Maratea
Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Wed 5 May 2010 19:42
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39:59.3N 15:42.5E
Off to Maratea from Amalfi. Weather was not
good in Amalfi so why not go. The marina at Amalfi was getting a
little rough with the southern exposure so when you want to leave you
leave. Sometimes its not the best move but change is good. We hit 2
meter seas leaving but as forecasted the waves dropped. We started out
making about 6 knots straight into the seas. Only a few hull slammers,a
little water on deck but never onto the bimini. When we reached the
southern side of the Gulf of Salerno and rounded Punta Dell Ogliastro the seas
calmed and we stepped up the pace to 8.5 knots. Overall the trip averaged
8.2 knots over 70 nautical miles.
Arrival at Maratea was very much anticipated.
Living in Switzerland for so long we must be on time. Unfortunately we
were 15 minutes after our estimate! Not an issue in Italy.
The marina was still in winter hibernation as well
as the town. Good thing since we were tired from all our travels and just
wanted to "veg" for a few days. This is the place to do it. The
marina is small and we were the only boat intransit. However the transit
floating docks are well maintained and everyone in the small town knew were were
there. I think some of the shops opened because an American flagged boat
was in the marina. Nice berth, very well protected from the winds and
waves outside. In fact it is so calm there are mosquitoes!
Obviously the government spent money on the marina
and ajoining town. It is a very good project to preserve the old fishing
village without being touristy. The hotels and shops occupy the old
buildings and present a very small town environment. Everyone we met was
helpful and nice. Several small restaurants were just opeining for the
season and had very good food. In fact the Dorado was fresh and cooked
perfectly. The harbor was the first one we have been in that the water was
clear, 7 meters of visibility. Without all the visitors and associated
waste the harbor was clean.
On top of the nearby hill was a statue of Christ
welcoming you to the harbor, a small version of Rio. We did not go far
from the harbor, just enjoyed the calm quiet place and waited out one day of bad
weather. This is a off track tourist place that is worth a day or two
visit if you want to see the in southern Italy without the high
prices.
There is a marine store, Coast Guard, Post office,
small shops, a tour boat, and arrangement to other local water activities such
as parasailing. This will never be a big tourist town but it is a nice
town to visit and spend some time. Even the Philly Inquirer wrote a travel
article about it.
 Christ statue at top of hill. Also the place
where firewework are shot off, even in the day. Must be to scare the birds
from the vines?
 Marina and we are berthed at the top left.
Why palm trees? Also has a 50 ton travel lift on the right in deep
water.
 Why go to Capri and the Blue grotto when there is a
tiny one here. At night they add colored lights. Big item in a small
town.
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