SAILING THE  SOUTHERN-MOST  COASTLINE OF THE EUROPEAN  UNION

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wx. (Weather Information) Please contact the "CYPRUS RADIO" on channel 16 and then operate on 26 or 27 or 28 according to which area of Cyprus you are. (You shall be directed). Comprehensive weather reports are given in the Greek language on  00-357-24-817-998 (follow taped voice instructions). also click here for Links to area WX. In The Summer time you must normally expect wind directions from 270 degrees from 15 to 25 knots. Very rarely above 30 knots especially on the lee side of the island.

If you are sailing from Rhodes or Kastelorizon to Paphos or Latsi this is what you should expect as regards wind: figures represent the percentage (%) of probability to have wind from the respective direction in degrees during the particular month. In the parenthesis you have the highest probability of wind in beaufort and also the maximum beaufort ever observed. Example: If you are sailing to Cyprus in August the strongest probability (25,6%) is to have Westerly wind (270°) which most probably shall be around 4 beaufort and can never be above 8 beaufort!  (Source:Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources-Meteorological Dept. By Stylianos Pasiardis-1995- at Paphos Airport)

Magnetic variation (Vrn): Cyprus is in the region of “no significant change”  As regards   Magnetic Variation. In the year 2007,  Vrn in the region of Cyprus was approximately  4 degrees Easterly .

 Navigation Satellites Coverage: The region is fully covered by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The European “Galileo” Satellite navigation system is not yet operational (2007) and the Russian “Glonass” is out of general commercial reach. (no  waas yet available for civilian use-2007).

Loran-C : The LORAN-C  network does not adequately cover Cyprus. (Reliable readings were recorded in the year 2000 only up to the Island of Rhodos (Rhodes). The signal strength  significantly drops down after Rhodos and Kastellorizon.

NAVTEX. : Activate (M) for receiving maritime information issued and transmitted for NAVTEX by  CYPRUS RADIO.

 Caution mainly for Sailing Yachts: Regional Tidal current: Please note that on the way to Cyprus from Rhodes  and to be more precise   from the bay of Antalya or Kastellorizon you will  have to sail against the main East Mediterranean basin   current setting at apprx  270 degrees (from East to West) parallel to the South coast of Turkey. This current may be as strong  as 1,5 knots,  observed   20-30 n.m  South of the island of  Strongylli near Kastellorizon. Tide in Cyprus seldom exceeds 40 centimetres or half a meter.The same phenomenon but of a lower speed (apprx. 0,8 knots) exists in an opposite direction i.e from Rhodes and Alexandria towards Cyprus setting at apprx. 090 degrees. The boundary layer of these two main currents in the Eastern Mediterranean basin is roughly an imaginative line between cape Akamas (Arnaoutis) or Mazaki island and the island of Rhodes. In general this is an anti-clockwise movement in the Eastern corner of the Mediterranean.

Lights. The prominent Lights are the Lights of Cape Akamas, Paphos Port, Cape Gata, Cape Kiti and Cape Greco. It is not unusual that one of these lights is not in operation so prudent skippers must fully utilise most of their navigational instruments and experience during a night landfall.

Formalities.

The skipper must be well informed in advance as regards the nature of the coastal waters of Cyprus. A "Q" (yellow flag) must be hoisted on the starboard side of the mast upon entering the territorial waters (12 nautical miles) and must keep a sharp look out for fishermen buoys and other obstructions. Special vigilance must be exercised when approaching areas shown on the chart as fish-farming areas. In spite of the fact that Fish-farms are indeed obliged to conspicuously exhibit flashing lights, not rarely there are damaged lights which take a few days to repair!

Free-Pratique: As internationally expected you as a prudent skipper, must be prepared to receive  clearance-in,   from the following authorities: (1) the authority of the port or marina .This may be the Cyprus Ports Authority for Paphos, Latsi, and Limassol, The Private sector for St.Raphael marina and probably after December 2007 for Larnaca Marina you must also expect to meet the private sector (today -November 2007-  Larnaca marina is managed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation -  www.visitcyprus.com).

Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca are considered to be the official ports of entry into Cyprus and the European Union as the Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the E.U  since May 2004.  The second authority (2) is the Immigration Department (3) then the Health Inspector (if you are arriving from the Red Sea), (4) The Customs (5) The Veterinary department if you have a dog,  cat or any animal on board. (6) The Marine Police which usually comes together with the port authority or with the Immigration.

CUSTOMS! caution! Please arrange your arrival so you shall be able to be in port sometime between 07:30 and 14:30 sharp during weekdays!!. If you arrive on a weekend or you find out form CYPRUS RADIO that your E.T.A is on a local Public Holiday  you either must be ready to pay a considerably high charge for Customs officer over-time fees (this ranges according to the salary scale of the official who happens to be on duty and this may be from 70 Euros to 90 Euros as there is a minimum charge of two hours for a procedure which will always  take no more than  5 minutes. This is why it is important to clarify to the port authority that you shall securely berth and shall remain on board or you shall ONLY circulate within the marina fenced area, UNTIL Monday or until customs official working hours whereas there is no charge for  customs clearance. Should you need any clarification on this call 00-357-22-69-12-12 the Cyprus Tourism Organisation Nautical Tourism officer for clarifications or communicate with him at  glafkoskariolou@visitcyprus.com (2007).

Proposed Itinerary with Larnaca Bay as a starting point.  

Day cruising in the Bay of Larnaca from morning returning afternoon

Prevailing South South Westerly 4-5B during summer time!

  ENTERING THE SWIMMERS AREAS MARKED WITH RED-orange  BUOYS, WITH ANY KIND OF VESSEL,  IS  STRICTLY PROHIBITED!!!   please Note: Areas marked with red-orange colour buoys are "Protected areas" for swimmers. those are withheld  for the sole use of swimmers from May  each year to the 31st  of October, from 07:30 to 20:30  every day.  In between these areas there are boat access "corridors" also marked by buoys running vertical to the coastline. You may use your dinghy ONLY   through these "corridors" to approach the beach. However boat-speed MUST be maintained not higher than 3 knots (speed of a good swimmer using  fins),

Larnaca Marina to Larnaca Airport Bay 2.5NM.

Open natural shelter. Sandy sea bed. Anchor lee side of Dades Point. Depths from 2 to 3 meters.

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Larnaca Marina to Pharos Village 6NM

Open natural shelter. Careful approach due to underwater reefs. Anchor near breakwater. Depths 2-3 meters+.

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Larnaca Marina to Behind North Breakwater of Larnaca Commercial port. 0.5 NM

Preferred when wind above 5-6B. On the lee of Port breakwater. Clear waters with Sandy bottom very well sheltered from prevailing wind. Small sandy beach. Anchor at Depths 3-4 meters.

 Exceptional wind direction :North - northeasterly  

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Larnaca Marina to "Romanzo"  Restaurant (Ormidhia fishing shelter), 7NM

Very small picturesque fishing shelter protected from all directions. Usually saturated with small boats. Depths in the middle 3 meters to 1,7 meters to pier. Approach with care from underwater reefs. Water crystal clear. Anchor in the middle inside or just outside using tender to beach (anchoring outside ONLY when Northerly winds)..

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Larnaca Marina to secluded Pyla cove, 10NM

Approach 3-4 meters to rocky shore. Sudden depths to 3-5 meters. Below vertical cliff. Beautiful natural scenery. Crystal clear waters. Drop anchor 15-20 meters from rocks and enjoy swimming. Near by towards cape, small stalagmite caves approachable by underwater dive.  

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Ayia Napa Fishing Shelter  19NM from Larnaca

Area of Ayia Napa . (200 berths :sea depth from 0.5 to 3 meters) ATTENTION !! In the middle of the entrance there is a rock 1.2 meters below the surface at low tide. Please enter with caution FROM THE PORT OR STARBOARD side of the entrance (NOT IN THE MIDDLE) (info: 1-1-2002 still valid)

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 Weekend Cruising from Friday night returning Sunday afternoon  

 Prevailing South South Westerly 4-5B

Larnaca Marina to Konos Cape Greco  and Protaras.30NM+

Beautiful coastline next to Greco National park. Below Hotel Grecian Park. Wooden landing jetty. Very deep crystal clear waters. Drop anchor 150 meters from rocks. Day Sail along the coast to Paralimni fishing shelter and back, flat seas and strong gusty offshore wind.

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 From June to September : Prevailing South Westerlies and Westerlies 4-5B

Larnaca Marina to Lady’s Mile 39NM . "Ladies Mile" is a beautiful sandy beach area extending for more than a nautical mile from the South Breakwater boundary of the Limassol New Port conspicuous from its tall container terminal cranes.

Starting from Larnaca Marina it is strongly advisable to commence your trip as late as 7 or 8 at night as the strong South, South Westerly will drop to about 3 B. With apprx. 160 deg True course you will avoid the DADES POINT which now marked by four yellow buoys marking the desalination pipeline terminal at apprx. 1000 metres from the beach. From Dades point you mast steer to a safe distance of 1 NM 090 deg. off cape KITI LIGHT   and then you may  steer straight to Cape Gata on the "foot" of Cyprus. 6 NM before the Cape Gata light turn on to the Limassol New port entrance light and as soon as you are near leave the entrance on your Starboard and anchor about 1000 metres from the South breakwater towards the conspicuous antennas of the British Bases of Akrotiri. Pay at least 7:1 anchor scope at a safe depth as this is a sandy bottom.

However if you wish to have a resting station prior to reaching cape Gata  from Cape Kiti you may enter the ALAMINOS (Aldiana) Yachting Shelter  which lies approximately 3 NM to the South of PETOUNDA POINT (South of Cape Kiti). The depth of water is 1,7 metres (2006) at the entrance and 2,5 metres inside the small basin. The area is very much affected by siltation and accretion and their is a considerable littoral drift. Extreme caution must be exercised if you intend to enter the shelter and you must have your depth sounder on, at all times. The sea bed is sand with some rocky patches.    Passing the Aldiana yachting shelter you must be able to see on the chart the ZYYI  jetty. There is a new shelter being under construction for 350 spaces due to be completed by the end of year 2009.  

ZYYI  FISHARINA:  (New Info comming soon)

After ZYYI Fisharina  just over a mile you have the VASILIKOS cement commercial port entrance. In an emergency you may enter this port.

NOTE! On approaching the area of Vasilikos YOU MUST BE EXTRA careful and must keep a safe distance of 2 nautical miles from the shore as the area is used heavily for fish-farming. Fish farms Must be lighted however you must indeed NOT depend on this fact and you must use your radar or keep the 2 miles safe distance procedure all the way up to the St.Raphael Marina.  

VASILIKOS  PORT:  (Please note this is NOT A PORT OF ENTRY! YOU MAY ENTER ONLY IN CASE OF AN EXTREME EMERGENCY )  As soon as you enter on your Starboard side you may see some pleasure and fishing boats tied up on a few improvised pontoons.

To the South of Vasilikos you have the bay of the Governors Beach . 3 break waters mark the area. The last one is the Naval base of Mari. This is a military and prohibited area which you must avoid at all times.

After the breakwater of the Naval base of Mari and the Governors tourist beach you have the coastline of Ayios Georgios of Alamanos and then you can see the chimneys of the old MONI POWER STATION with a number of unlighted extremely dangerous steel buoys which you must avoid at night time (always keep a safe distance of 3 N.M from the shore.) . After the MONI POWER STATION and approximately two miles within the bay of Limassol  you may enter the ST.RAPHAEL MARINA. (usually has a working frequency on ch.11)  A modern Marina with all the necessary facilities and hotel accommodation. Unfortunately until the end of year 2003 this Marina is expected to be supersaturated so permission must be obtained prior to entering on Ch.11.VHF.

 If you started your trip Late at night from Larnaca then it is probably not worth it to drop anchor at Ladies Mile but you should probably continue, passing Cape Gata and Cape Zevgari and enter into the bay of Episkopi.  

Close-hauled. (Beating)

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Near British bases of Akrotiri, Lady’s Mile, famous sandy beach for swimming. Anchor sandy bottom 3metres 200 meters from beach.

Lady’s Mile to Pissouri bay 25NM

Close-hauled. (Beating)

Pissouri stop-over: Beautiful naturally sheltered bay behind the cliffs of Cape Aspro near Columbia Beach Hotel and Restaurant. This is the only reliable sheltered SUMMER-TIME resting stop.  Drop anchor opposite West restaurant, 200 meters from Cliffs, SEA-BED sand and scattered rocks depth 3+ meters. If staying overnight  YOU MUST drop bow and stern anchors and always keep boat axis against waves-swell (not against wind as wind direction-catabatic wind-changes after 02:00 every morning starts blowing from the mountains 10-15 knots sometimes) . After you drop a dinghy You may even go shopping at the local supermarket and visit the tourist village and many restaurants on the famous beach front. The water sports manager Yiannos and his wife Dia (2003) will help you with any maritime info.

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Pissouri to Paphos Port 18NM

Close-hauled. (Beating) If the Westerly is no more than 3-4 it is worth it to have a stop over at the famous PETRA TOU ROMIOU just after you leave the white cliffs of CAPE ASPRO (Aspro=white ....so when you order your white-wine you may just say ASPRO!). This is a very conspicuous rock a few metres from the beach (can actually walk to the rock) You may drop anchor on the lee of the little bay 200 metres behind the PETRA TOU ROMIOU (The rock of the Greek) and enjoy a swim right on the spot where Aphrodite was born! Mind you this bay is NOT well protected from Westerlies.

After the PETRA TOU ROMIOU keep a safe distance of at least 2 NM from the coast as there are a lot of rocks and reefs all the way until the VERY DANGEROUS POINT TO LOOK FOR called MOULIA ROCKS. Unless you know well the area DO NOT PASS between the MOULIA ROCKS and the beach. Leave MOULIA ROCKS about 500 metres on your Starboard (North NE of your course) There is a Quick flashing light on the rocks. BE AWARE OF THE  FISH FARM  FLOATING  TERMINAL  300 Metres to the East of the Rocks. This is suppose to be Lighted at night. 

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Paphos Port is fully protected. Depths 2-3 meters inside. Very Crowded. YOU MUST CALL on the  VHF l “Paphos Marine Police” 16 and work at chosen channel. Visit Antiquities and town.

Paphos Port (34.75 Deg N, 32.4 Deg.E)  to Coral Bay 7NM

Close hauled. Beating) , Usually the prevailing  270 Deg  Summer Wind Force 5 makes the passage from Paphos to Cape Akamas an exiting close haul experience!. Keep a safe distance from the Orphourous islet (34.78 Deg.N,32.385Deg E), and  further the Maniki  islet 8 meters high approx. 1nm SSE of Cape Drepanum (34.9 Deg.N, 32.317 Deg.E)

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Coral bay natural shelter and beach for swimming. Below the Hotel there is  a small shelter with depths 3 meters at the entrance (from South). (Prior to entering you should inspect interior, for stern-to berthing space by rowing with your tender). This  is a public shelter).

After Coral Bay Look for the island of Ayios Georgios of PEYIA. 0.25 N.M. SW of Cape Drepanum you will see the biggest island on this coast: Nisos Ayiou Georgiou (of Peyia) with an approximate height of 22 m.  Cape Drepanum lies low and flat with a lot of dangerous rocks reefs and submerged ledges so you are advised  to keep a safe distance from the coast ( 1NM is quite enough).You may with difficulty anchor on the lee side of the Island of Ayios Georgios, using one anchor as close as possible to the island (5-10 metres is possible) and then drop a second anchor on the stern. DO NOT LEAVE THE BOAT  ON  ONLY ONE ANCHOR! You may attempt to have a fantastic lunch with fresh fish at the restaurant right at the top of the hill near the Ayios Georgios church ONLY if you have a seaworthy dinghy with an outboard engine . Its too far and too rough to row. With your dinghy you may enter from the West the PEYIA FISHING SHELTER and land from there. You may very carefully enter this shelter ONLY if your draught is LESS than 1.6 metres.(DEPTHS AT THE ENTRANCE AND THE FIRST 5-6 SPACES BEHIND THE TALL PART OF THE BREAKWATER IS 2 metres. The depth between the Island and the shore is 8 to 10 metres in the middle of the distance so it is ABSOLUTELY safe during the day to pass in between. (please note an Easterly setting current of approximately 0.8 knots at springs and equinoxes).

After leaving AGIOS GEORGIOS OF PEYIA  you may visit a very nice cove on the East side of LARA POINT.  

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  Lara point (34.95 Deg.N., 31.3 Deg.E.) has two sides. You may carefully approach Lara from Paphos and  get as close as possible to the sandy  cove. However just before the sandy beach there is a  rock  and submerged ledge which you should avoid. Do not enter the swimmers area marked with Orange-Red colour buoys. Lara East (towards Paphos under  normal conditions of the prevailing 270 Deg. wind , is  well sheltered. Lara West (towards Akamas)  is strictly prohibited and you should remain at least half a mile away from LARA POINT .  You may drop anchor at a safe distance and depth. Unfortunately during Summer time you may find that this is too crowded. ENTERING THE SWIMMERS AREAS MARKED WITH RED BUOYS WITH ANY KIND OF VESSEL  IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED!!! from this anchorage you may visit on foot after landing on the beach, the WEST Lara cove where you may be able to see the birthing place of the CARETA-CARETA.

The West cove of LARA point is steep and deep. It is only partially sheltered. HOWEVER vessels are strictly prohibited in the particular area as this is the GREEN TURTLE AREA OF CARETA-CARETA.

Unfortunately after Lara East cove there is no secure cove all the way up to Cape Arnaoutis or otherwise called cape AKAMAS.

  Kioni Cove : Protected only when you have ablow from the North.

Coral Bay to Fontana Amorosa  24NM

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Close-hauled. for 20 NM from Coral bay  up to Cape Akamas (or Cape Arnaouti, pos.Lat.35.001 Deg.N, 32.283 Deg.E)and Mazaki Island. Watch for Kioni , Koppo and Kanoudia Islets as you sail towards Cape Akamas and Mazaki. Cape Akamas, this is the NW extremity of Cyprus. Conspicuous commencement of a mountain range following a SSE direction, rising to a double peak apprx.211 meters high, 1 NM  looking South. The West side is steep but the East side is wooded with bushes and low trees. Mazaki islet is approx. 700-800 meters (4 cables) North of cape Akamas. Depths between Land and Mazaki Islet (mid-distance) is approx.  3-4 meters, (if  less than 3 Beaufort ,270 Deg. Draught 2 m you may pass with caution, between Mazaki and the shore)  crystal clear water will give impression you will hit bottom. For yachts with draught greater than 2 meters they should round North of the  Mazaki islet at a safe distance (200 metres+). Comfortable Broad reach as soon as you turn the Cape. You will experience  an immediate change to flat seas (with prevailing Westerlies F5), magnificent natural beauty Akamas National Park on your starboard as you cruise on 130 Deg. Night anchoring at Fontana Amorosa cove, Sandy bottom with rocks, depth 3-5 meters only a few meters from small cove beach, require mosquito protection, otherwise fantastic.

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Fontana Amorosa to Aphrodite’s Bath 3NM

Broad-reach. Pass  Hamili Islet only 20 meters from the rocky shore. You may easily pass in between  Ayios Georgios islet (or Kakoskaliou islet) apprx.900 meters from the rocky shore as depths are over 30 meters. Look at Ayios Georgios islet for the remains of ancient civilizations and  refuge for seagulls.

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Cyprus Tourism Organization Restaurant (BATHS OF APHRODITE) at top of cliff with hundred steps. Drop anchor on  lee side of small rock-island with a memory-cross on the top. Keep out of the swimmers area marked with Orange-Red Buoys. Approx.. 150 meters from shore. Sandy bottom. Use dinghy. Visit baths of Aphrodite. Female bathers in Aphrodite’s bath, believed to fully regain their virginity if have a bath at vernal equinox with fool moon ,  during  Adonis visiting the upper world from the Kingdom of Addis!!.

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Aphrodite’s Bath to Latzi Fishing Shelter 2NM

(Wind 270 Deg.) Broad-reach

Beautiful traditional fully protected fishing shelter. Depths 2-3.5  meters. Full of restaurants with excellent fish meze. May tie-up inside. Ask Marine Police VHF16 or Phone: 26-321777. Get fuel by a taxi & jerry cans from near by Polis. Water available on pier.

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Latzi Fishing Shelter to Pomos Fishing Shelter 11NM

(Wind 270 Deg.) Broad-reach. You will pass outside the Limni mines  old  ore loading pier. Should you be sailing in the area between  September –October at approximately 200-400 meters from the sandy beach, hang  behind with a rope using fins mask and snorkel and underwater camera. You will have a very high probability to see a lot of magnificent underwater scenes with  protagonists,  the green turtle Careta-Careta!.

Pomos Fishing Shelter. Absolutely beautiful. Fully protected from all  directions. However very small. Careful of underwater reefs 1 meter below sea level North of the point. Better to enter with heading 230-270 Deg.  Depths from 3.5 at entrance to 2 meters on pier. Water available. Restaurant at top excellent. Village nearby 15 min walking distance. Unspoiled area. If space inside stay 2-3 nights excellent idea.

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Pomos Fishing shelter to Pyrgos Fishing Shelter 6NM.

(wind 270 Deg.) Broad reach or Running.

Keep 2 NM off village of KOKKINA on Beach as this is occupied by Turkish invading  Army and they will not hesitate to shoot at you as they commonly do on local fishermen if closer than 200 meters. Sail straight in side  the Pyrgos Fishing shelter. Rock boulders Breakwater from West to East. Pier on North side. Excellent shelter but comparatively shallow. Depths at entrance and until first rock groin 3.5 meters. Inside main basin only on North pier depths from 2.5 to 1 meter. Stern to. Excellent to stay 3-4 days if space available. One of the best areas , unspoiled. Excellent hotels and restaurants over looking the Shelter. Villagers offer traditional  Cypriotic hospitality.

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G.Cariolou

26-1-2001.

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