FAQ

What is ESSENTIAL to communicate to the Captain

It is essential to inform the Captain, before boarding, of the presence of allergies, intolerances and specific pathologies that require an "essential" pharmacological dosage
It is also essential to communicate the inability to swim and, possibly, the fear of water

How to reach the MAT (Marina Arcipelago Toscano)

It is a new tourist port in the southern part of Piombino easily reachable by car (address is Strada Pontedoro, 57025 Piombino (LI) and is located at the end of the road).
The port has a closed parking lot on gravel

What happens in case of bad weather

Piombino is really close to Elba Island (about 1 hour to get to Cavo) so it is very difficult for the experience to be cancelled; in case of strong winds and seas to the north we will go to the south of the island and vice versa. Only in case of heavy rain and/or absolutely impassable sea, we will resort to cancellation due to force majeure, refunding the amount paid in advance by the participants.
For weekly holidays, if the prohibitive conditions do not allow setting sail, generally the departure is postponed to the following day
The final evaluation of the conditions remains at the total and unquestionable judgment of the Captain

Payments, when and how

At the time of booking, generally, a bank transfer of the entire sum is required (the berth is physically reserved upon arrival of the bank transfer)
For bookings made well in advance of the departure date, a deposit equal to 30% of the cost of the holiday is required by bank transfer; the balance must be paid within 30 days of departure

What to bring on board

  • sleeping bag or sheets (possibility of renting)
    pillow case
    Clothes appropriate for the season
    shoes with clean soles for sailing (especially during sailing courses and in cold seasons)
    toiletries (towels, products etc.)
    wool hat, scarf and gloves in cold seasons
    hat, sunglasses and sun protection products in warm seasons
    wet slippers
    cable to charge the phone battery (for the new iPhones it is essential to have an adapter to a normal USB socket as there are no sockets with a plug)
    IT IS FORBIDDEN to take on board: TROLLEYS or other suitcases with wheels, hard suitcases (soft bags must be used, easily stowed once emptied); this is in respect of your cabin companion who would have to manage the bulk of your suitcase
    all your material must be stowed in your cabin (except for any fins and masks that can be stored in a special locker): out of respect for all other passengers it is forbidden to leave your belongings around the boat
    the embarkation of bulky sports equipment (kitesurf, diving equipment etc.) is subject to the approval of the Captain; it is therefore necessary to make preliminary contact to agree

What does the common fund include?

The common fund is an extra expense to be paid, it includes a series of costs that must be divided between the participants (excluding the Skipper), specifically:
-food for the crew and the skipper
-ports (including the embarkation port)
-fuel for the boat
-the Starter-kit
The price of the embarkation port ranges from €60 to €80, depending on the season, to be divided between the entire crew
Fuel (which includes wear, lubricants, consumables, etc.) is calculated at €10 per engine hour (average consumption 5 lt per hour)
The Starter-kit is a cost that is charged for each holiday and includes cooking gas, tender fuel, water supply, boat sanitization and final cleaning for €90.00 to be divided between the entire crew
The cost of food is the major variable, as it depends on the food and wine habits of the crew

Why do some experiences require a membership card?

To carry out sports activities with guides and instructors and nautical school activities, we have established a collaboration with the Socità Sportiva Dilettantistica XSail and with the ASD Acquaaria Associazione Velica, therefore, to participate in these activities, it is essential to be associated with them.
The cost of membership of the association is €20 for SSD XSail and €15 for ASD Acquaaria AV and includes all-risk insurance coverage.
The membership cards are valid for one year and allow you to have discounts and offers on some experiences
If you already have the membership card required for the specific experience, this cost is not to be considered

What is the cabin accommodation like?

All prices shown are defined as "per person" and are for accommodation in a double cabin, so you will find another guest to share the cabin with
If you wish to book the entire cabin, you will have to pay an additional fee equal to 70% of the price of the experience

There are toilets, showers and hot water on board.

The boat is served by 2 bathrooms: one at the stern and one at the bow
Hot water is available in the bathrooms, as well as in the kitchen
There are 3 showers on board (all with hot water): one in each bathroom and one outside on the stern beach to rinse off the salt

What is the "galley"

The term galley refers to the food, drinks, and supplies (paper plates, napkins, etc.) that are purchased for on-board meals
When purchasing galley, you should always include the Captain's food

What is an "engine hour"

It is true that we are on a sailing boat but, often, the weather conditions (lack of wind or adverse direction) and the transfer times, impose the use of the auxiliary engine to be able to reach the destination
The engine hour is an hour of navigation with the engine, alone or in aid of the sails
Any times of stop with the engine on to charge the batteries are not calculated as "engine hours"

How to deal with the Captain in case of a restaurant meal

The Captain, of course, is not required to accompany the crew to the restaurant (and the crew is not required to invite him) but, if the crew decides to dine ashore, he must ensure that there is food on the boat for the Captain
If the Captain joins the dinner ashore with the crew on his own initiative (provided that the latter agrees) he will regulate the cost of his share himself
If, on the other hand, it is the crew that invites the Captain, the cost will be borne by the crew

On-board equipment

Comfort: kitchen, oven, barbecue, fridge, melamine plate and glass set, cutlery, pots and pans, smart TV, Bluetooth radio with speakers in the dinette and cockpit, USB sockets in all cabins, sun awning, sprayhood for spray and wind, cockpit cushions, sunbathing mattresses, hammock
Sports and activities: motorized tender, SUP, surfing material, fishing rod for trolling, fishing rod for bottom fishing, spear gun
Safety: fixed VHF radio + 2 portable, 3 GPS, PLB satellite locator, 8 fire extinguishers, 9 N150 self-inflating life jackets, 2 life jackets for children, ocean life raft for 10 people, flares and equipment for unlimited navigation, ring with rope and luminous buoy, ozonizer for sanitizing environments
Structural: Volvo Penta engine, autopilot, wind station, depth sounder, log and satellite track, furling genoa, furling mainsail, 5 self-tailing winches, windlass with remote control and radio control, inverter, folding gangway