Gela
From CruisersWiki
Gela, Sicily, Italy
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| 37°03.69′N, 14°13.85′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Gela is a large industrial city and commercial port situated around 30 miles NW of Marina di Ragusa and 20 miles E of Licata. Once an important Greek colony, Gela was largely destroyed by the Carthaginians in 405 BC and only revived in the 13th century AD under the rule of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. Gela was later the principal focus of the allied landings in Sicily in July 1943 during the operation to liberate the island from the Axis powers. More recently, the city was a hotbed of Mafia intrigue, a situation that has only begun to change in the past decade with some modest investments in the historical centre and the sea frontage. Although an important commercial harbour, Gela is subject to continual silting and considerable care is needed both on entering and maneuvering inside in view of the variable depths. Entry is only recommended in daylight and in settled conditions.
Charts
- British Admiralty 2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero
- Italian chart 917 - Da Capo Rassello ad Augusta e Isole Maltesi
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Most of the harbours along the south coast are liable to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare outside the winter months.
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).
The harbour is subject to silting. The best water on entry is to starboard, close to the eastern breakwater, where depths are 2.5 - 3.0 metres.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Berth wherever you can find space on one of the four pontoons in the inner part of the harbour wherever there is space. One of the pontoons is ostensibly reserved for visitors. Depths at the pontoons are between 2.5 and 3.0 metres. Maximum length 20 metres. Shelter here is good, although there can be a swell in strong southerly winds.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
The nearest alternative shelter is at Licata, 20 miles to the W.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Slipway. Mobile crane (45T). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Steel, wood and fibreglass repairs. Divers. Toilets and showers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station on the north side of the inner harbour. Water on the pontoons. No electricity.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
List places of interest, tours, etc.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
?
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
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:
- Information compiled from web research and accounts by yachtsmen (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 17:59, 28 October 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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