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Panorama-Spargi-1A concentration of islands, islets, rocks jutting out of crystal clear waters, white beaches bordering a Caribbean sea, a cool wind blowing every day. No, we are not talking about the Grenadine Islands or even the Cyclades. But of Sailing Paradise: theMaddalena Archipelago, north of Sardinia. A “handkerchief” of water wedged between Sardinia and Corsica that the whole world envies us, especially the sailing world. And it is to this Paradise that we want to invite you to participate on August 20 in the TAG Heuer VELA Cup Mario Formenton Trophy, an unmissable opportunity to organize a week or two cruise “soaking” in the archipelago.

palau-gite-in-boat

A DREAM SUMMER CRUISE
If you have never sailed between Spargi, La Maddalena, Caprera, Lavezzi, Budelli, Cavallo, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Porto Pollo, Porto Rafael, what are you waiting for? This year is the year not to be intimidated by the “Mouths of Bonifacio.” Let’s dispel a myth. A few gusts of Mistral can’t stop you from taking a boat cruise to the most beautiful place in the world. In the next few pages, in addition to summarizing useful information about participating in the TAG Heuer VELA Cup Trofeo Formenton, we will point out the bays, harbors, anchorages, and beaches that you absolutely cannot miss. Haven’t we convinced you yet? Know that on Saturday night (Aug. 20) there will also be a not-to-be-missed party by the sea. We are waiting for you!


sch-112_2THE BEST OF THE BONIFACIO MOUTHS

In all the world, there is no archipelago like La Maddalena: two groups of islands differing in nationality (French and Italian) but not in wild and deliata beauty. Protected by a strict nature reserve, this archipelago in addition to the largest mother island, Caprera and Santo Stefano, also includes a small number of smaller islands: Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Spargi, Lavezzi, and Cavallo. Not forgetting that these are joined by various other islets, which are often two large reefs, such as Barrettini’s (which will buoy the TAG Heuer Vela Cup Summer Trophy Formenton), Mortorio, Soffi, Nibani, to name only the most extensive.

Island of
Horse Island

PORTS
There are only four (among located on the coast of La Maddalena and one on Cavallo), safe harbors positioned in the archipelago. It must be remembered that The Port de Cavallo (230 places 41°, 80N – 09°16′,00E) is located on a private island, and there is a regulation for staying that can be downloaded from www.portodicavallo.it. Looking instead for a landing place towards Sardinia, the most sheltered in La Maddalena is definitely Marina del Ponte (120 places 41°12′, 94N – 09°26′, 34E), located on the east coast of the island, near the bridge leading to the nearby island of Caprera. Alternatively, you can choose between the port of La Maddalena (120 berth 41°12’57N – 09°24’57E), an ideal port of call for visiting the archipelago, and Porto Massimo (150 berth 41°15’45N – 09°25’65E), a private marina in the inlet of Porto Lungo, on the E coast of the island.

1-cala-connariBAYS, ANCHORAGES AND BEACHES
Due to the fact that all the islets have a jagged geography, there are an innumerable series of bays and anchorages in which one can stop, always taking care to observe the rules of proper navigation. Anchorages such as the one in Cala S. Maria (41°17’34N – 09°22’38E), on the island of the same name, are surrounded by scenic rocks that shelter very well from the wind and offer no particular problems in maneuvering. Other landings, however, such as that of French Cove (41°13’49N – 09°22’42E) in La Maddalena are pleasant and usable only when the weather is clear and the wind does not disturb anchoring.As for then visitable inlets between Lavezzi and Cavallo such as. Cove of Zeri (41°22’2N – 09°16’35E) e Junk Cove (41°22N – 09°15’E) attention in maneuvering must be constant at all times. Not only because the shores of the two islands are dotted with rocky outcrops but also because traffic is heavy in summer. Staying in Lavezzi for a moment longer, we cannot fail to point out Cala Lazarina (41°20′ 2N – 09°15′ 1E) the most fascinating and safe anchorage in Lavezzi, as it gives the best protection from the winds. Sailing to the island of Santa Maria, including between the latter, Razzoli to the N and Budelli to the S, Capo di Morto Pass (41°17’4N – 09°21’35E) is a wonderful place, protected from prevailing winds. Please note, however: passage is only allowed for vessels with a draft of no more than 80 cm. Bouncing then to Budelli, we cannot fail to mention the world-famous Pink Beach in Cala di Roto (41°16’5N – 09°21’5E), which, however, has become an integral protection zone a few years ago and therefore anchoring is not possible. Heading south and we stop in Spargi at Cala Corsara (41°13’7N – 09°20’5E) located on the south side of the island, it is a beautiful cove with pink granite boulders, white beaches and blue waters. Follow these coordinates well because there is a meda nearby that will serve as a buoy in the regatta. Instead, to the northeast of the island is Cala Ferrigno (41°14’7N – 09°21’5E), a charming cove recognizable by a small jetty and a white house positioned on the shoreline. We move the bow now to the east to set course for Caprera, where the first advice is to spend a night at anchor atIsolotto del Porco (41°10’3N – 09°27’9E) being careful of the outcropping rocks, however. The next day you will be ready for an unforgettable Caprera destination, Cala Coticcio (41°12’7N – 09°29’2E), better known as Tahiti Bay because of the clarity of the water. Located in the center of the island’s east coast, it divides into two inlets, everywhere 9 meters deep except near the shore on the south side of Punta Coticcio. Beware of rocky shoal outcropping. In summer it is very crowded during the day, less so in the evening when the bulk of the boats return to port.

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