Portoferraio © Mihael Grmek

Pisa, Tuscany & Elba - Italy
Sat 10th - Sat 17th July 2027

Overview

Sailing the Tuscan coast and around the island of Elba is a glorious blend of crystal-clear waters, spectacular scenery and timeless Italian charm. From the lively marinas and picturesque fishing villages of the mainland to the rugged coves and secluded anchorages of Elba. Sailing between beautiful islands, swiming in turquoise bays, enjoying long lunches on deck  and exploring historic harbours steeped in Mediterranean character. With reliable winds, warm sunshine and countless places to drop anchor, Tuscany’s coastline is made for relaxed cruising. Add delicious food, fine wine and unforgettable sunsets, and we have the perfect sailing adventure.

Puntone

Our adventure starts in Puntone at the Marina di Scarlino. To get there we fly to Pisa and take a train along the Tuscan coast.

The marina is well equipped with a Marina Club and swimming pool as well as restaurants, which we can enjoy once formalities and provisioning have been completed. 

 

 

Isle of Capraia

The Isle of Capraia is a lesser visited island as it is off the beaten track but is well worth visiting. Largely untouched and wonderfully peaceful, the island offers dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and spectacular scenery at every turn. 

Its charming harbour, colourful waterfront and sleepy village provide a warm welcome, while winding paths reveal breathtaking views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Capraia is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, exploring ashore or simply enjoying the tranquillity of island life. 

Porticciola - Isle of Capraia © Luca Aless
Marciana Marina - Elba © Sailko

Marciana Marina – Elba

Marciana Marina is one of Elba’s most enchanting seaside villages, where colourful houses, fishing boats and elegant waterfront cafés create an irresistible Mediterranean atmosphere. Sheltered beneath the slopes of Monte Capanne, its picturesque harbour is the perfect place to arrive by yacht and soak up the relaxed island lifestyle. Wander the narrow streets, browse small boutiques and enjoy superb seafood while watching the sun set across the Tyrrhenian Sea. We can also catch a bus and take a cable car to the top of Monte Capanne for spectacular views across the island. The village combines authentic charm with a lively yet unhurried ambience, making it an ideal stop for sailors. With beautiful swimming spots, spectacular mountain scenery and wonderful restaurants, Marciana Marina captures the essence of Elba.

Portoferraio – Elba

Portoferraio is one of Elba’s finest sailing destinations, offering a superb natural harbour, excellent shelter and an ideal base for exploring the island. Arriving by sea, the dramatic fortifications and colourful waterfront make an impressive first sight. Once moored, the historic old town is easily explored on foot, with atmospheric lanes, lively cafés and excellent restaurants close to the marina. The harbour is well placed for taking on provisions, fuel and water, while the surrounding coastline offers attractive swimming spots and clear turquoise water. Don’t miss Forte Falcone and Napoleon’s former residence, or simply enjoy a sunset drink overlooking the yachts before dinner ashore.

Portoferraio - Elba © SchiDD
Porto Azzuro

Porto Azzurro – Elba

Porto Azzurro is a superb sailing stop on Elba’s sheltered south-eastern coast, offering a picturesque harbour backed by steep, green hills. Arriving by yacht, the approach into the beautiful bay is particularly impressive, with crystal-clear water and the colourful waterfront of the town ahead. Once ashore, the lively marina and waterfront promenade are ideal for an evening stroll, with plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and gelaterias overlooking the boats. The town has a relaxed, distinctly Italian atmosphere and is perfect for enjoying a leisurely dinner ashore. Porto Azzurro combines a stunning anchorage, welcoming harbour and vibrant nightlife, making it a memorable stop.

Pisa

Extending your trip to include Pisa would be an excellent addition to your Tuscany sailing adventure. Pisa is easily accessible from from Pisa airport where we will be landing/departing making it practical to combine a few hours exploring the city with our trip. You will be able to see the famous Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, Cathedral and Baptistery, while also experiencing some of Pisa’s historic streets and waterfront. You could either visit Pisa before the sailing trip begins or add an overnight stay afterwards, depending on your travel arrangements. 

Pisa
Manarola- Cinque Terre © Trey Ratcliff

Cinque Terra

Another great opportunity for extending your trip is Cinque Terre which would allow you to explore one of Italy’s most spectacular coastal regions. After completing the sailing itinerary around Capraia and Elba, you can take a train north towards the Ligurian coast, with Cinque Terre offering a very different experience of colourful villages, dramatic cliffs, excellent restaurants and beautiful walking trails. A two-day stay would allow you to visit several of the five villages, enjoy the coastal scenery and experience the local atmosphere without making the trip too rushed. It would be an excellent way to finish the holiday before returning home.

Sailing Conditions

July offers excellent sailing conditions around Tuscany and Elba, with generally warm, settled weather and plenty of sunshine. Winds are typically light to moderate, often building during the afternoon. The prevailing sea breeze can provide enjoyable sailing, particularly around Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago. Morning conditions are usually calmer, making early departures ideal for longer passages. Average daytime temperatures are around 28–32°C, with warm evenings. Thunderstorms are possible but generally short-lived and localised. Sea temperatures are pleasantly warm, around 24–26°C. Overall, July is an excellent month for relaxed cruising, combining reliable weather, manageable winds and superb swimming conditions.

Monte Capanne © Alg4664

The Route (Provisional)

Day 1 Saturday – Puntone

Day 2 Sunday – Porto Azzurro 19nm

Day 3 Monday – Spartaia 20nm

Day 4 Tuesday – Isle di Capraia 24nm

Day 5 Wednesday – Marcianna Marinna 22nm

Day 6 Thursday – Portoferraio 12nm

Day 7 Friday – Puntone 23nm

1 or 2 ports may be replaced with a night at anchor if conditions permit.

July Weather
Average Temperatures
30C
High Temperature
32C
Low Temperature
28C
Rainfall
10mm in month
Rainfall Days
4 to 5 Days

Important Trip Information

Embarkation: 1700 onwards on Sat 10 July 2027

Set sail: 0900 on Sun 11 July 2027

Arrival Back in Puntone: 1700 on Fri 16 July 2027

Disembark: 0800 on Sat 17 July 2027

The Sundowners member price of the trip for the yacht charter is:

 Standard Berth £750 (£50 discount if booked before 1 Dec 26)

Single Occupancy Preferred £1100 Click for details
(£50 discount if booked before 1 Dec 26)

which includes the following: 

Basic Yacht Charter

Not included in the sailing event price are: 
flights, transfers, outboards, personal insurance, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, bed linen, end cleaning, water, mooring fees and any personal expenditure.

Yacht Deposit Indemnity Insurance should we take it. 

The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply.  In summary:

  • Paying your deposit commits you to the trip and to paying all payments as and when required.
  • If you withdraw from an event you are still liable for the full cost unless a replacement participant is found.
  • If a replacement is found there will be an admin charge made for the change of participant.
  • You agree to bear the shared cost of any security deposit loss levied by the charter company for loss or damages.

The full cost of the deposit is approx £2500 per boat.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are several airlines flying direct to Pisa and you can catch a train to Follonica followed by a short taxi ride.

Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organisers.

Payment Schedule

Payment Due Date Shared Cabin Single Cabin

Deposit

Immediately

£250*/£300*

£250*/£300*

Mid Payment

1 Feb 2027

£250

£250

Final Payment

4 May 2027

£200

£550

   

Total Cost

£700*/£750*

£1050*/£1100*

* Lower price for bookings up to 30 Nov 26