Category Archives: Italy

Information about Chartering in Italy

Secrets of Southern Italy: One-Week Charter On The Magnificent Cilento Coast

The Cilento Coast is a pristine region of spectacular beauty that remains rugged and wild due to its inaccessibility. Soaring rock cliffs descend to white sand beaches concealing tranquil bays of crystal clear water. The coast is dotted with picturesque towns to enjoy local culture, shops, restaurants, hiking trails and renowned historical sites. Along the coast harbors are safe and dockage is very reasonable. This itinerary is courtesy of charter yachts Feeling, Emotion, Passion and Smile, names that perfectly reflect these surroundings.

Day 1: Salerno. Arrive in Salerno for check-in at the marina, just a short walk from the downtown area. Salerno is considered the main urban center close to the Amalfi Coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea. This rich and culturally diverse city includes archeological sites, a medieval sector, and a 19th-century district. There are numerous noteworthy points of interest including churches, museums, palaces and castles.

Day 2: Depart Salerno to Agropoli.

This bustling port town includes a well-preserved old town as well as inviting retail and fine restaurants. The nearby archaeological site of Paestum has temples of Neptune and Ceres and the Basilica, which are adjacent to the National Museum. For cheese connoisseurs the buffalo mozzarella farm is worth a visit. The fine beaches of Trentova Bay contribute to make Agropoli a popular seaside resort.

Day 3: Depart Agropoli to Acciaroli. A leisurely sail takes you to the picturesque bay of Ogliastro. Here a popular hiking trail takes visitors past medieval structures and through pristine forest. It is possible to spend the night or continue to Acciaroli, a town that is a part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.  Ernest Hemingway relished his stays here during his visits to Italy.

Day 4: Acciaroli to Capo Palinuro. Spend the night in Marina di Camerota, a quaint, scenic town with many of the alleys and streets of the old fisherman’s village still intact. The beautiful seafront and harbor has complete facilities, seaside activities, fantastic beaches and seabeds to explore. The town is also noted for its paleontological caves with human fossils. One of these caves, located in the Lentiscella zone, is a museum.

Day 5: Marina di Camerota to Infreschi Bay. This is a beautiful natural harbor with crystal clear waters located in the extreme south of the Gulf of Policastro. Rocky cliffs give way to white sands and a dazling sea in hues from turquoise to emerald. The sandy, sloping sea floor is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. On shore, hiking trails wind through gorse, rosemary, carob trees and prickly pears. In the afternoon sail to the picture postcard village of Scario. This is considered by many to be the most charming and authentic village along the Cilento Coast.

Day 6: Scario to Palinuro Cape. An absolute must on the southern side of Palinuro Cape is breathtaking Buondormire Bay. Located between steep cliffs and lush vegetation, this wilderness is accessible only by boat or a long walk that ends with 500 steps leading down to the sea. It is possible to spend the night here or in Palinuro harbor.

Day 7: Palinuro Cape to Salerno. Enjoy breathtaking views while you sail northward with a stop around Punta Licosa for swimming.

Day 8: Disembark in Salerno. Salerno is a vibrant urban center with plenty to see and do. In addition to shops and restaurants, museums and churches, the famous sites of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are an easy commute.

A charter on the Cilento Coast offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the culture, history and natural wonders of a unique and awe-inspiring region. This charter itinerary is available for bareboat and crewed charter and may be modified for a one-way charter from Salerno to Tropea, 85 miles from Marina di Camerota, without delivery charge.

Here is a link to comprehensive information on Yacht Charter in Italy and destination highlights on the Amalfi Coast.

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Impressive Competition Among Perini Navi Superyachts Today in Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Today the fourth edition of the Perini Navi Cup begins. Porto Cervo, Sardinia provides the spectacular backdrop for this event in which eighteen Perini Navi sailing yachts will compete. The event is only open to yachts built by the renowned Viareggio shipyard and is organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The regatta is both a race and a rendezvous for owners in the “Perini family”. Racing courses of up to 40 miles are set against the breathtaking scenery of the La Maddalena archipelago.

Fidelis
The fleet of superyachts includes the new
Salute
56-metre ketch FIDELIS, designed in collaboration with Ron Holland. Other sailing legends assembled in Porto Cervo are SALUTE, with the tallest aluminum mast in the world, and the MALTESE FALCON, the largest Perini Navi sailing yacht in the world and winner of the last two editions of the Perini Navi Cup.
Maltese Falcon

Owners, guests and crews will be kept busy after racing on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September with a complete social program that includes a Pommery champagne reception, a cocktail competition between participating yachts, the Rolex gala dinner and the Quadrivio regatta party at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Clubhouse.

Following the Perini Navi Cup the YCCS sporting calendar continues in Porto Cervo with the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (5-10 September), the Veteran Big Boat Rally (12-15 September) and the Audi TP52 World Championship (2-8 October). The YCCS will then organize the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta departing from Tenerife in the Canaries on 21st November and arriving at the Club’s new winter base in Virgin Gorda in December.

Click here for Live Tracking

Please follow this link for comprehensive information about Crewed Luxury Charter Sailing Yachts

Here is a useful link to learn about charter options for Races, Regattas and Sailing Events

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

MEDITERRANEAN REGATTAS & EVENTS – SEPTEMBER 2011

01/Sep-04/Sep – Perini Navi Cup Porto Cervo, OT, Italy: Live Tracking

02/Sep-04/Sep – Brewin Dolphin Jersey Regatta , Jersey, British Isles

02/Sep – Cherbourg Race Cowes, United Kingdom

03/Sep-04/Sep – One Design Cup / Bodenseemeisterschaft Melges24 2011 Bregenz, Austria

05/Sep-10/Sep – Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup – Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship Porto Cervo, OT, Italy

08/Sep-11/Sep – NRV Championsweek 2011 Boltenhagen, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Germany

10/Sep-11/Sep – Fördewoche 2011 Flensburg, Germany

10/Sep-11/Sep – NRW-Cup J/22 German Masters Mohnesee, Germany

11/Sep-12/Sep – J/22 Trophee Dominque Doucet Port Breton, FRANCE, FRANCE

12/Sep-15/Sep – Veteran Big Boat Rally Porto Cervo, OT, Italy

16/Sep-18/Sep – Extreme Sailing Series – Act 6 Trapani, Sicily, Italy

20/Sep-24/Sep – 2011 Melges 32 World Championship Palma Mallorca, Spain

23/Sep-25/Sep – J/80 Latlantique Télégramme Lorient Lorient, France

24/Sep-25/Sep – Oktoberfest-Trophy 2011 Melges 24 Starnberg, Germany

27/Sep-02/Oct – Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Saint-Tropez, France

30/Sep-02/Oct – Extreme Sailing Series – Act 7 Nice, France

30/Sep-02/Oct – Regatta Romania Mangalia, Romania

30/Sep-02/Oct – Swiss Open Melges 24 2011 Luino, Italy

Please follow this link for comprhensive information about Yacht Charter for Races and Regattas

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Azimut-Benetti Group Hosts Spectacular Venice Debut for the New Azimut 45 and Atlantis 44

Last Saturday Azimut Benetti revealed the newest offerings from the company headed by Paolo Vitelli in a world premier staged against the magnificent backdrop of Venice, Italy. The sporty Azimut 45 and Atlantis 44 were moored in front of the Hotel Excelsior Lido, the grand finale of an 18th century Venice themed evening: masks, costumes, Venetian Republic Heralds and the Rondò Veneziano Chamber Orchestra paved the way for the triumphant appearance of the new arrivals.

Certainly the most innovative element of the Azimut 45 is convertibility. The entire yacht has several areas designed with flexible, modular arrangements that allow a transformation of the space according to the requirement, or whim, of the moment. Designers Stefano Righini e Carlo Galeazzi collaborated with the shipyard to create a yacht that is roomy, comfortable and adjustable. For instance, the cockpit can be converted from a relaxation area into a dining area and interior spaces can be configured in different layouts to better accommodate different uses and allow maximum livability even in tight quarters.

The Atlantis 44’ was selected by Volvo Penta for the exclusive debut of their very powerful D6 400 Z-drive diesel engine. The innovative and conceptually revolutionary engine boasts a faster sprint and a top speed exceeding 36 knots. The engine is also designed to maintain cruising speeds at lower RPMs, enabling a significant reduction in fuel consumption. In addition, this lightweight and compact engine has noticeably reduced noise and vibration levels for greater passenger comfort.

Use this link to reach information and worldwide locations of Azimut Charter Yachts.

Posted on by

AROUND SICILY IN 500 MILES: 14 Day Itinerary Courtesy of Luxury Sailing Yacht YUK

Circumnavigating Sicily is an experience of a lifetime. The captain and crew of YUK, a Hallberg-Rassy 62 foot sailing yacht, invite guests for an intimate journey into this land of extraordinary art and culture, fantastic landscapes and renowned cuisine. Sail 500 miles around Sicily while sampling the finest local food and wine both on shore and on board your luxury charter yacht. Explore the most interesting places on the coast and islands while sailing upon the crystal waters of three seas: the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean.

Day 1: Depart from the capital city of Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo, a small town nestled between spectacular mountains, famous for the international Cous Cous Fest and dotted with charming seaside restaurants.  Enjoy a classic dinner of fish couscous San Vito washed down by a fine local wine.

Day 2: Sail from San Vito to the historic town of Erice located 750 meters above sea level. There are two castles and impressive ancient ruins worth visiting. Savor luncheon al fresco at anchor before navigating to Favignana, popular for diving and snorkeling. Dive into the ocean in the afternoon then prepare to explore the town and anchor for the night.

Day 3: Favignana is famous for bluefin tuna caught using ancient Arab techniques, and caves of calcarenite rock. Visit the tuna factory, do a bit of shopping and play in the sparkling sea. In the afternoon depart for Marsala, a short distance of 10 miles. Drop anchor in Marsala Lagoon and visit the windmills of Mozia Aperitif. Visit the old town at sunset for spectacular views and explore the ancient market of Marsala.

Day 4: The cruise from Marsala to Porto Empedocle passes 66 miles of spectacular coastline. There are several port towns and lovely beaches that are perfect for shore excursions. Moor in Porto Empedocle that lies on the coast of the Strait of Sicily and is steeped in culture and history.

Day 5: This morning visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The Greek pre-socratic philosopher Empedocles

was a citzen of this ancient Greek colony. Sail to Cala dei Turchi with its sweeping sandy beach and towering cliffs in a picturesque cove, the place of ancient Arab pirate landings in Sicily.  The surrounding sea is incredibly transparent and offers superb grotto diving. Cocktails and dinner on board the yacht and a night transfer to reach Marina di Ragusa.

Day 6: Ragusa is listed with seven other cities in the Val di Noto as a UNESCO

RagusaWorld Heritage Site. The city is a thrill for history, art and architecture enthusiasts, with origins that can be traced back to the 2nd millennium B.C.  From the noteworthy collections of the Hyblean Archaeological Museum to fabulous Baroque and Rococo architecture, Ragusa is an extraordinary destination.

Day 7: Depart Ragusa for Siracusa via Portopalo di Capo Passero, due to its location a crossroads of civilization and culture for seafarers that have challenged the Mediterranean Sea.  Continue to Syracuse for a romantic dinner at a harbor restaurant in Ortigia.

Day 8: Syracuse, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an amazing repository of Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and is mentioned in the Bible because the Apostle Paul spent time here. There are also wonderful museums, shops and restaurants offering far more to do than can be done in a day.

Day 9: Navigate to Taormina

where the yacht will moor in the picturesque Bay of Giardini Naxos, a popular seaside resort. The village of Taormina is perched on a cliff overlooking the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre, remarkable for its state of preservation and location. Stroll among buildings and churches centuries old, lively bars, fine restaurants and antique shops, all of which contribute to Taormina’s allure. Taormina is approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.

Day 10: Depart for Messina, the third largest city on Sicily. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is characterized by landmarks, museums, restaurants, shops, beautiful fountains and splendid squares at every turn.

Day 11: Embark upon the 35 mile passage

through the Straits of Messina to Capo di Milazzo, a thin peninsula that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the site where several civilizations have settled beginning in the Neolithic age, and the site of Ulysses shipwreck and fated meeting with Polyphemus. The port of Milazzo is a departure point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.

Day 12: The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea and a very popular tourist destination. Here the weather will help decide which islands to visit and what adventures to pursue.  Visit the fascinating pumice quarry and plan for an excursion to Capofaro Malvasia Resort, situated under the lighthouse from which it takes its name, on Salina, the Aeolian Island with the greenest and most luxuriant vegetation. The Regaleali Estate is renowned for Tasca d’Almerita award winning wines and a restaurant offering typical Sicilian dishes prepared with estate grown produce.

Day 13: Depart the Aeolian Islands for the 55 mile journey to Cefalu. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while docked in the Bay of Cefalu. The town is one of the major tourist attractions in the region with a young atmosphere and lively nightlife. The villages are attractive for artistic, cultural and historic reasons. Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant on the sea.

Day 14: Time to return to Palermo and bid your captain and crew farewell. If possible plan to spend at least a day here in Sicily’s cultural, economic and tourist capital.  Visitors delight in the extraordinary restaurants, splendid Romanesque and Gothic architecture, palaces, museums and theatres and fine shopping.

Visit this link for information on chartering YUK. Here are informative links to view Sailing and Yachting Itineraries and  Worldwide Yachting Destinations.

Posted on by — No Comments ↓