularly attractive spot, more a convenient stop-off. However, the 16th century castle is worth a visit.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Numerous provisions shops in the town.
Eateries
Restaurants close to all marinas.
Internet/WiFi
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Several outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at all marinas.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- Ferries to Aeolian Islands.
- Ferries to Naples.
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
See Italy.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- Information compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 17:21, 17 November 2010 (UTC)
Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
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