How to prepare for your sailing trip to Italy

How to prepare for your sailing trip to Italy

With its stunning coastlines, charming harbours, and vibrant islands, Italy makes a perfect
destination for your next sailing adventure. To make the most of this experience, here’s how to
prepare for a seamless and memorable trip:

Research and Planning

This one should be obvious for any sailing aficionado! Italy has several sailing hotspots, each
offering its own unique experience. The Amalfi Coast, Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, Sardinia’s Costa
Smeralda, and the “port to the Balkans” Porto di Bari are some of the most popular regions.
Decide on your route ahead of time, ensuring that you have time to either explore the many
quaint coastal towns and secluded beaches, or to just soak up the sun while lounging on your
sailboat.

Pack Wisely

For your sailing trip, pack light and prioritise essentials like quick-drying clothes, swimwear, sun
protection, and non-slip shoes. A change of long pants, a pair of sweatpants, and some short
sleeved or sleeveless shirts are always recommended. Remember to bring layers, like a
pullover, as evenings on the water can be cool. Also, pack a waterproof bag for valuables and
consider seasickness tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness. Also, sunscreen! This one,
above all else, is mandatory.

Remember, even some of the more spacious sailing boats have only limited compartments for
storage, like a campervan on the water, so be sure to bring only what you really need.

Tip: for cosmetics and other toiletries, take some small refillable bottles and doses. You can then
transfer your creams and such from their larger container into travel sized bottles that fit well into
toiletries bag for safe transport.

Don’t forget additional gadgets

Along with clothes and basic toiletries, don’t forget to bring what you need to have fun. Bring cell
phone chargers as well as extra portable batteries. Although most sailboats have radio and
basic plugins, it would be a good idea to bring your portable speaker!
Snorkel gear is also recommended.

Stay Hydrated!
Sun exposure and salt water can quickly lead to dehydration, and water supplies on board are
limited to what’s stored in the ship’s tanks. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor water
consumption carefully, and bring enough of your own bottled water for you and your guests.

Safety First
All of our boats are equipped with safety essentials: life jackets, first-aid kits, and a radio.
Although this is another obvious point, especially for experienced sailors, it’s always good to
remind yourself and your guests of all safety precautions onboard your boat. A skipper should
be prepared to handle anything that may come up.

Moving Safely on Board
When moving around on a yacht, always walk carefully and avoid running to prevent slipping. If
you decide to turn off the engine to experience true sailing powered by the sea, stay mindful of
the boom—the horizontal pole aligned with the deck that shifts from side to side with the sail.
Experienced skippers will guide you on where to sit, which ropes to pull or release, and other
key actions.
While sailing, the boat will naturally tilt from side to side, which is completely normal and safe.
There’s no risk of capsizing, so you can enjoy the experience without worry. Simply follow your
skipper’s instructions and make sure to secure all lockers to prevent items from falling.

Lastly,

Brush up on your Italian

Being able to communicate, even slightly, with locals in their own language always adds to your
overall trip experience, whether you’re navigating the marinas or chatting with your skipper.
With thoughtful planning, a sailing trip to Italy can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with beauty, adventure and exploration.