Sailing routes in Italy
Three Italian areas matter for charter: Sardinia with bases in Olbia and Portisco (the La Maddalena archipelago, the Costa Smeralda and, if you like, Bonifacio on Corsica), Sicily with the Aeolian Islands, and the Bay of Naples with Amalfi and Capri. La Maddalena is a national park: mooring buoys are paid, but the water is lagoon-clear. Sardinian wind is the mistral plus an afternoon breeze — it can be fresh in summer. High-season marinas are expensive, so in Sardinia you anchor out. Season May to October; June and September give the best balance of weather and price.
Italy
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Italy?
Italy's season runs May to October. June and September give the best balance of weather and price; July and August are the peak, with expensive, busy marinas, which is why in Sardinia you anchor out. May and October are the shoulder months: cooler water, cheaper boats.
Which sailing route should I pick in Italy?
Sailing routes in Italy, planned day by day: “Olbia — La Maddalena”, 7 days, about 100 nautical miles; “Portisco — Bonifacio”, 8 days, about 95 nautical miles; “Punta Ala — Macinaggio”, 7 days, about 155 nautical miles; “Naples — Capri”, 8 days, about 110 nautical miles; “Palermo — Stromboli”, 9 days, about 295 nautical miles; “Salerno — Amalfi”, 7 days, about 85 nautical miles; “Portorosa — Stromboli”, 7 days, about 108 nautical miles; “Capo d'Orlando — Alicudi”, 8 days, about 132 nautical miles; “Castellammare di Stabia — Capri”, 5 days, about 66 nautical miles; “Salerno — Palinuro”, 8 days, about 123 nautical miles; “Scarlino — Bonifacio”, 14 days, about 390 nautical miles; “Punta Ala — Giglio”, 7 days, about 117 nautical miles; “Nettuno — Ponza”, 7 days, about 176 nautical miles; “Portorož — Venice”, 14 days, about 207 nautical miles. Each route page has the legs, miles and overnight stops.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter (no skipper or crew provided), yes: a skipper's licence and, as a rule, a VHF radio certificate. Without a licence, we add a skipper, paid separately from the boat price.
What is the security deposit and how is it paid?
The security deposit is your insurance excess in case of damage, usually €1,000–8,000. It is taken at the base at check-in on a credit card issued outside Russia: charter companies don't accept Russian cards or debit cards. With a hired skipper the deposit terms may be different, and not every charter company accepts a cash deposit or deposit insurance: check with the manager.
