GEORGE’S RECCOMENDATIONS

CATANIA

A buzzing city rich in folklore, history and beauty. You can read about the attractions in this incredible city at the following webpage: www.italyguides.it. If you are visiting Catania by sea, then you will be entering the commercial harbour and will certainly be overnighting. There are two marinas which I recommend in Catania:

  • Club Nautico is a well-located pontoon close to the main entrance to the harbour and therefore this is convenient for visiting the historical centre of Catania. Pippo who manages the pontoon can be contacted on +39 095 531443 (landline) or +39 335 6434008 (mobile). Pippo does not speak English. The vice president of the club, Francesco, speaks English and can be contacted on +39 348 3958882.
  • NIC is Catania’s leading sailing club and has pontoon berths including a very well-run clubhouse where you will find clean showers and all the assistance you may need. Santo is in charge and he can be contacted on +39 347 4430540 (private mobile) or you can talk to the duty “ormeggiatore” directly on +39 349 3158378. If you need showers and you are looking for a quieter location, NIC will be the better choice although you will need to walk a longer distance in the heat of the harbour to reach the main entrance to the city. For further information you can visit the NIC website a: www.circolonauticonic.it

Should you require any yacht maintenance or haul-out during you stay in Catania, I recommend you contact Franco Catania on +39 348 5151286. Franco owns and operated an excellent yacht yard within the harbour of Catania called CF Nautica. You can visit the company’s website at: www.cfnautica.com.

For any sail or rigging maintenance, I have used Albatross Turco and his sister Lorena of Sonica Sails who are based in Catania. They can be contacted on the following numbers: Albatross +39 347 3575406 – Lorena +39 349 5959559 or via their webpage: www.sonicasails.it