Anchorage

Punta Mortella

Shelter: NW, N, W
Seabed: sand, algae
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage on the western side of the Golfe de Saint-Florent in Haute-Corse, at the foot of the Tour de la Mortella, on sand and weed.

Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the gulf on any bearing between E and S, keeping outside the 10 m line on the rocky point to the north. Anchor on the clear sand patches in about 7 metres, not on the posidonia, which the marine park patrols; the clear water makes the sand easy to pick out. Well set in sand it holds reliably, even in 30 knots. Sheltered from NW, N and W, open to the E and SE where the swell builds quickly when the libeccio veers.

Practical

Forain anchorage, no services. Saint-Florent lies 2.8 NM SE for water, diesel and visitor berths; the private marina of Mare e Stagnu is 3.2 NM SE. No access road to the point, supplies must be taken on in town.

Ashore

Tour de la Mortella stands on the point, a Genoese watchtower built in 1565. The Royal Navy attack in 1794 and the capture of its plans gave their name to the British Martello towers. The Désert des Agriates coastal path runs west from the beach toward Loto and Saloccia, 4 km of sand and scrub.

History

The tower was shelled and taken by HMS Fortitude and HMS Juno on 10 February 1794 during the Anglo-Corsican campaign. The British copied its circular design for over 140 Martello towers built along the coasts of England, Ireland and the Empire.