Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Sardinia. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
We are happy to announce that our marinas in Italy are open.
While Italy reopened its borders for international travellers, certain Policies and Procedures may need to be followed when entering the country, before, and during your stay there. Please stay informed and follow all requirements.
- If you are scheduled to travel to Sardinia, it is also mandatory that you complete an entry form at least 48 hours before your departure. After completing the registration form, you will obtain a QR code via email which you must present on arrival in Sardinia.
- Present a certificate of negativity to COVID-19 through the Sardegna Sicura system (download app for iOS and Android) or present a negative Serological, Molecular or Quick Antigenic COVID-19 test result when boarding ships and planes. Travellers who have not taken a test and received a negative result 48 hours before departure will be required to take a test and remain in isolation while awaiting the results of the test.
- Upon arrival, you will undergo a temperature check, which must be below 37.5 degrees Celsius.
- It is mandatory to wear a mask in public spaces – even outdoors - and practice social distancing of 1 metre.
Address
Sailitalia/Sunsail
Via A.Vespucci, 28
Cannigione (Sassari)
Sardinia Italy
Our Cannigione base is located in the Gulf of Arzachena. There are two harbours, Mucchi Bianchi on the east side near the entrance and Cannigione on the west side.
Located at the northwestern edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea, our base in Cannigione is a fantastic location for a Sardinia yacht charter start. Regardless of the sailing route you choose, a Sardinia yacht charter has all the ingredients for superlative snorkelling, upmarket dining, boutique shopping, amazing sailing and fascinating sightseeing in picturesque towns.
Please note that this base is operated by our Franchise partner Sailitalia.
Base hours
Mon-Thu: in case of charter
Fri-Sat: 9am-8pm (or until last charter)
Sunday: 9am-12.00 in case of charter
Outside of these times the base in Procida can be contacted.
Season: The base is open from late March to early November.
Language
The official language in Italy is Italian.
Time Zone
Time difference between Australia and Italy is -10 hours.
What to bring
Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. We cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you're in any doubt, please contact your embassy for full details.
Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. We are not responsible for any requirement changes.
Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
Sailing licences
Click here to view the sailing requirements in Italy.
Luggage + packing list
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
What's on board
Coolers
Cool boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise they will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.
Mobile phones
Your mobile phone may work when in Italy, but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-italy/
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Italy is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
WiFi
WiFi is available, cost is as follows:
- €60 per week per boat (5GB) - 5 connections
- €80 per week per boat - 10 connections
WiFi is not included in your charter price. Please contact your Vacation Planning Specialist who can add this service to your contract. WiFi must be paid for locally in Euro upon arrival.
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Go
How to get there
Airport
The nearest airport is Olbia Airport. Olbia Airport is approximately 17 miles from the base. By car, the journey to the base takes about one hour.
Transfers
Transfers can be arranged in advance. Contact us for more information.
From the Airport Olbia Costa Smeralda or from the port of Olbia there is a bus which links Olbia with the main beautiful cities of the northern part of the Sardinia, including Cannigione.
The transfer time from Olbia Airport to the base is approximately 1 hour and the costs are around:
1-4 passengers: 200 Euros
5-8 passengers: 250 Euros
9-12 passengers: 300 Euros
Car rental
There are a number of car rental companies available at the airport, including Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget Dollar, National Sixt and Thrifty Eurocar.
Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognised in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer (1 km=0.621 miles).
An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.
The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory.
An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from two to 12 years of age. Traffic drives on the right. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed from 12-3pm.
Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times.
Parking
Parking can be booked directly at the base. There is a charge of €30 per week.
Boarding time + checking out
On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 6pm for boarding. Luggage may be left at the base office at the marina.
When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. On your radio, you can also listen to the weather forecast 24 hours a day in both English and Italian. Harbour offices also receive a weather forecast regularly.
Briefing Times: Chart briefings are scheduled between 6 pm and 7 pm local time depending on arrival followed by the boat briefing.
The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.
Out of hours
There will be a representative at the base until 11pm who will accompany the client to their boat. The check-in and briefing will be completed the following morning.
On departure
All charterers must return to base by 5:00 pm the night before disembarkation for debriefing and checks. Disembarkation is at 9:00 am the following morning.
Before departing your boat they will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away. Return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.
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Dock facilities
Fuel: Price available at the base.
Sailing licences
Experience level
Sailing experience: Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.
Get more information on Cannigione's sailing conditions.
Permit
If you choose to sail to Archipelago-La Maddalena, a permit is required. This Permit is available to purchase upon arrival at the base and at a discounted rate.
Permit Rates by Boat size:
- 14M or less €40
- 14M or larger €60
- All Catamarans €60
Returning yacht
Please return your yacht by 6pm on the day prior to departure. This allows the base to refuel your yacht using a weekly (Thursdays only) fuel barge.
Sailing grounds
Weather information
Sardinia is located at the center of the Mediterranean and has a delightful six month summer. It is hot and dry from May to October but quite often with a breeze due to its location. The winter months are rather mild with a good amount of sunshine, particularly in March and April.
Forecasts
Sailing conditions: 144 66 1906
Weather reports: 144 66 1911
Tides
Due to its Mediterranean location the region is almost non-tidal: one to two feet, including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
The dominant winds
Prevailing north-westerly winds. The velocity is 12-20 knots and usually not more.
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you've reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
The skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you'll provide cash for meals, whether you've included him or her in your provisioning or whether you'll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers, it's your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
Sailing area restrictions
This information is provided in the chart briefing.
Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.
Moorings fees + taxes
Most overnight stops in the area will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. The buoys will cost approximately EUR 50 per night and are to be paid locally at each anchorage.
Marina fees start at approximately EUR 40 per night and can be as much as EUR 1600 per night, depending on the time of the year and the size of boat.
These are approximate prices only.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either your lead boat or at our base. If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets and harnesses. We leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
Swim Safe
For your safety and for environmental reasons, the feeding of fish is not recommended and may be prohibited in some destinations.
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Eat
Provisioning
Sunsail Provisioning
This destination does not offer online provisioning prior to arrival at the base. There are several supermarkets located near the base. Feel free to chat to the reception who will help you identify a shop in the area to suit your needs.
Dining
Restaurants
Cannigione is full of affordable restaurants serving traditional local meals.
- Ristorante La Risacca
- Ristorante La Sciumara
- Ristorante Entro Fuori Bordo
- Ristorante Hotel Del Porto
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants and bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15 percent of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Tip according to quality of service.
Shop
Around the base
Hotels
Hotel Residence Riva Azzurra
Hotel Del Porto
Hotel Baja
Hotel Micalosu
Hotel Club Cala di Falco
Currency
The euro is the currency used throughout Italy.
Credit card information
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted throughout Italy. Traveller’s cheques are accepted in major Italian cities and tourist areas, however not in some very small establishments and outdoor markets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, it is best to take travelers cheques to Italy denominated in euros.
Banks
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.30-4pm.
Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Cash machines are operational 24 hours a day.
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Play
Water toys + sports
Fishing
Sardinia offers numerous opportunities for fishing either inland on the numerous lakes and rivers or on the coast off the rocks or jetties. You'll often see the locals catching octopi and taking them home for dinner. Offshore sport fishing trips can be also be arranged.
Some hotels in the north of the island offer trips on The Poseidon, a 45 foot sport fishing boat with excellent equipment, a very comfortable cabin and sundeck. They offer day or night fishing, drifting, deep or shallow line fishing and deep or coastal fishing.
The waters around the northeast are especially rich with fish and this is a fantastic trip for the keen fisherman. Inland near Mandra Edera Farm is Lake Omodeo with stunning scenery and coarse fishing. There is also fishing on the lakes and lagoons that surround Oristano on the west coast.
In the south there is excellent fishing at Cala Carbonara where there is an abundance of marine life. From Alghero you can take a boat and rod out to fish under the cliffs at Capo Caccia. From Cala Gonone there is freshwater fishing on the Fiumendosa and Cedrino Rivers, getting better the further up stream you go. Whether you are a keen fisherman or a child with a hand line, fishing is a popular activity in Sardinia.
Scuba diving
Sardinia’s clear waters, rocky coastline and islands offer great scuba diving for the novice through to the seasoned diver. Alghero, on the northwest coast is a good base for year round diving in deep sea with many caverns to explore.
In the northeast dive schools abound and some of our hotels have there own dive centre, including the Abi d’Oru, the Capo d’Orso, Park Hotel Cala di Lepre and Dune Village. For self catering, Residence Il Mirto.
In the south, marine life abounds and our hotels Sofitel Timi Ama, Hotel and Residence Cormoran and Hotel Chia Laguna have their own dive centres. Diving in the warm waters of the Mediterranean during a holiday is definitely the way to have a go. Dive equipment contact information can be requested through our base should you wish to pre-book a scuba diving excursion.
Snorkelling
In order to save you from carrying extra luggage, we provide snorkelling equipment, including flippers, mask and snorkel. The equipment is stored in the office. Just ask the customer service representative for the sizes needed for you and your crew. Please ask for availability of children’s sizes as some bases have a smaller selection than others. You may wish to pack your own, as children may be more comfortable with what is familiar to them.
Kayaks
One-man kayaks are available. Please contact one of our sales representative for details.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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