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?

56Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2012Boasting a rich cultural and artistic heritage, Italy's AmalfiCoast is too steep to support much in the way of moderndevelopment and therefore its beauty and tranquillity remainrelatively unspoilt. The best views of this picturesque coast-line are seen from the decks of your yacht, cruising from thebustling Bay of Naples across to the volcanic island of Ischia,the 'island of wellbeing', and the glamorous neighbouringisland of Capri. The lesser-known Ponza is one of the most beau-tiful islands in the Mediterranean, and offers rocky grottos, hid-den coves and authentic Italian fishing ports. Back on the main-land, step ashore to the fishing village-turned-tourist hotspotPositano, and the many Renaissance palaces and Romanremains that perch along the coastline between the towns ofRavello, Sorrento and Amalfi. The entire coastline is infused with Italy's great passion forfabulous cuisine, which ranges from Michelin-starred restau-rants to regional dishes in the many cafés and stalls that linethe main piazzas. Amalfi CoastRECOMMENDED BY TINA MONTZKA, CHARTER BROKER, CAMPER & NICHOLSONS ANTIBES "One of the best places to sample the therapeutic benefits ofIschia's thermal waters and volcanic mud is on Maronti beach,on the island's south coast. Here you can lie in pools ofthermal waters carved out of rock." CAPTAIN MIKE WOODof the 26m (85'2) As You Like It, accommodating 7 guests, from ?30,000 per week "When we have guests chartering along the Amalfi Coast wealways suggest cruising to the two islands lying above Capriand Ischia. The first island, Palmarola, has fantasticanchorages, clear waters and plenty of snorkellingopportunities. The second island, Ponza, also boasts stunninganchorages and has great beaches, good nightlife and offersplenty of opportunities to replenish provisions."