Frequently asked
questions.
These are the questions Italian-charter guests ask us most — Saturday handovers, marine-park permits, and bareboat vs. skippered options across Campania, Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany. We keep them current each season so you have the full picture before you book.
General questions
May to October offers great sailing. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Spring (May/June) and autumn (September/October) generally bring softer winds and easier availability for berths.
Main starting points are spread across Italy’s most beautiful regions:
- Campania: Naples, Salerno, Castellammare, Sorrento, Procida.
- Sardinia: Olbia, Portisco, Cannigione.
- Sicily: Palermo, Trapani, Capo d’Orlando, Milazzo.
- Tuscany: Marina di Scarlino, Punta Ala, Piombino.
Most crews plan for 2 to 4 hours underway each day. Keeping the legs short leaves you plenty of time to stop, swim, and go ashore to explore.
You can board on Saturday from 17:00 (5:00 PM). You must return the yacht on Friday by 18:00 (6:00 PM) for technical checks, but you can typically sleep on board that final night. Disembarkation is Saturday by 09:00 (9:00 AM).
Yes, in areas like La Maddalena (Sardinia), Egadi (Sicily), and the Tuscan Archipelago, there are protected zones with rules, designated moorings, and mandatory fees. We will advise you exactly what permits you need to purchase and where.
Always try to anchor on sand. It is critical to avoid Posidonia seagrass, which is protected. Use managed moorings where they are provided and always follow local signage and regulations.
Yes. The area is excellent for families due to short sailing legs, numerous protected bays for swimming, and generally great shoreside services in the towns and islands.
Cards work fine in marinas and main towns. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller islands, secluded restaurants, and to pay for private mooring balls.
There are big supermarkets near all the main bases. Fuel and water are readily available at major hubs along your route. We can arrange a pre-order and delivery service directly to your yacht before you arrive.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available as an optional extra on most yachts. Local SIM cards are also an effective option and work well when near towns.
Yes, one-way charters are available on selected dates and routes, such as Naples to Salerno or certain routes in Sardinia. A one-way fee applies, which varies depending on the specific fleet logistics.
Prices depend on the model, the season, and whether the boat is bareboat or crewed. As a rough guide:
- 4-cabin Lagoon 42 / Bali 4.2 — bareboat: €6,000–€9,500 per week shoulder season; €10,000–€14,000 in peak July–August.
- 46–50 ft catamarans: €12,000–€20,000 per week peak; €8,500–€13,000 shoulder season.
- Skipper: €180–€220 per day plus food.
- Hostess / chef: €180 per day.
Fuel, water, marina fees, and marine-park permits are paid at cost. Every quote lists mandatory extras and optional add-ons transparently.
The base bareboat rate covers the catamaran with its standard inventory — sails, dinghy and outboard, bed linens, galley kit, and safety gear. Charts and a plotter are always on board.
Charged separately at cost: fuel, water, marina fees on your route, end-cleaning, transit log, marine-park permits where required, and optional extras like skipper, hostess, water toys, or early check-in. Italian VAT is included in the displayed price.
Cancellation terms are listed in your charter contract and depend on the partner base. As a general rule:
- More than 60 days before departure — typically 50% refund of the deposit.
- 30–60 days before departure — typically 25% refund.
- Less than 30 days — usually non-refundable.
We strongly recommend a charter cancellation insurance policy, which protects the full charter fee against medical emergencies, family events, or visa issues. Read more on our payment procedure page.
Italian summer winds are mostly thermal and predictable, but Mistral or Scirocco events can build over 2–3 days, especially in spring and autumn. Bases monitor forecasts and brief you on safe alternative anchorages before each weather window.
Your skipper (or our local team if you're bareboat) is reachable by phone for route advice during the charter. Most weeks complete the full planned route; when conditions shift, the practical move is to switch sides of the island chain or stay an extra night in a sheltered marina rather than push into rough seas.
On bareboat charters, pets are permitted at the discretion of the partner base — most accept small to mid-sized dogs with an extra cleaning fee (typically €100–€200). Always declare the pet at booking so the right boat is allocated.
On crewed charters, pets are usually not allowed unless the captain agrees in advance. Some marine-park areas (La Maddalena, Egadi) have pet restrictions on protected beaches.
Crewed charter
Your charter includes your private catamaran with a professional captain. You can add a chef or hostess for full-service luxury. Inclusions vary by yacht, but your offer will list all details, including meals, drinks, fuel for normal use, and any provided water toys.
You'll fill out a detailed preference sheet. The crew uses this to fully stock the yacht around your personal tastes, confirmed allergies, and specific diets before you even arrive.
Yes. The captain can adjust the route daily to match your pace and preferences, provided the changes are within safety/weather limitations and local marine park rules.
Yes. Our crews are experienced and will plan safe anchorages, provide child life vests, and implement simple routines to ensure a great time for the kids.
Most crewed catamarans (40 to 50 feet) typically host 6 to 10 guests. Larger yachts can accommodate more. We'll match the perfect yacht layout to your group size.
A gratuity is discretionary in the Mediterranean. Many guests leave 5 to 10 percent of the charter fee for service that exceeds expectations.
Yes. The yacht is designed with separate crew cabins to ensure crew members get adequate rest and that your privacy is protected.
Bareboat charter
You must have a skipper license accepted in Italy and a VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC). An ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or an accepted national equivalent is generally required. The charter typically also expects a second competent crew member to be named.
You need to be confident with docking, Med mooring (stern-to), anchoring, reefing, and weather reading. Recent skippering experience on a yacht of a similar size is essential for base approval.
No, night sailing is generally not permitted for most bareboat fleets. You must plan your passages so the yacht is secured before sunset.
Town quays, marinas, and managed mooring fields are common, especially around popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Capri. In bays, anchor on sand and set the hook hard. Avoid seagrass. Use the dedicated park buoys in areas like La Maddalena and Egadi.
- Campania: Use managed moorings in busy areas like Positano and Capri. Be sure to keep clear of marked swimming zones like the Faraglioni.
- Sardinia: Be prepared to buy La Maddalena permits, watch for the strong Mistral wind, and use marked buoys in protected areas.
- Sicily: Plan Aeolian Islands legs only in settled weather. Respect the exclusion areas around Stromboli and use park moorings in the Egadi Islands.
- Tuscany: Follow the Tuscan Archipelago rules and respect speed limits near protected shores.
Expect to budget for fuel, water, marina/mooring fees, and marine park permits where required. Costs for dining out, transfers, and optional water toys are also outside the base rate. Your quote will clearly list all mandatory items and options.
The yacht comes as a fully equipped catamaran with a dinghy and outboard, bed linen, a full galley kit, and safety gear. Charts or a plotter are always on board. Extras like a hired skipper, SUPs, Wi-Fi, and early check-in will be listed on your personalized offer.
Yes. You can choose to leave a refundable security deposit or purchase a damage waiver (which usually involves a smaller, partial refundable deposit). We recommend picking the option that best fits your risk level.
You'll get a local briefing before departure. We and the base team are on call for advice on weather, route tweaks, and any technical issues across Campania, Sardinia, Sicily, and Tuscany.
Simply share your desired dates, base, crew size, and sailing background. We'll reply quickly with matching yachts, real photos, and a clear, transparent price. You select the catamaran, and we handle the rest.
Still have a question? Ask the desk.
Send your dates, departure base and crew size. A broker replies with matching catamarans and a clear price — usually within the same business day.