Sailboat Charter in Corsica

The Island of Beauty’s Sailing Conditions

The island of beauty experiences a Mediterranean climate with up to 300 days of sunshine per year.
It is hot and dry in summer with air temperatures reaching up to 36°C and water temperatures up to 25°C. Spring and autumn are ideal times for a sailboat charter in Corsica as temperatures are pleasant, the landscape is still lush, and the ports are less crowded. Winter months tend to be rainy, yet temperatures remain relatively mild.

In the North, winds vary and blow from different directions. The prevailing wind in the summer is a light northwesterly breeze that comes up late morning and dies in the evening. Caution around the Cap Corse, wind can strengthen and become increasingly dangerous. The southern region has different weather systems between the east and west coasts. The west coast is more exposed and therefore windier. The prevailing wind is a westerly thermal breeze blowing at force of 3 to 5 on the Beaufort scale. On the east coast, the landscapes soften the westerly winds. In the Strait of Bonifacio, conditions are specific with winds sometimes blowing in opposite directions and strongly, due to the bottleneck effect. In this area, you will find many places to take shelter.

Sail North on your boat rental in Corsica

The northern region is bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east and by the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The Gulf of Porto, which is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, is a part of the Regional National Park.
A little further north, you will find the Gulf of Girolata, which is more sheltered. After the northern tip, navigate your sailboat charter to the Scandola Nature Reserve and marvel at the beauty of this magical and wild place. Less than 20 nautical miles away to the north, you will get to Calvi and its port, which is highly appreciated by boaters for the beauty of the walls of the old city and for its proximity to l’Île-Rousse. This wild coastline is a sailing paradise. However, in the event of strong swell, we advise you to take shelter in the charming port of Saint-Florent, which is also an ideal starting point to round the Cap Corse.

Few harbors are easily accessible around the Cap Corse and it is advised not to navigate too close to the reef. However, you will be able to take shelter in the fishing harbor of Centuri or in the Macinaggio harbor if needed. After passing the Cap on your sailboat charter in Corsica, the west coast is very welcoming with the bay of Maccinaggio, which makes for a pleasant stopover. From this side of the island, it is very easy to sail to the Tuscan archipelago to discover idyllic islands such as the island of Elba.

Towns To Explore

• Calvi — Situated on the northwest coast, Calvi is a popular holiday destination with a port that is easily accessible by mainland France. Visit the old town, modern marina, or explore the ancient Citadel.
• Corte — travel inland to discover this scenic town settled in the mountains. For the adventurous sailors, take a day to explore the spectacular scenery Corsica has to offer by going on a hike. Want to see some notable sites? Visit the histrionic citadel perched on top of rocks. Corte is home to the island’s university, as a result you will find a lively nightlife here with many students living in the area.
• Saint-Florent — travel to the north west coast on your sailboat charter and anchor at this gem town. Once a fishing port you’ll experience a more relaxed time here. Quaint restaurants and beautiful harbor.
• Porto Vecchio— Home to an attractive marina, sailors will easily find anchorage here. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many pristine beaches.

Getting to your sailboat

Come by land or sea! With 4 airports and a vast number of ports accommodating ferries, it is easy to find your way to your sailboat charter in Corsica! A ferry from Toulon or Nice will take you about roughly 6 hours, while getting from the Italian island of Sardinia will only take a bare hour to reach Bonifacio.