Tropea Italy
Persevere
Pat and Bruce
Sat 8 May 2010 19:14
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38:40.8N 15:54.2E
Another 10 hour trip to Tropea. Of course
under motor fro two reasons. First is that the wind was not strong enough
to make good progress and the second was that it was directly behind us and I
was not in a mood to put up the spinnaker and still not make enough speed.
This time of year the marinas are lightly staffed and most do not have anyone
available after 18:00 so best to arrive before that time.
Under motor we averaged 8.2 knots, had some
dolphins as company along the way and Simon saw his first dolphins which made
him very excited.
Contrary to the pilot book the marina entrance has
been dredged to 6.5 meters, no issue with entering. Tropea marina is
relatively new and is still progressing. There now is a full service
boatyard, small chandler, WC, laundry, good fuel dock, and a couple of small
grocery stores with the essentials a short walk away. This is one of
Sunsail/Moorings charter bases.
The highlight of this port is the old town of
Tropea. Built up on the bluff above the sea (200 steps up from the marina)
it has fantastic views, many nice restaurants, old streets and a few tourist
shops. Below the town are some of the nicest beaches in the area.
Wide, sandy, cliffs just behind, great spots but in the full summer I bet they
are just full.
This part of Italy is not the richest and the
government has spent some money to make facilites like the marina viable to
improve employment. I have no idea if it worked but they did make a nice
marina.
 Tropea marina with Persevere about in the
middle. New marne repair facility at bottom left. And yes the water
is that blue.
 Headland at tropea with a restoration project
underway. Note the white sand beach, a rarity to be able to walk out
barefoot and not trip on rocks.
 Tropea from the water on our way to Isola
Lipari.
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