YACHTING ON THE LIGURIAN SEA

Liguria’s Italian Riviera is the playground of the rich and a yachting paradise. The crescent-shaped coastline in the northwest of Italy meanders from The Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre in the South, to San Remo, which borders Monaco and the French Riviera in the North. Perhaps the best way to take in all this region has to offer, with its crystalline waters, sun-drenched beaches and towns painted vibrantly to match every colour of the rainbow, is aboard a luxury yacht charter.

The most common places to set sail from are the ancient city of Genova or San Remo, with its bright lights and casinos. Spend your days anchored in sheltered bays, soaking up the sun and dining on fresh seafood, then fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves. Yachts offer a unique opportunity to explore this popular region in peak season while avoiding the throng of tourists who flock to the coast each year.

Sail a short distance East of Genova and you will find yourself on the shores of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. These luxury tourist hubs retain the charm of fishing villages despite being home to high-end boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Portofino is a snorkelling paradise with a National Marine Park and submerged reefs. In San Fruttuoso, divers can pay homage to the Christ of the Abyss, the world’s first underwater statue, a 2.5m tall bronze statue of Christ placed on the seabed in 1954 and dedicated to divers. On the last Saturday in July, the town hosts a blessing of the sea in which candles are lit along the bay and, in a torchlit procession, divers lay a wreath on the statue, after which a mass is held on the shore.

Boat further East, and you will reach Sestri-Levante, which lies between the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables (named for former resident Hans Christian Anderson), before heading on to Moneglia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. These sleepy towns are the perfect stopover before reaching the bustling tourist destinations of the Cinque Terre. No wind, a mild climate and a spectacular jagged coastline make this a popular destination for yachting enthusiasts. Explore miles of hiking trails and national parks around the towns or visit historical churches and castles dating back to the 13th Century. Foodies can indulge in local specialities, including freshly caught anchovies, pesto, focaccia, farinata and seafood, served with wines from nearby vineyards and finished with famous local honey ice cream.

Finish your journey in Viareggio, the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the mastermind behind La Boheme and Madame Butterfly or sail on to La Spezia, the informal southern border of the Italian Riviera and home to a new superyacht marina, Porto Mirabello.

Those seeking action will find a number of water sports along the coastline. Surfing and windsurfing schools dot the shore. With the diversity of marine life, deep-sea fishing is a popular sport. Jet-Skiing is also a favourite past-time and a visit to Finale Ligure, Pietra Ligure or Varazze will give speed-lovers the opportunity to fly through the waves.

It’s no surprise that Liguria is home to the world’s foremost builder of yachts over 24 meters. San Lorenzo Yachts, in Ameglia, Liguria, builds only 50 custom designed yachts per year. Working exclusively with skilled artisans, San Lorenzo Yachts sees their vessels more as functional art than transport.

Whether you’re planning to summer on a super yacht or are a seasoned sailor, Ligurian yachting offers luxury on the open seas, the opportunity to sample a diverse tapestry of towns and the magic of Italy wherever you choose to sink your anchor.

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