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Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with beautiful beaches, thermal springs, and freshwater lakes. The Mediterranean way of living here is recommended to almost anyone, as people eat nutritious foods, prioritize their health and well-being, and have a lot of fun.
Italy is also an excellent trip location if you’re into sailing. Regions like Tuscany, Sardinia, and Sicily are the best for tourists, with well-established marinas and plenty of anchorages. And as the weather is usually enjoyable, you can go to Italy for sailing at almost any time of the year.
Curious about your next trip? Here’s how to plan your Italian vacation.
Where should you book your cruise?
Choosing only one location may be challenging, as sailing along the Italian coastline will amaze you. Some places are not missed. The Tuscan archipelago, located in the central region of Italy, consists of seven islands with significant histories. The area is most appreciated for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled nature.
Another mesmerizing sailing location is the Amalfi coast, a southern region in Italy that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique landscape and natural biodiversity. The beach is famous for making a delicious liqueur from lemon called limoncello.
Finally, Sardinia is considered a perfect romantic getaway, and anyone can sail here, as the coastline protects the sailors from the winds. Being the second most oversized island in the Mediterranean region, Sardinia has many smaller beaches and coves you will enjoy.
What is the best time to sail in Italy?
With its Mediterranean climate, Italy has mild temperatures along the coast but are pleasant throughout the year. However, some months are busier than others. July and August, for example, are almost always full of tourists, which makes prices go up considerably most of the time.
If you want a more relaxed and less crowded trip, it’s best to plan your sailing in May, June, or September when the weather is refreshing, and there’s more flexibility in prices and models when it comes to renting a boat. 12 Knots provides an array of charters and services for your Italian trip that you can find in multiple locations to have your preferred boat wherever you go.
What boat should I choose?
Luckily, a vast array of boats is available for Italy, and people are knowledgeable enough to guide you on your choice. So, when choosing a boat, it would be best to analyze the weather condition and your skills to ensure you’ve made the right choice.
For example, despite Spring and Autumn seasons being less crowded, the weather in these months can unexpectedly show strong winds, for which you can’t correctly control the boat. Therefore, to ensure you’re safely enjoying your vacation, getting a skippered charter that always comes with a professional captain would be best. They are responsible for your safety during the trip and will provide you with basic knowledge of emergency procedures. You can discuss the itinerary with your skipper and decide the best and safest route to cover all your points of interest, so don’t be reticent to discuss your plans with them. Remember that they know the area better and will gladly share stories and histories about the places you’ll get through.
How do I get a boat, and what’s the procedure?
With 12 Knots, renting a charter is easy. Check their website, choose your preferred destination and date details, and send your inquiry. After receiving confirmation, you’ll receive the confirmation, which is available for a few days. You must confirm your reservation, which is final upon providing the first installment from the invoice and booking agreement.
On the other hand, the checkout requires you to be wary of a few aspects to receive your damage deposit back. This deposit is necessary to ensure all clients take care of their rented boats so that the following customers can use them in good condition.
When giving back the boat you rented, leave it a little organized, meaning taking out your trash. At the same time, attending all boat checks is essential to prove everything is as you received it. A checkout list at the base might be helpful to ensure the boat was returned without damage.
Documents you may need for sailing your boat
If you’re interested in sailing independently, you must comply with European rules and guidelines. These documents must be sent before your trip; the period depends on the company. For sailing in Italy, you’ll need the following:
- A valid nautical certificate of competence, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence). A prerequisite to this certificate is the RYA “Day Skipper Course” or the ICC Assessment;
- The VHF (Very High Frequency) radio certificate shows that you can operate a VHF Marine Radio with which any powerboat is provided. During potential emergencies, this tool could save your life, so you need to know how to operate it;
- Valid travel documents. If you’re from the U.S., you need a valid visa, while U.K. tourists can enter with just their passports. On the other hand, EU citizens can only enter with their ID documents;
- Charter insurance is unnecessary, but it would be best to have it, especially if you’re frequently sailing. It usually includes protection liability coverage, pollution liability, and dockside liability coverage, but there are also options coverage features.
Final thoughts
Sailing in Italy can be an ethereal experience, as the excellent weather and beautiful seas will make you forget about the daily stressful events back home. But you need to make a plan beforehand and ensure your needs are met, so always check the necessary documents ahead and the requirements for entering Italy. Have a safe trip!
