54Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2012Sardinia's Costa Smeralda is one of the most popular supery-acht cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. Stretchingfrom Golfo Aranci to Baia Sardinia, the waters offer some ofthe best sailing conditions in the world. At the heart of the CostaSmeralda is the exclusive enclave of Porto Cervo. The shore-line sparkles with designer boutiques and exclusive restau-rants, while the surrounding coves offer some of the nicestanchorages in the Mediterranean, with warm waters and whitesandy beaches. With 60 islands and islets, the Maddalena Archipelagoboasts some of the best beaches in the area, and providesample snorkelling opportunities. Those wishing to leave thecoastland and venture inland will find rural Sardinia home to arich mixture of architecture and culture, with ancient farms andmedieval churches dotting the landscape. SardiniaRECOMMENDED BY MOLLY BROWNE, CHARTER BROKER, CAMPER & NICHOLSONS LONDON "Sardinia's best-known beach is the sweeping Liscia Ruja, but if you want soft, bright white sand, ask your captain tosteer your yacht to Pevero. The uninhabited island of Mortorioalso has a beautiful beach."

aboardashoreSPRING-SUMMER 2012I sea&iI55RECOMMENDED BY PIERRE HUREL, CHARTER BROKER,CAMPER & NICHOLSONS MONACO "Along Corsica's southern coastline is thesheltered anchorage of Sant'Amanza. The narrowbay is deeply indented and lies just across thestraits from Sardinia's Maddalena islands. Thereis also an anchorage that is just a short hop fromthe stunning harbour of Bonifacio." CAPTAIN PAUL BAINES of the 45.72m(149'1) Perfect Persuasion (above), accomm-odating 10 guests from ?100,000 per week "Anchoring in Corsica can either be frustrating orimmensely rewarding, depending on your timing.The east coast has very limited attractiveanchorages, and these are concentrated at thesouthern end of the island, but the west coast hasmany bays and beaches that are attractive,although always at risk from the dreaded mistraland the swell that it brings. However, when calm,the bays are ideal for watersports. "One of my favourites is Girolata, and it'salways a tremendous hit with guests. Locatedsouth/south west of Calvi, this spaciousanchorage has good holding and is easilyapproached from seaward during the hours ofdarkness. I find guests most enjoy arriving beforesunrise so that they awake in the bay. It is verybeautiful, with a stunning vista of rugged hillsending in cliffs and gorges at the water's edge.What's more, with no towns or villages, it isvirtually free of lights and buildings. Being anature reserve, it also affords some great divingand snorkelling opportunities."For good shelter in strong westerlies, try Sant'Amanza on the southeast tip of Corsica, some tenmiles south of Porto Vecchio and close to theBonifacio Strait. This anchorage is a beautiful inletoffering protection from east and southeasterlywinds. The bay has a sandy, shallow bottom, whileashore it is heavily wooded in many areas, withsome beautiful isolated beaches to stretch out on.There is even a lovely lagoon you can visit at itsnorthern extremity."Close to the entrance to Porto Vecchio is SanCiprianu. This small, shallow bay is well worth avisit and, while busier than the other baysmentioned, it offers wonderful diving andsnorkelling sites - and nearby islands can begreat fun to explore on waverunners or by tender.It is ideal for a watersports during the day, beforestepping ashore to enjoy the restaurants and barslining the edge of the marina in Porto Vecchio."RECOMMENDED BY CAPTAIN GLENNSHEPHARD of the 54m (177'1) Parsifal III(below), accommodating 12 guests, from?200,000 per week "Some of my favourite anchorages are aroundCorsica. Bonifacio in the southern part of theisland is unique, with its fortress town high up onthe cliff overlooking the straits on one side and afjord-like port on the other. St Florent on the northcoast of Corsica, with its lovely swimming creeksand little secluded bays, is not to be missed."Lavezzi and Cavallo, in the Bonifacio Strait, arebeautiful little rocky islets with a few villas almosthidden in the landscape, and even a little port. "Not far away is the bustling Porto Cervo onSardinia's Costa Smeralda - the place to head fora jet-set lifestyle."The French island of Corsica remains largely unspoilt despitehaving been a popular package holiday destination at onetime. The west coast provides a stunning backdrop for anycruise, with deep bays and charming fishing villages. The islandhas plenty of golden sand, with the Gulf of Valinco, on the south-west coast, boasting some of Corsica's prettiest beaches. Portigliolo is a huge arc of pure white sand, whileCampomoro is more old-fashioned and fronts beautifulturquoise seas. A trio of stunning beaches lie further south:Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Rondinara, all of which compriseperfect crescent-shaped stretches of sand.Corsica?