Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Porto di Tropea
Via Marina del Descovado
89861 Tropea
Italy
Tel: +39 081 896 9962
Mobile: +39 331 958 0160
Email: italy@sunsailnet.com
Please note this number is not staffed full time

Location

The base is located in Tropea, one of the most beautiful towns in the Calabria region  on the south Tyrrhenian coast. ..

Base Open Hours

Monday – Sunday: 9:30am – 1pm (outside of these hours the base at Procida can be contacted.
There is a 24hr emergency number that clients will be given before departing the base.

Base/Shore Facilities

Extensive facilities are available including , showers and toilets, hotel, restaurants, bars and clubhouse, selection of shops, mini market, laundry, dive center and fuel.

The Port of Tropea office is located at the entrance of the Port, not far from the Sunsail office and 30 meters from our boats. There you will find free showering and toilet facilities. There is also an automatic laundry. The cost for washing is € 3.50 per load. The cost for drying is also € 3.50 per load.

Also inside the Port of Tropea there is car parking for about 200 cars. Depending on the time of year, the cost ranges between €3 and €5 per day. Parking should be arranged in advance and requested direct by email to italy@sunsailnet.com to check for availability.

Sunsail has reserved berths in the Marina, just a short walk from the Sunsail office. Your first and last night’s moorings are complimentary. All other nights are at your expense and subject to availability. Payment details will be confirmed at the Base.

A post office is located in the town of Tropea a taxi ride away from the base. The Post Office is open From Monday to Friday 8:00am to 1:30pm and Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

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Arrival & Departure

Time difference

Standard time zone in Italy is GMT + 1 hrs

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance.  You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

Lamezia Terme airport lies in southern Italy, in the ‘point of the boot’ and is approximately 50 kilometres from the base.

Facilities at the airport include:

• Money and Communication:  There are banks, money exchange office and ATM's. There are also computers with internet connection, and wireless internet is available.
• Eating and Drinking:  There are a very modest number of restaurants and bars and one self-service restaurant.
• Shopping:  The number of shops is also limited; there is a Duty Free shop, a few souvenir shops and a kiosk for papers, magazines and tobacco products.

Transfers

Transfers from the airport to the Base can be arranged on request, but they will need to be paid for locally.
Transfer Costs
Taxi transfer from the Airport to Marina – Transfer time – 1½ hours
1-4     persons     100 Euros
5-8     persons     170 Euros
9-12   persons     200 Euros
The same price applies for transfers to or from the railway station of Lamezia.  

Lamezia Terme Airport is approximately 50km from the Base.
By car, the journey is about 1.5 hours.
You can also travel to Tropea by local train. The airport is two kilometers from the train station in Sant’Eufemia. The trains only run on weekdays and rather irregularly. The journey takes approximately one hour and a ticket will cost €3.50 approx. From the station of Tropea it is then a five minute taxi ride to the Port.
Taxis (Airport to Base)     Price: Euros 100 approx. (+ luggage) – 1-4 persons, Euros 170, 5-8 persons, Euros 200, 9-12 persons

Please Note: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract  invoice.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
No Visas are required for stays less than 90 days.
There is no departure tax payable.

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 6:00 pm for boarding. Chart briefing and Boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.
The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours arrival procedure

There will be a representative at the base until 11pm who will accompany the client to their boat. The check-in and briefing will be completed the following morning.

On departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 9:00 am so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.
Before departing their boat they will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if they encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the  trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you  to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge clients for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Sicily Sailing Experience Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

The Italian Port Authorities require all skippers to hold proper sailing ability licenses.  
We therefore strongly advise that you take any sailing certificates on vacation with you.   This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police.  If you have not already done so then both the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Night Sailing

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

This information is provided in the chart briefing.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Most overnight stops in this area will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays.  The buoys will cost approximately €50.00 per night, to be paid locally at each anchorage.  Marina fees start at approximately €40.00 per night and can be as much as €160.00 per night, depending on the time of the year and the size of boat.  

For Tropea should you wish to anchor at a buoy you will pay between €40.00 and €80.00 per night depending on the time of year.
Marina fees are more expensive and a daily rate based on the time of year and the size of yacht is charged.
These are approximate prices only.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. 

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore. The skipper must have his own cabin. 

For one-day check out skippers it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.

More information on Skippered Charter options.

Fuel

Available at the base
Cost:  Euros 1.20 per liter

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise they will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The Euro is the currency used throughout Italy.

Banks

Bank Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am-1:30pm and Saturdays: 8:30am-1:00pm (during the summer months only) . ATM’s are operational 24 hours a day:

Credit Card Information

MasterCard, Visa and Euro check cards are widely accepted throughout Italy.
Traveler’s checks are accepted in major Italian cities and tourist areas, however not in some very small establishments and outdoor markets.

Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit cards.

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General Information

Language

The language in Italy is Italian

Cost of living in Tropea

Approximate restaurant prices:

• Bottle of beer 66cl - €2.50
• Glass of wine - € 1.50
• 1.5 ltr of water - € 1.00
• Starter / Entrée - € 8.00
• Evening meal main course € 7.00 - € 15.00
• Dessert € 3.00- € 5.00

Restaurants

Tropea is full of small and affordable restaurants serving pizza and traditional local meals. You will find similar menus throughout town, generally offering the chance to try local seafood and the town's big speciality: sweet red onions. Other local treats to try include of course ice cream - for wild and bizarre flavors, visit Tonino's on the main street - and latte di mandorla, almond milk, a refreshing and cooling drink.

• The Il Normanno + 39 0963 603240 Via Pontoriero, Tropea
• Antico Borgo + 39 0963 62562 L. go Vaccari, Tropea
• L’approdo di Ulisse- + 39 333 2235993 Porto Turistico, Tropea
• La Pergola + 39 0963 62437 Via Annunziata, Tropea
• Osteria del Pescatore + 39 0963 603477 Via del Monte, Tropea
• Tre Fontane + 39 0963 61419 C.so Vittorio Emanuele, Tropea
• Trattoria da Pina +390 90 98 30 32 Panarea
• La Nassa +390 90 981 13 19 Lipari

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Shopping

There are three mini-markets within 100 meters of the Port. The larger supermarkets are located in the town of Tropea and you will need a taxi to get there. The cost of a taxi will be approx. € 20.

Tropea has its share of typical tourist shops selling beach goods and souvenirs. One souvenir shop that is definitely worth a visit is Il Faro Presepi on Via Stazione, which sells nativity scenes and features a display of little moving models illustrating traditional Calabrian lifestyles.

The supermarkets are open Monday - Saturday from 8:30am till 1:00pm and again from 5:30pm till 8.30pm. During the summer months, supermarkets are also open on Sunday mornings.

Hotels

Hotel La Porta Del Mare, Tropea
Via Libertà, 52, Tropea, 89861
Phone: +66 76 241 145
Housed in an antique 17th century building, Hotel La Porta del Mare is set 150 metres from the historical center of Tropea and offers panoramic views of the sea.
Facilities: Terrace, Air-conditioning, 24-Hour Front Desk, Bar, Internet Services, Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Italy is 220 Volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. 

Mobile phones

Your mobile phone may work when in Italy, but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

Car and Jeep Rental

You can find counters for many car rental companies in the arrivals hall at the airport: Avis, Europcar, Fincom, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore, Sicily-by-Car, Sixt, Targarent and Quicar. You can also reserve a rental car in advance using the service EasyTerra provides, they compare the rates of several providers in a single quote. http://www.easyterra.com/italy/naples/car-rental-naples-airport.html

Watersports

Fishing

Sea fishing is possible from the shores, from boats and even underwater and is allowed almost everywhere without a permit.

Scuba Diving

The crystal clear waters surrounding the Aeolian Islands make it a superb place for diving and snorkeling.
Big Sur Diving - Email: info@bigsurdiving.com - Tel: 3920464475

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Walking

Walking and hiking on the volcanoes is popular. A guided climb to the volcanic crater on Stromboli, the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity, can be a rewarding trek taking around 3 hours to reach the top and 2 hours to come down.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.  More information on provisioning.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base or Club.
If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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