Fuel stops Sicily North Coast

[Guitarrich]

I am just about to deliver from Greece to Mallorca. I may have to stop in Cagliari if the weather is unfavourable, but if I'm really up against it I may also have to stop in Sicily.

My Italian Waters pilot is 10 years old, and it's around 20 years since I last did this trip.

Can anyone please advise on fuel stops along the north coast of Sicily? It'll be a virtually non-stop delivery, so it's only fuel, not berthing that I'm interested in. Palermo may be a good choice as it would be the least diversion from the Rhum line, but I'd like to be ready for all contingencies after the straits. Also, Palermo may offer various choices. Where is easiest?

Many thanks......

 

[jaba]

You'll find all the infos here

http://www.pagineazzurre.com/english/home

 

[noelex]

Portarosa marina has good fuel birth. The entrance can be a bit exciting in a strong northerly though.
If you have any mechanical problems along the way do not use Franco based at the above marina.

 

[satsuma]

You should find fuel in Reggio di Calabria, in the straits, on the north coast of Sicily is Milazzo, Sant' Agata di Militello (newly refurbished 2009 and increased in facilities etc), My personal favourite Cefalu, small fishing village with a great village to visit within walking distance.
Personally I'd always avoid Portorosa, like the plague! Robbing b*sta*rds being my everlasting memory!

 

[Ric]

I go to great lengths to avoid having to refuel anywhere in Sicily - they're thieving b*stards, the diesel is full of water, and it means subsidising the Mafia. I'd rather buy a few large jerrycans to extend my range than refuel down there.

 

[Tranona]

Refuelled twice in Sicily. First in Straits of Messina just north of the ferry terminal. bit scary as the fuelling berth is a jetty sticking out from the beach road. Second right at the western end there is a small marina on the eastern side of Capo San Vito. Fuel berth on wall, phone number to call the owner.

 

[blenkinsop]

Fuel berth in Reggio di Calabria is closed.
Fuel dock at Poseidon Marina, Milazzo has limited depth.
Both of these are 60 euro overnight for 12m and the latter very exposed to ferry wash on the outside.
Good accessible fuel dock in Syracuse if you decided to take a southerly route, thus avoiding Strait of Messina which can be rough.

 

[Guitarrich]

Some extremely useful comments folks, thanks very much. Basically it seems my long established reservations are bourne out, dammit!
I stopped in Portorosa in November 1994 to get out of the weather - I well remember the entrance; very confusing at night, and the breakwater was quite a spectacle as the storm continued into daylight. The owner of that particular boat was paying the bills back then, and I don't remember the charges. I do remember the sense of being ripped off though.

I've been contemplating jerry cans, and now I'm thinking more seriously in that direction. Please keep the comments coming. I plan to sail October 10th.

Many thanks.

 

[Tranona]

Did that trip last May. Headwinds most of the way, so used a lot of fuel! As noted above refuelled in Straits of Messina, which were a bit of a let down - expected it to be rough, but really a pussy cat. Did not stop in Palermo - conscious of its reputation as a bit of a dump, but nipped into San Vito just for fuel, then straight to Cagliari and then Mallorca.

Am in Gouvia next week on holiday staying at Telesilla if you would like to meet up for a chat about the passage.

 

[tenerani]

The place to refuel is Bagnara Calabra, manged by the company that runs the small "marina" inside Reggio harbour. They opened the facility since the fuel pumps in Reggio were closed by the Police.