When you have to choose a new marina as home port When choosing a boat, it’s a good idea to consider a long list of factors: the location along the coast, the type of facility, the availability of parking lots, the services provided to boaters, proximity to professionals for any repairs and maintenance, rates, and much more. And, of course, you also need to consider the protection of boat slips, Knowing that extreme weather events can cause a great deal of damage, as well as ruin the nights of many boat owners. But be careful: it’s not just the largest ones swells can damage boats. In fact, there are also less visible phenomena—often overlooked—that can ruin the experience in ports and compromise the boat’s safety. Consider, for example, the surf: an element that is, in fact, very annoying, and even potentially harmful. Some ports are particularly exposed to the undertow, while others are more sheltered; furthermore, even within the same structures, there may be berths some of which are affected little or not at all by this phenomenon, and others where the backwash is more noticeable. Below, we’ll take a look at what this actually entails and how to protect yourself effectively.

What is backwash, and what are its negative consequences in a marina?

First of all, let’s define this wave phenomenon in practical terms: the undertow is the backward movement of water caused by a wave after it has reached the shore or struck an obstacle, such as a pier, a cliff, or a breakwater. This phenomenon should not be underestimated, especially when sailing or anchoring near exposed coastlines and port structures: the reflected wave can, in fact, combine with the incoming waves and make the water much rougher than one might expect.

It goes without saying that, especially in highly exposed berths, the surf can disrupt the tranquility of a mooring, causing constant movement of the hull, tension on the lines, and stress on the anchor. Generally speaking, this phenomenon tends to be particularly noticeable along high cliffs and near walls and harbor structures, while it is generally less pronounced on beaches with gently sloping seabeds.

Mooring in a backwash: a few tips

If given the choice, there’s no doubt that it would always be better to opt for boat slips with minimal surf. But that’s not always possible. In such cases, it’s a good idea to increase the number of fenders, make sure to use mooring lines with springs or rubber shock absorbers, and implement a good mooring system, keeping in mind that the lines will be under constant strain. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect the boat as much as possible from damage—both minor and major—caused by the swell, and make any time spent on board a little more comfortable .

Porto Antico Marina: No more surf

We have great news for anyone looking to moor in the center of Genoa: our marina offers calm waters and virtually no swell. In fact, our marina is protected by both Genoa’s large breakwater and the concrete piers built on stilts, ensuring particularly calm berths.