Sailing Corsica Part I:
Monaco to Island of Cavallo
Embark on a journey where indulgence meets discovery, sailing Corsica from the glamour of Monaco to the wild beauty of the Bay of Macinaggio. This first chapter of your two-week superyacht adventure invites you to experience crystal-clear bays, Michelin-Starred dining, untouched beaches and timeless hilltop towns. From sunrise swims in St Florent to sunset feasts in Bonifacio, every detail has been considered to ensure your voyage is as extraordinary as the destination itself.
SAILING CORSICA: DAY 1-7
DAY 1: Monaco
Your Corsican adventure begins in Monaco, reached via Nice Airport and helicopter transfer. Upon arrival at Monaco Heliport, you will be met by the Captain and the Chief Stewardess; the helicopter will remain on standby at your disposal throughout your holiday. Your yacht is moored in the harbour, with your luggage already unpacked and stowed away in your cabin. As you make yourself at home over light refreshments and a Champagne cocktail, the Chief Officer will give you a small safety briefing followed by a full introduction to the crew, who for the next two weeks are there to fulfil your every wish.
Attention to detail is everything, from the handmade Parisian chocolates in the cabins to the selection of personalised stationery for onboard correspondence or notes to the crew.
After leaving the Port of Monaco, past the Monaco Yacht Club, we head out into the open ocean, where the helicopter will make a close flyby to capture some evocative departure photography as we begin our adventure of sailing Corsica. Your first dinner on board is served as the sun sets, while the Bridge Watch look out for sightings of whales and dolphins.
DAY 2: St Florent and Calvi
We have sailed through the night, and the silhouette of Corsica appears on the horizon as dawn breaks. Fresh coffee and croissants will be served on the Bridge – you are welcome there any time. After we drop anchor in the Bay of St Florent, there’s time for an early morning swim before breakfast is served on the aft deck. The tender will be lowered for a trip ashore to experience the white sands of the bay or to appreciate the tranquillity of this beautiful village.
For lunch, we have reserved the best table for you and your guests at La Gaffe, a renowned gastronomic restaurant situated on the harbour front. Under the guidance of Chef Yann Le Scavarec, the restaurant offers contemporary cuisine that showcases Corsican terroir, featuring dishes crafted from local produce. The modern interior complements the refined menu, providing a memorable dining experience in the heart of this picturesque coastal town.
After a relaxed lunch, you will board the yacht for a short cruise to Calvi. The evening can be spent wandering through the old, cobbled streets or taking a bracing walk up to the Fort – a must-see while sailing Corsica. Built at the tail end of the 18th century, the building still serves as an active base for the French Foreign Legion and the spearhead of the French Rapid Reaction Force.
DAY 3: Girolata Bay
At sunrise, the yacht will quietly slip its berth and head north-west around the Cap du Revellata, before turning due south for a leisurely coastal cruise past impressive mountainous cliffs to the secluded bay of Girolata in the National Marine Park. Here we will arrange your own private beach for the day.
Your chef will prepare a range of seafood, including freshly caught lobster from the bay, barbecued on the beach with fresh local salads, Corsican meats, cheeses and local fresh fruit. The afternoon will be left free for exploring the beaches and the crew will discreetly retire, enabling you to have total peace and quiet. They will, of course, leave you a radio, so you may call the yacht at any time for anything you may desire. Supper is served on the sundeck at sunset, and we spend the night at anchor in absolute peace and solitude.
DAY 4: Cargèse and Ajaccio
By the time you awake for breakfast, we shall be well underway, heading for Ajaccio. En route, we anchor outside the small village of Cargèse, with its adjoining French Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. Mid-afternoon will see us berth stern-to in Ajaccio, Corsica’s largest town, where you’ll have the option to go boutique shopping or use the helicopter to tour the mountains and ravines. Dinner will be at the Palm Beach, overlooking the Bay of Ajaccio, where you can relax in the spa before dining Corsican style with a modern twist.
DAY 5: Porto Pollo
A relaxed start to the day sees us departing Ajaccio and hugging the coastline to arrive in the Bay of Porto Pollo, where miles of pristine sandy beaches are lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Anchoring close to the shoreline will enable all the yacht’s water toys to be put to good use. The choice includes jet skis, kiteboards, wakeboards, donuts, water skis and the very latest wave jet boards, all of which will be at your disposal, attended to by our experienced water sport instructors. If you prefer, just sit back and let the crew serve your every need on our shaded sundeck. It’s another night anchored beneath the stars. You can dine on the boat deck, where you’ll have the option of being serenaded by a traditional local a cappella group.
DAY 6: Bonifacio
The crew has an early start to sail, for no experience sailing Corsica would be complete without visiting the world-famous Port of Bonifacio. By the time you rise, we will be cruising in a south-westerly direction past picturesque white beaches, turquoise inlets, and jagged, weather-battered headlands. Dolphins are often spotted in this area, so keep your binoculars at the ready. Weather permitting, the Captain may drop anchor for a brief swim stop along the coast at one of the quieter coves before continuing on.
As we approach Bonifacio by sea, the dramatic limestone cliffs rise suddenly from the water — a spectacular sight. If conditions allow, the Captain will perform the iconic manoeuvre of edging the yacht’s bow into a nearby sea cave — a rare and unforgettable experience only possible in this unique location.
Upon arrival, the yacht will receive priority clearance, and the Harbour Master will guide us into our berth. Awaiting you at the quay is a horse and carriage, ready to take your guests up to the old, fortified town. Enjoy the afternoon wandering the narrow-cobbled streets, browsing artisan boutiques, or taking in the views across the Straits of Bonifacio towards Sardinia.
Dinner this evening is reserved at Finestra by Italo Bassi, Bonifacio’s Michelin-starred culinary gem. Located in the upper town with panoramic views of the marina, Finestra offers an elegant fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavours, crafted by renowned chef Italo Bassi. The tasting menu is a celebration of refinement and creativity, with each course accompanied by expertly paired wines from Corsica and beyond.
Return to the yacht for a serene night in port, with the gentle hum of the harbour and a sky full of stars above.
DAY 7: Island of Cavallo
We say goodbye to Bonifacio in the morning and head east towards the Lavezzi Islands. Here the yacht will anchor on the south-west side of the Island of Piana, where the crew have arranged a temporary tee on the sundeck. We have a number of golf clubs on board, and should you hit the green on the 15th hole, the Captain will have to swim to shore and collect the ball. The golf balls float, so it’s environmentally friendly. After a morning coffee, a swim in the turquoise lagoon and a spot of kayaking in the caves, it’s off to the Island of Cavallo to drop anchor among the rocks in the bay on the north side of the island. The remainder of the day is for swimming and relaxation, either ashore or on board.
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