Italy, Sardinia, Olbia: Break-in and Burgled – July 2015
Published 9 years ago, updated 5 years ago
It seems the crime continues at Mole Brin (old commercial quay) in Olbia.
Our boat was broken into in broad daylight (middle of the day) in July.
The thieves seemed to be watching as they struck when we left the boat to go to the supermarket. They used a winch handle (that we foolishly left out) to bash the lock off the hatch. This was despite having boats on both sides of us. They took our computers, a camera and binoculars.
The local police were not interested, just took a report.
We were told that we were the fifth boat in 3 weeks. I have since heard about another.
Unless you have excellent locks do not leave your boat unattended alongside the quay here.
Kevin & Sandy Chilvers
SY Tiger Bay
Posted August 22nd on noonsite Olbia page.
See https://noonsite.wccstaging.com/Countries/Italy/Olbia/view#1440247141548795
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Related to the following Cruising Resources: Piracy & Security
July and August are very busy months and yes it is a question of luck when you leave the boat unattended everywhere in Italy. Be informed that if you need to leave the boat unattended it is preferable to go to a private marina. There is a Law in Italy that allows all boaters to use free mooring from 8 Am to 8 PM at the transit berths when they are available.
Transit berths have to be available in the order of 10% of the total berths of each marina or dock manager. The law is called “Circolare Burlando del 1996”. Many dock managers either do not apply it or don’t even know it exists so all you have to do is contact the local harbour Coast Guard and ask you want free transit from 8 Am to 8 PM since you need to refurbish or do some work on the boat based on that Law. If on the radio they answer they don’t no what you are talking about you have to scale up.
Once you are at the transit you may ask for a tariff for the night if you want to stay overnight else you have to leave at 8 PM. By the same law, the transit tariff shall be previously approved by the Coastguard. Of course, difficulties are in the communication if you do not speak Italian. I know it is complicated but once you know how it works you will enjoy better Italian food, wine and history. Contact me for any info you need.