Sardinia fact file

Sardinia typically enjoys weather similar to the rest of the Mediterranean, although strong north-westerly winds called mistral (maestrale) will affect the general temperatures and conditions. These can happen at any time of year although are not particularly significant to the climate. Temperatures can range from an average of 12°C in January to in excess of 30°C during July and August.

Most rainfall occurs between October and February when up to 60mm falls each month. July is the driest month with only 3mm demonstrates their driest month of the year.

By air
Sardinia has three main airports:

Cagliari-Elmas (the largest)
Olbia-Costa Smeralda
Alghero-Fertilia (very small)

All receive both charter and commercial flights.

Immigration
Visitors must have a valid passport. US and EU citizens do not need visas, but other nationals should check with their local Italian embassy if they need one.

Ports of entry by boat
Apart from the capital Cagliari in the south, the other major port of entry is Olbia on the east coast, a few miles south of Porto Cervo.

Yacht services
The most comprehensive coverage of all yachting needs is provided by Sardinia Yacht Services, who are registered yacht and ship agents. Based in Porto Cervo, their staff are friendly, helpful, multi-lingual and can take care of any requirement, including customs clearance, transportation, cruising guides and even banking.
E: sardinia@sys.sardinia.it
www.sys.sardinia.it

Marinas and anchorages
Porto Cervo, on the north east coast, which used to be a small fishing village hiding inside a tiny bay with a narrow inlet and poor holding, was initially developed by the Aga Khan and Associates and has now become reputedly the most exclusive (and expensive) marina in the Mediterranean.

A little further south is a delightful anchorage with beautiful beaches and good holding, the Cala di Volpe, which now has a fashionable hotel at its northern end but becomes a little crowded in high summer.

Porto Cervo Marina
www.marinadiportocervo.com

Marina dell’Orso
marina.poltuquatu.com/

Marina di Portisco
www.marinadiportisco.it

Marina di Porto Rotondo
www.marinadiportorotondo.it

Marina di Portisco Ottiolu
www.marinaportoottiolu.com

Alghero Marina Aquatica
www.algheromarina.it

Marina di Sant’Elmo
www.marinadisantelmo.it

IBS Yachting Point
www.ibsgroup.it

Bunkering
First Bunker offers specialist bunkering facilities all over the island
E: info@firstbunker.com
www.firstbunker.com

Events

The Dubois Cup
June
This biennial regatta was founded in 2007 to provide Dubois-designed yachts with an event where they can compete together and where owners can enjoy getting the best out of their yachts. Plus it has a further raison d’etre in that it supports the children’s medical research charity SPARKS. Run under the flag of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda it immediately precedes the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in June, enjoying the same emerald waters, (mostly) benign weather and sublime atmosphere of Porto Cervo.
www.duboiscup.com

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta
June 2012
Fierce racing and racy fun is what this regatta is all about – hardly surprising when the venue is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, hang-out of European glitterati and the jet-set since the heady days of the 1960s. Now in its fourth year, the regatta attracts an ever-increasing fleet of sailing yachts – both modern and classic, performance and cruising – intent on four days of exhilarating sailing in the emerald waters of Sardinia. But that’s not the only pull – as the sun sets the equally vibrant social scene kicks off with sundowners, informal boat hops, beach parties where there is dancing until dawn and formal dinners, all in the sublime setting of Porto Cervo.
www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com

L’Ardia
July
Held in the Oristano province around a town called Sedilo, around 100 horsemen commemorate to Saint Constantino by taking part in a contest that resembles less of a race and more of a hunt. The mass of riders parade and then gallop at tremendous speed in pairs and threes keeping the pace in a choreographic movement. The group is led by the first three horsemen: the first one on a white horse carries the colours of the Saint and the other two just behind have the other two bands. The remaining horsemen must not overtake the leader or else it depicts an omen that the values of Christianity have been defeated.
www.santuantinu.it

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, her nearest neighbour being Corsica, immediately to the north.

For the yachtsman at whatever level, power or sail, Sardinia is a cruising paradise, with crystal clear waters and quiet anchorages. On the other hand, for far too long, the visiting yachtsman has been seen and treated as an easy ‘cash cow’ and, over the past four years there has been much in-fighting against excessive governmental taxation, both local and national, imposed upon yachting. However, thanks to intensive legislation by the industry at all levels, the situation has stabilised.

Inland
Away from the coast, much of the countryside is mountainous, but with innumerable charming villages, hotels, restaurants and incredible views. Hotels range from simple to sumptuous, but all offer real Sardinian hospitality.

A rather special small town, (only 8,000 inhabitants) with the right to call itself a city due to its superb cathedral, is Bosa. This 12th century town is situated on the west coast, north of Oristano, in a well-defended valley on the Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia and overlooked by the Castello Palasmina, which dates from 1112. The nearby Bosa Marina Beach, is regularly voted the cleanest beach in Italy.

Other islands
These mostly belong to the La Maddalena Archipelago to the north, in the Straits of Bonifacio. This archipelago is also an important National Park belonging to the Municipality of La Maddalena and comprises some 60 smaller islands and islets, a few of which such as Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Razzoli, Budelli and, of course, Caprera to the north-west are inhabited. Much further south, still on the west coast and fairly close together, are the islands of San Pietro and Sant’ Antioco which are within easy reach of Cagliari.

Caprera is of special significance in the history of Sardinia, since it was the home and final resting place of General Garibaldi, whose great joy, even when later confined to a wheelchair, was to constantly tour “his” island. Following the death of his brother Felice, who left him a small inheritance, Garibaldi actually bought the island in 1855 using that and money from the London Times newspaper, which had opened a public subscription on his behalf.

Charter Guide Sardinia charter guide The beautiful island of Sardinia’s mix of culture and architecture with beaches, bays and perfect sailing conditions makes it a magnet for superyachts in the summer

Feature Yacht Club Costa Smeralda One of the world’s most influential yacht clubs YCCS is a mecca for racing enthusiasts and yacht owners, hosting a full calendar of prestigious regattas and social events

Feature Costa Smeralda – gem of the Mediterranean This strip of Sardinia’s north-east coast packs in beaches, coves, its own capital, a world-renowned yacht club and some of the most beautiful sailing waters