About the Sardinia Flotilla
The Sardinia flotilla sails in the north east corner of the island It explores the many islands around La Maddalena and includes a visit to Corsica (weather permitting).
| Base: | Portisco | Difficulty: Intermediate | Airport: Olbia | |
| Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Manchester | |||
| Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
| Other options: | Skippers available. | |||
| Extras: | Outboard, fuel, | |||
This flotilla is a little different to usual: To keep mooring fees down they avoid the marinas and use harbours and anchorages. You can expect to spend two or three nights at anchor when it is usually necessary to eat on board.
The route takes you up through the La Maddalena National Park. It then crosses the Bonifacio Straits to Corsica. Winds can funnel through the Straits so this part of the trip is weather dependent. It’s a holiday, not an endurance test. And don’t worry – if you can’t get to Bonifacio there are plenty more places to explore.
The flotilla is operated by a German provider but sells very internationally so expect a mish mash of languages over dinner. Indeed, a recent participant reported the only German present on his flotilla ws the Lead skipper!
2023 Dates| May | June | July | August | September | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sardinia 1 week | 27th | 3rd | 26th | 2nd |
Sardinia Flotilla Itinerary
A typical itinerary is shown below. This runs as far north as Bonifacio on the southern tip of Corsica. The Bonifacio Straits can be windy at times so this crossing is subject to weather.
| Day | Miles | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Sat | 0 | Portisco. In the afternoon board your yacht in Portisco marina where you can purchase provisions. In the marina there are a few nice restaurants where everyone can relax. We especially recommend the "SU Cubone" restaurant, sited on the hillside. Follow the path through a small oleander grove. |
| 2: Sun | 28 | Porto Palma. We leave Portisco Marina and sail along the legendary Costa Smeralda, heading north to La Maddalena National Park. The goal is the bay of Porto Palma in the south end of Caprera Island where we pick up a buoy or anchor for the night.This bay is about 1000m wide but has no restaurants. However it's worth a trip ashore to take in the views across the archipelago, or to try out one of the many walks, before dining on board. |
| 3: Mon | 16 | Maddalena. Today's destination is the Venetian style port of Maddalena. The direct route would be just a few nautical miles. So we detour north to the island of Budelli. Here we anchor on the south of the island and enjoy a swim in the stunning azure water. We then sail south to the small harbour of Cala Gavetta at Maddalena where we moor for the night. The small town has many nice shops and restaurants.There is water and electricity in the harbour. |
| 4: Tue | 19 | Rondinara Bay, Corsica. We cross the Strait of Bonifacio in Corsica. Rondinara bay is framed by red rocks and pines. It is a nearly circular bay, almost completely ringed by white sandy beach; a beautiful setting. We anchor for the night, avoiding the 0.4m shoal in the middle of the bay! Dinner can be taken ashore at the beach restaurant. |
| 5: Wed | 15 | Bonifacio, Corsica. We head south for a swim stop by the tiny island of Ile Piana, opposite the Lavezzi Islands. Turning west we reach one of the highlights of our trip, the fjord-like port of Bonifacio. It's worth getting in early as there's plenty to see. Highly recommended is the ascent to the citadel. From here you have great views of the fjord with its harbor, and the Strait of Bonifacio.vMany restaurants can be found around the harbor and old town with Mediterranean and / or Corsican cuisine. |
| 6: Thu | 19 | Caprera. It's back to Italy today but first a swim stop at Corsica's Lavezzi Islands, weather permitting. The islands are uninhabited and a tangle of pink rocks; a beautiful place. It's usually a downwind sail back to Sardinia. The destination, Cala Garibaldi, is a wide bay and a good anchorage. There are no restaurants, so another chance to test your on board catering skills. |
| 7: Fri | 22 | Portisco. It's back to the home port with several options along the way for a final swim stop, time permitting. Then it's time to refuel and checkout before the farewell group dinner in the "SU Cubone" restaurant. |
| 8: Sat | 0 | Disembark |
| Average | 20 |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week.
More about the flotilla
The flotilla runs from Portisco, about 20 minutes drive from Olbia airport. Olbia is well served by flights from London, Manchester and Bristol. Transfers can be arranged if you prefer not to make your own way.
There’s a good selection of yachts of various ages, from 3 to 5 cabins, including catamarans as well as monohulls.