Rebolting the crag Never Sleeping Wall at San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily

These are busy days at the Never Sleeping Wall in Custonaci, near San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily, where the entire crag is currently closed for rebolting. The works form part of the San Vito Rebolting Project, in partnership with S.V. Climbing and Climbing House, which have long been involved in re-equipping crags at risk of bolt corrosion.

The old expansion bolts will be replaced with titanium glue-in bolts. All the work is being carried out by volunteers, whilst the project is entirely self-funded. With a cost of around €10 per titanium bolt, and some twenty routes, some of which reach heights of up to 50 metres, the costs soon add up.

It is important to note that the project is not limited to rebolting the Never Sleeping Wall – several routes have recently been rebolted at nearby Calamancina – but is part of a wider movement involving other international organisations, such as Rebolt Kalymnos and the British Mountaineering Club. During a recent meeting in England, the assessment of the condition of the crags was discussed, and data collection systems were shared, which are essential for the entire route maintenance system to function.

For anyone wishing to contribute to the project, even if only to offer a coffee or a few cannoli, it is possible to make a donation via the page www.gofundme.com.