Sardinia Charter...any tips?

[Hard-Drive]

I'm chartering a Bavaria 40 bareboat in Sardinia in a couple of weeks time and I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice re suggested destinations or any Sardinia sailing tips in general?

The charter company do have a suggested itinerary, however most of it is only about 18 miles a day and to be honest in a Bav40 I think we can stretch our legs a little more than that. We are sailing from Portisco and have a week.

I'd like to avoid any overnight stuff. It would also be nice to get over to Corsica if possible and I understand there's also a really nice archipelago nearby. I have a fairly green crew so I'd like to keep things fairly relaxed and not too taxing at all on the navigation side of things (we'll have GPS but by the sounds of things it will only be basic nav plus pilotage), although I reckon that assuming we get some decent breeze, 30-35 miles a day would be pretty reasonable. I have not looked at the chart yet or read any pilot books, like to hear any recommendations first!

Also, any tips re marina VHF channels or anything specific to the area (apart from no tides whoo-hoo!) would be great.

Thanks

[bluesatin]

I went on a motorcruise holiday (Princes 30DS) with the family years ago between Sardinia and Corsica and it really is a lovely coat line.

Hope you enjoy the holiday

[Hard-Drive]

Will do...ta!

[2something]

We sailed out of Capo Testa /Santa Terasa Gallura (a bit further around the coast to the north than Portisco) on an Oceanis 393 a couple of years ago in early June.

The winds were light 2-4.
Watch out for the Mistral, IIRC it's more of a winter wind though and you should get a decent amount of warning.

The beaches were lovely and the water beautiful and incredibly clear, so make sure you take your snorkeling mask and flippers.
The Italians were very friendly and the the food excellent. i.e. Sardinia
The French weren't as friendly and the food not as good. i.e. Bonifacio in Corsica

Bonifacio is beautiful and worth a visit (though maybe a bit too far), the marina is very sheltered and you can moor up right next to the restaurants on the promenade. Don't be afraid to tell the harbour guys you need a helping nudge if they direct you to a tricky spot.

IIRC the marinas had the usual guy near the entrance on a bike or in a dinghy waiting to show you a spot. VHF usage for marinas was a bit patchy and mostly optional, like the rest of the med I have been too - though that is a bit season dependent.

I can't remember navigation being tricky, then again we had a couple of GPSs with one hooked up to a laptop.

The taxi drivers drive like nutters.

If the weather is good, you will have a fantastic time.

[RB5_245]

I'd say you'd be likely to get better shelter at corsica, I've been hit by mistrals without fail on 3 or 4 visits to sardinia early in the season. I think right now the weather in the med is not that great.