Sailing in Italy
Luxury, nature immersion and Italian culinary discoveries
Make holiday memories
Sailing trip in Italy
Skippered sailing in Italy makes for a memorable holiday for anyone who dreams of experiencing an uncharted corner of Italy. With an experienced skipper on board, there’s no need for you to have any sailing experience yourself. You can sit back and unwind while the crew takes charge of the logistics – from itinerary planning to serving meals on board. En sailing trip in Italy combines relaxation with activities in the enchanting La Maddalena archipelago.
More than 15 years in the industry
Qualified Swedish skippers
Transparent, fully inclusive package
Sailing trips for one and all
Sailing in Italy with a skipper and a host
Off northern Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda lies Italy’s sailing paradise – the Maddalena archipelago. Here you can snorkel in crystalline waters, enjoy Italian cuisine, discover hidden beaches and quaint ports, but most of all, experience the joys of sailing. A week-long holiday in Italy that’s unlike any other.
On a sailing trip with a skipper and a host, you can enjoy every minute of your sailing holiday, without having to worry about doing any sailing, cooking or planning. An all-inclusive holiday includes breakfast and lunch, a drinks package, accommodation aboard the boat, port fees and other sailing costs. On top of this, every day you will be given a guided tour of new destinations and islands off northern Sardinia and as far as southern Corsica.
Sailing in Italy
Your questions answered
What is included in a sailing trip?
Every sailing trip with a skipper and host includes:
Qualified and certified skipper with local knowledge and extensive sailing experience
A host who serves breakfast and lunch, including a drinks package on board the boat
A berth in a double cabin on the boat
Bed linen and towels
Other boat expenses such as port fees, LPG and diesel
Also included in our sailing trips are return flights from selected airports and return transfers from the airport to the marina
Additional costs for you as a guest are evening meals ashore and spending money for any shopping or other purchases during the trip.
What’s it like having a host on board?
On board the boat you are in safe hands with the crew; they take care of everything and make sure you’re having a good time. Meals on board the boat are prepared and served by the host, so you can relax and enjoy the trip. Our sailing trips always include breakfast, lunch and a drinks package (water, soft drinks, wine/beer with meals). You will eat dinner ashore in the harbour towns and villages we arrive at in the evenings, and these are at your own expense. Don’t hesitate to ask for tips on the best local restaurants – we’ll be happy to share our favourites!
What’s it like to stay on board one of our boats?
Staying on a boat isn’t so different from being at home – the main difference is that there is limited space, water and electricity on board. That’s why it’s a good idea to think about saving water and take shorter showers, especially when you are moored to a buoy or at anchor.
You will stay in a private cabin aboard a catamaran or yacht, depending on which trip you book. Each cabin sleeps two people, so if you’re travelling alone, you will share a cabin with another guest. Depending on the boat model, guests will sleep in either double beds or bunk beds.
All our boats have comfortable beds, a kitchen (galley), showers and toilets, as well as areas for socialising including the cockpit, parts of the foredeck and the saloon inside the boat.
Whilst sailing, you can charge your phone via a 12V power socket. When moored in a marina with access to shore-side electricity, you can charge via a 220V power socket.
Some of our boats have generators – when the generator is running you can use the 220V power socket without being connected to shore-side electricity.
Harbours often have showers and toilets you can use, depending on the destination.
What is the difference between a catamaran and a yacht?
On our sailing trips you can choose between two different types of boat – yachts (monohull boats) and catamarans. A yacht offers more of a classic feeling of sailing as the boat tilts and the sailing is generally better. A catamaran is more stable, has larger social spaces and is often better suited to larger groups or families who prioritise relaxation and socialising over sailing. Whichever boat you choose, an exciting and eventful journey awaits! Our boats accommodate between 8 and 10 guests, depending on the model.
Who are the other guests onboard the boat?
We understand that it can feel strange not knowing who the other passengers are, but there is no need to worry. Our guests are a wonderful mix of inquisitive travellers who have chosen to take a sailing trip together with other people. We welcome people of all ages on our sailing trips but we also offer specific holidays for seniors, solo travellers or with a focus on exercise – you’re sure to find the perfect trip for you.
What should I pack for a sailing trip?
Packing for a sailing trip is much like packing for any other holiday in the sun. Keep in mind that sunlight reflects off the water around the boat, so it’s a good idea to bring extra sun cream or a shirt/sarong and good sunglasses. Make sure you also pack a soft bag you can easily fold up and put away on the boat; hard cases take up a lot of space in the cabins.
Good to have with you:
Sunglasses
High SPF sun cream
Hat or cap
Swim shoes or sandals
Shoes for wearing on board the boat should only have light-coloured or white soles, though it’s always best to go barefoot
Insect repellent
A few swimming costumes
Books and games
Snorkelling equipment
Seasickness tablets (if you tend to get seasick)
Light raincoat or windbreaker
Spare beach towel (one towel per person is provided. Sheets and pillowcases are also included)
Psst: It’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your cabin bag in the unlikely event that your checked luggage is delayed. It may be useful to have a few clothes, swimsuits and a toothbrush in your cabin bag.
Do I need to be able to sail before I go?
No, you don’t need any previous sailing experience to join our sailing trips. We welcome everyone – regardless of your previous experience – and we make sure that you feel safe on board our boats. An experienced skipper is responsible for sailing the boat and, as a guest, you can participate as much or as little as you want. Take the opportunity to learn more about navigation, hoist the sails and practice tying knots – or enjoy the surroundings on the foredeck, with a good book and pleasant company.
What’s it like to sail with a skipper in Italy?
A sailing holiday with a skipper in Italy is perfect if you don’t have any previous sailing experience, or if you just want to enjoy your holiday without needing to worry about the practical aspects. The skipper steers the boat, is responsible for safety on board, and plans the route for the week in Italy. Of course, you can take part in the sailing as much or as little as you want, and if you have any route requests, feel free to share them with us. Our skippers are not only professionals, they also know where to find the best islands, restaurants and bays for swimming. The skipper sleeps on board the boat but always has their own cabin, and is available whenever needed.
In addition to extensive sailing experience, our skippers hold certifications such as the Coastal Skipper Examination, Boat Skipper licence C and Short Range Certificate (SRC) licence. All our staff undergo thorough training arranged by More Sailing.
What’s the easiest way to travel to Italy?
Our sailing trips include a return flight (from selected airports) plus a return transfer (between the airport and the marina). We do all the planning and book the flights – so there’s nothing for you to worry about.
The closest airport is Olbia Airport and the transfer takes around 30 minutes to the port and marina at Portisco, Cala dei Sardi. If your flight is unexpectedly cancelled, we will of course contact you and do our best to resolve the situation.
Can I hire a stand-up paddle board (SUP)?
If you want to, you can hire a SUP for your boat. Let us know and we’ll see what’s available!
What about insurance and cancellation if something happens?
You can find more information about insurance and what happens in the event of cancellation in our travel terms and conditions.
Life on board
What does a typical day on board look like?
Rise and shine
You will awaken to the peace and quiet of the boat. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the first rays of the sun on the foredeck, seek out a delicious Italian coffee at a local espresso bar, or go for a dip in the sea? Then enjoy a huge breakfast spread on the boat while you get the lowdown on today’s route.
Rest of the morning
The morning ahead promises an enticing mix of sailing, relaxation and beautiful natural environments. It’s completely up to you whether or not you would like to have a go at sailing. Perhaps you prefer to read a book, sunbathe or simply hang out? Make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins!
Lunchtime
As lunch approaches, we drop anchor in a quiet and peaceful bay where we will spend several hours swimming, unwinding and enjoying tasty food and drinks. A lunch prepared from local ingredients will be served for you to enjoy together on board the boat.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we will sail on to one of Italy’s beautiful port towns or villages, where you will spend the night. Some light snacks are served on arrival and the skipper will tell you more about the day’s destination.
Evening
The villages and towns we plan to visit in the evenings are well worth exploring. Wander down the lanes, sample Italian cuisine at a local restaurant and don’t forget the unmissable Italian gelatos for dessert.
When is the best time to go sailing in Italy?
We sail in Italy between June and September, with a break during the biggest Italian holiday period (mid-July to mid-August) when boat arrivals and prices are at their peak. We sail to northern Sardinia in the La Maddalena archipelago which offers a rich variety of sailing routes, optimal wind conditions and sheltered coves.
June is perfect for those who prefer comfortably warm weather (around 25–30°C), more verdant landscapes and calmer waters. Still a slight chill in the water. July–August is the high season which means hot weather (30°C or more) with lots of boats and hustle and bustle in the ports and villages – especially around the Ferragosto holiday which takes place in mid-August. In September life settles into a calmer pace, and both prices and tourist arrivals drop.
Average temperatures in Italy
“You get to discover new places every day, which I thought was incredible. At the same time, I felt so safe and well looked after.”
Ulrika, sailing trip in Italy 2024The boats we sail in Italy
Popular Lagoon 42
Experience the Italian archipelagoes in the most enjoyable way. The catamaran Lagoon 42 is a favourite for those who love large sundecks and smooth sailing. The air con and generator make for a more comfortable stay during even the hottest summer months.
Number of guests
Four large and spacious cabins with double beds and also a private toilet. Room for 8 guests and 2 crew members
Highlights
Most sociable option if you’re more into mingling than sailing.
Which routes do we sail in Italy?
Our sailing trips depart from northeast Sardinia and the port Cala dei Sardi, just north of Olbia. We adapt our routes depending on wind and weather conditions, and we naturally take your wishes into account. Over the course of a week we normally visit 3–4 islands, a few beautiful ports on the mainland, and if weather permits, we will sail across to southern Corsica. Among the islands we visit are La Maddalena, Caprera, and Spargi.
La Maddalena
Caprera
Spargi
Corsica
Northern Sardinia
What our guests say
Would you rather be at the helm yourself?
Bareboat charter in Italy
Do you dream of discovering Italy with your own two hands? Then why not choose a bareboat charter with us at More Sailing. We supply both monohulls and catamarans and would be glad to help you choose the right model based on your preferences and wishes.
