Ten navies to… be able to sail all the time

We hit the jackpot. In the December-January issue of the Sailing Newspaper, on page 48, we gave you some tips on where to move the boat not only in preparation for the upcoming summer season, but so you can enjoy it more during these months as well. You have been inundating us with phone calls asking for more advice beyond what we had already given you, as to whether there are suitable marinas in the sailing areas where you would like to go. A trend, that of moving one’s boat from port to port every “tot” year, which is favored without a doubt by the spread of low-cost flights, which make it possible with only a few tens of euros (compared to the continuous and recent increases in highways) to comfortably reach southern Italy or the main islands in a snap. It is precisely on the southern coasts of the boot and on the two main islands that we have dwelt, not only explaining the services, port by port, but also trying to give you some pointers on the coasts that you can reach in a few hours by boat or that may be ideal destinations for your future summer cruises.

1. CALA PONTE MARINA – APULIA





A modern concept marina that has 318 berths from five to twenty-five meters. On land, a residential area is being developed, as well as a series of businesses that aim to make it a landmark of the Apulian coast. The maximum depth of 4.5 meters ensures that even large boats can be moored.
Where to sail: If you feel like sailing along ever-changing coastlines and islands, remember that Croatia is just over a hundred miles away, while Corfu is about 150. www.calaponte.com

2. MARINA SVEVA – MOLISE
A stretch of water of more than 60,000 square meters, structured with piers capable of accommodating about four hundred and fifty places for boats from six to thirty meters, thanks to depths ranging from two to four meters throughout the Molise marina. Technical facilities allow hauling and launching for hulls weighing up to 70 tons, and there are spaces designated for dry storage as well.
Where to sail: The Tremiti Islands are an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and seek unspoiled nature. www.marinasveva.com

3. SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA – APULIA
Salento’s incredible tourism boom is not yet about the boat world. That is why it is still possible to find bays that in the evening, when the beaches empty out, become little corners of paradise again. Leuca Marina’s more than 760 berths make it one of the ideal places to stop, thanks in part to its depths of as much as seven meters.
Where to sail: In addition to the Salento coast, from here you can cast your bow towards Greece, just over 80 miles away. www.portodileuca.it

4. MARINA DI CAGLIARI – SARDINIA
A very small landing (there are only 18 places at the moment!) that is a real gem, nestled in the center of the city of Cagliari. Don’t be fooled by its size; in fact, thanks in part to its location, it is able to meet a wide range of needs, including comprehensive technical service. The facility is part of the Marinedi Group (www.marinedi.com), which operates a network of ports throughout Italy.
Where to sail: For many, the southern coast of the island is where the true unspoiled Sardinia is still to be found. www.marinadicagliari.com

5. SAN VITO LO CAPO – SICILY
A magical place, easily accessible from both Palermo and Trapani, where several low-cost airlines land. Set in a small, well-sheltered bay dominated by the rocky outcrop of Mount Monaco (a whopping 532 meters high). Onshore services are not many, but you may be rewarded by the many stores, bars and restaurants in the bustling Sicilian town.
Where to sail: this port is an ideal place to stop either for those arriving from Sardinia, or as a starting point to sail to wild Ustica or as a stopover before heading south and reaching the Egadi Islands. www.sanvitoweb.com

6. CALA DEI SARDI – SARDINIA
A marina established in 2010, located along the northern coast of Sardinia, more precisely in the Gulf of Cugnana, between Porto Rotondo and Portisco. Founded in 2010, it stands out among others for being to date the largest eco-friendly landing on the Sardinian island. To be able to achieve this record, special pontoons formed by several floating breakwater modules were chosen, which dampen wave motion and provide stability without ruining the seabed. Ecological discussion aside, this is a marina that is well protected from winds coming from the second, third and fourth quadrants. One hundred and forty berths are available from six to sixty meters, and we find here a respectable draft (6.8 meters).
Where to sail: You have at your disposal the entire northern coast of Sardinia (the Costa Smeralda out of season has incomparable charm), including the Maddalena Archipelago. Why not think about a detour up to Corsica? www.caladeisardi.it

7. MARINA D’ARECHI – CAMPANIA
One of the best-equipped ports in Italy, capable of accommodating a thousand boats from ten to a hundred meters. Located in Salerno, it can also count on a minimum draft of three and a half meters (but goes up to seven). Not unimportant are the technical services on the ground, where we find an equipped area isof seven thousand square meters: handling, cleaning operations, ordinary and extraordinary repairs, are just some of the services offered.
Where to sail: It only takes eight miles to reach Amalfi, not forgetting Positano, Capri or, to the south, Palinuro. www.marinadarechi.com

8. PORT OF THE ARGONAUTS – BASILICATA
A luxury Marina-Resort surrounded by nature, which can count on a private beach. The harbor is preceded by an outer harbor with converging breakwater piers that demarcates the 50-meter-wide entrance mouth on a 4-meter-deep seabed. The docks accommodate 450 berths between 8 and 30 meters in length.
Where to sail: The coasts of Basilicata are still very little explored. But from here you can also easily reach the beauties of Puglia. www.portodegliargonauti.it

9. MARINA DI CALA DEL SOLE – SICILY
By this year the young Sicilian port will grow to as many as 1,500 berths for hulls from four to seventy meters in length. This is no small achievement for a marina that is only four years old. Boats up to twenty-two meters find space in state-of-the-art floating docks, while a dock designated for large yachts has been built on the shore. Suggestive waterfront, including gardens, fountains and three areas dedicated to shopping, services and entertainment.
Where to sail: in addition to the beauty of the Sicilian coast (northward to the Egadi Islands, instead rounding Cape Passero set course for Syracuse), you can point to Malta, only 69 miles away. www.marinadicaladelsole.it

10. MARINA OF MARATEA – BASILICATA
A well-run marina in a breathtaking setting. Among the various services offered by this small marina are storage of waste oil and batteries, hauling and launching with fixed crane and travel lift, hull hydro-cleaning and antifouling application, and sandblasting. Fun fact: Maratea’s port, in 2009, became the first port in Italy to be captained by a woman, vessel captain Tiziana Manca.
Where to sail: Absolutely must visit the Cave of Wonders, the most famous of the 131 caves spread over 32 km of coastline. www.portoturisticomaratea.com