Bay of Naples, Amalfi & Cilento Coasts

Sailing South Italy's Campania Region: So Much to Do, So Little Time

A yacht charter from or through Naples offers the added bonus of a short on-shore break in one of Europe's most famous cities. When it's time to set sail, you can depart from the major charter base at Marina Sud Cantieri, just 25 km from the heart of Naples, or from Castellammare di Stabia, closer to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

Once you're sailing in the Bay of Naples, also known as the Gulf of Naples, the main attractions are the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. All are breathtakingly beautiful, though they can get crowded during peak season. For a break from the crowds, explore some lovely, quieter spots along the mainland coast. Capri, located opposite the Sorrentine Peninsula and the cliff-top town of Sorrento, is upscale and always bustling, serving as the marine gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast is world-renowned for its unique landscapes. Winding roads through rocky terrain offer tantalizing views of small villages and secluded bays, all overlooking crystal-clear blue seas. Lush Mediterranean flora colors the surrounding hills, both natural and cultivated.

From the sea, the Amalfi Coast offers a completely different perspective, one that is truly awe-inspiring. Sail the pristine waters of the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve, find a quiet cove to anchor in, and visit the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

South of Salerno lies the Cilento Coast, a less-traveled but equally captivating destination. Charterers who explore this coast are often completely enchanted by it. The first port of call is usually the medieval town of Agropoli, with other popular stops including Acciaroli, Palinuro, and Marina Camerata.

The serene nature of the Cilento Coast makes it an ideal location for a two-week charter—more time to relax and truly enjoy the beauty of this coastal Italian playground. Sail as far as Isola di Dino and back, taking in everything this stunning region has to offer. Along the way, you'll find small but welcoming marinas for overnight stays, provisioning, and land excursions.

There's even more to discover if you have the time! North-west of the Bay of Naples are the Pontine Islands, known for their peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Unlike the more touristy islands, these islands offer a sense of solitude. Explore the waters around Ventotene, the virtually uninhabited Palmarola, and the main island of Ponza. From Ponza, it’s only 40 nautical miles north to Nettuno, a gateway to Rome and an excellent starting or ending point for an extended charter.

Western and southern Italy undoubtedly offer some of the best sailing vacation experiences in the Mediterranean, with unforgettable landscapes, history, and adventure.

What a fantastic trip we had! Two weeks is way better than one, plenty of time to relax and enjoy what the Cilento coast had to offer. We went as far as Isola di Dino, just south of Maratia.

The marinas tend to be pretty small, so not a lot of space, but at this time of year we could get in everywhere we wanted. Marina prices for the Cat ranged from E200 per night, to E125. Marina di Camerota has a free tourist wharf for 48hrs.

There is a lot of national park along the Cilento coast, with marine reserves. You can’t anchor in them, but they provide mooring buoys for use. All in all a great trip, and one that I would recommend.

Nigel, New Zealand, October 2024

The map below has been produced using internet tools, and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough a guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.

For a full Guide to anchorages, moorings and marinas in this location, we recommend Navily.com

What charterers need to know about the America's Cup AC38 in Naples, Italy

Considering attendance AC38 in Naples? Learn here about the America's Cup, teams, boats, regattas and why early yacht charter bookings are essential. Having arranged Mediterranean charters for more than 30 years and sailed there many times ourselves, we've seen major sailing events create strong demand for late-model catamarans and monohulls in nearby charter bases. The America's Cup is likely to have the same effect around Naples and the Amalfi Coast.in 2027. 

What is AC38?

AC38 is the 38th edition of the America's Cup, the world's oldest international sporting trophy and the pinnacle of yacht racing. The event will see Emirates Team New Zealand defend the America's Cup against the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series in the Bay of Naples, Italy, during June and July 2027. 

For sailing enthusiasts, AC38 offers the rare opportunity to combine world-class racing with a yacht charter holiday in one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular cruising regions.

Where will AC38 be held?

The 38th America's Cup will be held out of Naples, Italy, with racing taking place on the waters of the Bay of Naples beneath the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Capri and Ischia. Just around the corner is the famed Amalfi Coast. Naples will become the first Italian city to host the America's Cup. 

For charter sailors, the location is difficult to beat. Some of Italy's finest cruising grounds lie within easy sailing distance of the race village and spectator areas.

When is AC38 taking place?

The America's Cup Match itself is scheduled to begin on 10 July 2027 and continue through to 18 July if required. The wider event programme includes:

• Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series
• Women's America's Cup
• Youth America's Cup
• Preliminary Regattas leading into the main event

This creates several weeks of sailing activity and spectator opportunities.

Who is competing in AC38?

Emirates Team New Zealand will defend the Cup after their victory in Barcelona.

Current teams committed to the AC38 cycle include:

• Emirates Team New Zealand (Defender)
• Athena Racing / Great Britain (Challenger of Record)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy)
• American Racing Challenger Team USA
• Alinghi (Switzerland)
• French Challenge (France)

Additional teams may still join the competition as the event approaches. 

What boats will be used?

The America's Cup Match and Challenger Series will be sailed in the spectacular AC75 class yachts. 

These revolutionary foiling monohulls:

• Measure approximately 75 feet (23 metres)
• Fly above the water on hydrofoils
• Reach speeds exceeding 50 knots
• Represent the most advanced racing yachts ever developed

The Preliminary Regattas, Women's America's Cup and Youth America's Cup primarily feature the smaller AC40 class, which uses many of the same foiling concepts and technologies. 

What are the AC40 and AC75 classes?

The AC40 is a one-design foiling yacht used for training, youth and women's competition, and America's Cup preliminary events.

The AC75 is the premier America's Cup racing yacht, custom-developed by each team within class rules and capable of extraordinary speeds and close tactical racing.

Watching both classes during the AC38 programme provides a fascinating insight into the development pathway of modern America's Cup sailing.

When are the Preliminary Regattas before AC38 takes place?

The Road to Naples has already begun with a series of Preliminary Regattas.

Confirmed events include:

• Cagliari, Sardinia – May 2026. The Final won by Peter Burling's Luna Rossa team over Emirates Team New Zealand.
• Naples – 24 to 27 September 2026
• A final Preliminary Regatta in Naples shortly before the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2027

These events are sailed in AC40 yachts and provide an excellent opportunity to experience America's Cup-type racing before the main event. 

Why is Naples such a good destination for a sailing holiday?

The Bay of Naples sits at the heart of one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding charter regions. Within easy reach are:

• Capri
• Ischia
• Procida
• The Amalfi Coast
• Sorrento
• Positano
• Amalfi
• And many more interesting islands, towns and quiet bays to explore.

The area combines:

• Excellent summer sailing conditions
• Beautiful anchorages
• Historic coastal towns
• Outstanding food and wine
• Short cruising distances between destinations

Many charter guests choose to spend a week attending America's Cup racing and another week exploring the surrounding islands and coastline by yacht.

Can I combine AC38 with a yacht charter?

Absolutely. For many sailing enthusiasts, this may well be the ultimate Mediterranean sailing holiday. A yacht charter allows you to:

• Watch racing during the America's Cup programme
• Explore the Bay of Naples region at your own pace
• Visit Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast
• Enjoy waterfront towns and restaurants away from the crowds
• Experience the atmosphere of the event from the water

Bareboat, skippered and fully crewed charter options are all available.

Why should I book early for my charter in conjunction with AC38

Demand for quality charter yachts in southern Italy is already building as awareness of AC38 grows. As the event approaches, the best late-model catamarans and monohull yachts will become increasingly difficult to secure. Early booking offers several important advantages:

• Greater choice of boats
• Access to the newest models
• Better marina and berth availability
• Early booking discounts where available
• Protection from future price increases

Some operators are already releasing 2027 inventory at current 2026 pricing, creating an opportunity to secure excellent value well in advance.

What type of charter is best for AC38 visitors?

That depends on your sailing experience and holiday style. 

Bareboat Charter is ideal for qualified sailors wanting complete freedom and flexibility.

Skippered Charters are perfect for those who prefer to relax and enjoy the destination while an experienced skipper used to adding value handles the yacht.

A Fully Crewed Charter is the ultimate option for comfort, local knowledge and hospitality, allowing you to focus entirely on the America's Cup experience and the attractions of southern Italy.

When should I start planning my AC38 sailing holiday?

Now.  With over 30 years of arranging yacht charters worldwide, we've seen how major events influence yacht availability. The combination of peak Mediterranean season, limited fleet capacity around Naples, and the global appeal of the America's Cup means early planners will have the widest choice of boats and the strongest pricing options.

The best strategy is to begin discussing your preferred dates and boat requirements well before the 2027 season fills.

Need help planning your AC38 experience?

Sail Connections can help you combine America's Cup racing with the perfect Mediterranean sailing itinerary. Whether you're looking for a bareboat charter, a skippered yacht or a fully crewed sailing holiday, we can compare options across multiple charter fleets and help you secure the right boat for your group. We provide personal service with expert sailing charter knowledge at no extra cost to you.

Start planning your sailing holiday today and let us tailor an AC38 experience that combines world-class yacht racing with one of the Mediterranean's finest cruising destinations.

What type of yacht works best for charter in this part of Italy?

Both catamarans and monohulls suit the Bay of Naples region well for a sailing holiday, although they deliver rather different experiences. Continue reading...

Will there be increased demand and higher prices for chartering in the Bay of Naples as 2027 approaches?

Yes, almost certainly. Naples and the Amalfi Coast are already among Europe’s highest-demand summer charter destinations. The America’s Cup will add a further layer of international demand not only for yachts, but also for marina berths, waterfront accommodation, professional crew and shore-side services. Continue reading...

What sort of sailing holiday itineraries work best from Naples?

There is so much to see within a confined area that the best seven-day itineraries are built around short daily sails within and close to the Bay of Naples itself. The destination can also be perfect for 14-day itineraries, which in turn open up much more of the region for exploration.  Continue reading...

Is the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast region suitable for bareboat charter?

Yes, although this is a region best enjoyed by sailors with at least moderate Mediterranean experience. Distances are manageable and navigation itself is generally straightforward, but there are practical considerations that can challenge less experienced crews. Continue reading...

What will make the America’s Cup experience so special from a charter yacht?

Unlike most sporting events, the America’s Cup is unusually well suited to experience from the water itself. Naples offers an extensive spectator coastline zone and broad viewing angles across the bay, meaning charter yachts are expected to enjoy remarkable viewing opportunities. Continue reading...

When is the best time to charter boat in Naples, Amalfi and the Cilento Coast?

The sailing season in Italy generally runs from May through October, although conditions vary considerably across those months. Early season charters in May and June are often ideal for experienced sailors and couples wanting a balance of warm weather, manageable marina demand and reliable afternoon breezes. Continue reading...

Why is Naples one of the Mediterranean’s most exciting yacht charter destinations for 2027?

Naples and the surrounding coastline already rank among Italy’s great sailing regions, and the announcement that the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will be held there in July 2027 has elevated international interest dramatically. Continue reading...

Our client reviews about charter sailing in Italy