Experience yoga and sailing
Yoga on desert islands, sailing in one of the world’s best sailing environments, vegan or vegetarian organic full board while cradled on a sailboat between Italy and France and swims, SUP, snorkeling around breathtaking waterscapes are some of the selected ingredients that make our holiday perfect.
Bring your spirit back to the now: practice asanas, pranayama, meditation and learn to set sails and steer the boat with our competent instructors. Disconnect from the digital world surrounded by turquoise waters, wind-shaped granite stones and sunny desert beaches reachable only by boat.
join us
A typical day with us
Cradled all night at anchor in a quiet bay, the early birds watch the sun rise on the deck. On a different island every day we practice yoga at the beach or dock, surrounded by the sea. After yoga, on board a fresh organic vegan/vegetarian brunch waits for us.
We deserved it, hey!
Highlights of the retreat
North of Sardinia, South of Corsica, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is located on the Strait of Bonifacio. Famous for being one of the best sailing environments in the world, the strait separates Sardinia from Corsica, Italy from France. La Maddalena Archipelago desert islands are all within easy reach of one another (if you have a boat!), they make the sailing easy through crystal clear turquoise water and consistent winds.
We cross the Strait of Bonifacio and sail along white chalk cliffs shaping the South East of Corsica to reach Bonifacio, the city of cliffs. After a few days at anchor it is always appreciated for some shopping, dinner in a restaurant, and for the French atmosphere you suddenly experience. Oui oui.
The itinerary of each yoga and sailing retreat is slightly different and unique as… we are at the merci of the wind Gods! We are in one of the world’s best sailing environments, wind is pretty much guaranteed. We simply don’t know yet where it comes from so the sailing plan is set on a daily basis. 😉
Our start and end point is Cannigione, a fishermen village in the North-East of Sardinia, perfectly located to reach the islands of La Maddalena Archipelago in a few hours sail. On our route we sail to the following islands and bays:
We from the staff are all Italian culinary foodies and we keep up our fame: we love to prepare delicious meals for our guests. If you’re vegan or vegetarian and wonder what you’ll eat on holiday don’t worry, you’re in good hands and we know what you want. 🙂 Over the years we have developed a network of farmers that deliver us their produce: fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, breads and pastries are sourced from permaculture and organic farmers from the region, the rest from organic shops.
We often prepare vegan meals for everybody. Vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free alternatives are available all week, let us know your preferences/intolerances and we adapt the menu for you.
IMPORTANT! Alcoholic beverages are not welcome on board, in order to give the body a small detox. If you have special dietary requirements please communicate it to us at booking.
Locations
Cannigione, North-East Sardinia
Start and end point is Cannigione, a small fisherman village in the North-East coast of Sardinia, perfectly located to reach the islands of La Maddalena Archipelago in a few hours sail.
La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
La Maddalena Archipelago is the only Italian Geomarine National Park and comprises 7 main islands and many smaller ones. Hiking around the islands and to different beaches is guaranteed and we always makes sure to show you the famous pink beach of Budelli.
Bonifacio and South-East Corsica
Bonifacio, the city of cliffs, is France best kept secret. The white chalk cliffs ensure a majestic entrance to its harbour and unique views from the medieval citadel and fortress. After a few days at anchor it is always appreciated for some shopping, dinner in a restaurant, and for the French atmosphere you suddenly experience.
Isola Piana, Rondinara and Sant’Amanza bays in South-East Corsica protect us from the Mistral wind and are perfect for snorkeling or a longer swim. Don’t get confused, the names sound Italian as Corsica was once part of Italy, but nowadays c’est la France.
Cavallo, Lavezzi, Corsica
The two French islands are so close and so different, they always impress who visits them.
Cavallo for the exclusive villas belonging to the international jet set and its private airport for private jets, Lavezzi is desert and offers the most incomparable rocky landscape. In Lavezzi, we anchor for the night and we hike together around the island to reach our favorite meditation spot on a beautiful huge rock facing the sunset.
Our instructors
Alessandra
Alessandra begins practicing yoga while working between Asia and Germany, realizing more and more the importance of the body and breath in the midst of the stressful office life. With 28 years old, she quits her job and lives half a year in a yoga centre (ashram) in Germany, her first full immersion with yoga. Afterwards she spends one year between India, Bali, and Malaysia, integrating her practice with Iyengar yoga, and also studying Ayurvedic massage. Since 2016 she is studying to become a practitioner of the Grinberg Method, a bodywork therapy. She always makes sure to adapt her yoga classes to the level of the group and aims at integrating bodywork, yoga, nutrition and voice training, living close to the sea.
Francesco
Francesco begins his navigator career in 1994 as a sailing instructor in Sardinia and sailing around the Mediterranean. In 1996, he crosses the Atlantic for the first time and navigates two years a variety of sailing boats between the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela, and the United States. After that, he follows the world tour on a Mauric 64th. Since 1998, Francesco works on yachts from 72 to 110 feet long. He has crossed the Atlantic back and forth 15 times and has more than 110.000 sea miles behind him. He is certified sailing instructor with decades of experience, patience and a strong sense of humor and the founder of the sailing charter company under which yoga and sailing has started.
All members of our staff are multilingual and can fluently speak English, French, German (Alessandra), Spanish (Ghego) and are native Italian speakers.
Accommodation
Our Sailboats
MIZAR 3 SAILBOAT
MIZAR 3 is a JEANNAU 52.2 with four comfortable double cabins with private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area with leather sofas, teak interior and stereo. It is equipped with a chart table with all the necessary equipment for a safe navigation. On deck, you can eat in the shadow of the awning, lye in the sun, use the snorkeling equipment, SUP or the dinghy to reach the fabulous Sardinian beaches.
Size
Length: 15,63 meters, Width: 4,54, Draft: 2
Sail-plan
Cutter
Additional equipment and amenities
Teak deck, Motorized dinghy
On the deck: audio-speakers, shower, table, passerella, awning
VHF, log, autopilot, eco, GPS, plotter, radar, ais, Epirb, 12 volt system, 220 volt system, generator, wheel, boiler, 2 electric refrigerators, stereo-CD.
JEP VI SAILBOAT
EP VI is a Beneteau First 51, with three comfortable double cabins with private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette and a dining area with leather sofas, teak interior, plasma TV, and stereo. Furthermore, JEP VI is equipped with a card table with all the necessary equipment for a safe navigation. On deck, you can eat in the shade of the awning, lye in the sun, or use the dinghy to reach the fabulous Sardinian beaches.
Size
Length: 15,63 meters, Width: 4,54, Draft: 1,80
Sail-plan
Cutter
Additional equipment and amenities
Deck in Teak, Motorized dinghy
On the deck: audio-speakers, shower, table, passerella, awning
VHF, log, autopilot, eco, GPS, plotter, radar, Ssb, ais, Epirb, 12 volt system, 220 volt system, portable generator, wheel, boiler, 2 electric refrigerators, stereo-CD, TV, solar panels, Duogen
CHIA SAILBOAT
Chia, like the seeds, seems the perfect boat name for our retreat. It is the older sister of Mizar 3, so simply go back and read Mizar 3 features and imagine a slightly older (but more charming) boat.
In case of unpredictable causes (Force Majeure) make either Mizar 3 or Jep VI or Chia unavailable for the holiday week, we will organize the yoga and sailing week on one of the other 2 boats or – should they all be unavailable – on a similar boat with the same if not higher equipment as the unavailable one.
It’s ok!
Experience in yoga is not required. A yoga class starts with breathing exercises, to get in tune with our body and with the nature around us. A more or less dynamic practice follows, tailored to the needs of the group. The background waves rhythm increases our concentration, and creates a special atmosphere for the final relaxation. An evening yoga practice and meditation can be incorporated into the program if the group wishes so.
There’s a always a first time. 🙂
If you are an experienced sailor, we welcome you to help us run the boat, if you have limited experience this is the chance to learn if that appeals to you. The sailing instructor will help you understand the basics with a lot of humor and assistance, you’ll never be left alone steering the boat! Alternatively, simply leave the boat to us and chill on deck.
NO PANIC.
The meat eaters of the week (skipper included) usually join forces and go to a restaurant in Bonifacio, where we spend the night and visit the citadel. Also our last evening is usually in Cannigione harbor, where we book a table at our favorite local restaurant with Italian and Sardinian fish specialities.
Soft bags are preferred & are easier to stow on the boat. It will be warm in the summer, day and night. A jumper & jacket may be welcome for the evenings while mooring in bays. During the day, for the yoga practice and onboard there won’t be much need for anything more than T-shirt and shorts and a tight fitting hat. Shore clothes and shoes for evening meals & exploring/trekking.
The best period to visit Sardinia is from May till October. Peak temperatures in high season summer months (July, August) can reach 35°C (100°F), and the water surface at that point reaches a very pleasant 26°C (79°F). May-June and September and early October are ideal for travel – usually still warm, and quieter. In the off-season the beaches are less crowded, while the weather is fairly stable. The prevailing wind in Sardinia is the Mistral, which blows from the North West. It can blow for a few days especially in May and in September/October. July and August are generally calmer.
We are required to compile an official crew-list, for which we will need the full names, date of birth, nationality and passport number for all guests. All you need to do is give us this information in advance.
On the boat there is a 12 Volt & limited 240 volt supply (under 500 watts): a car cigarette lighter socket is available to recharge your phone – please bring your own charger etc. Hairdryers are a problem, unless they are under 500 watts! (Most are rated around 1500 watts) Go natural like we do..! Yachts are by their very nature, self-contained environments with limits on resources – your assistance with conserving power whilst onboard ensures we can anchor away from the noise of busy harbors most of the time.
Maritime flag etiquette require boats to carry the flag of its country of registration at the stern, and a courtesy flag of the country in whose waters she is sailing – half-way up the mast. We are also permitted to fly ‘house flags’ . If you wish to announce your presence on board as a representative of your nation – bring with you a small to moderate size flag of your own country.
EU citizens do not pay for emergency health care, though other nationals may. Hospitals and clinics are located in all major centers, while doctor’s offices and pharmacies can be found in smaller tourist destinations. In spite of generally good health care system, it is best to take a few sensible precautions during your holiday. The most important is to avoid over-exposure to the sun, wear hat and quality sunglasses, and use a high-factor suntan lotion, especially during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. till 3 p.m.). Drink plenty of water to avoid exhaustion and dehydration.
The yacht is covered by fully comprehensive insurance, but does not cover personal loss, medical expenses, cancellation and so on. You are strongly advised in your own interest to obtain adequate personal, medical and travel insurance. Make sure that your cover includes being on a charter yacht. The Owners/Skipper bear no responsibility for medical and associated charges incurred by the Charterers.
Almost anyone connected to the tourist industry, including waiters, and most young people, will be able to speak English but any effort you do make to speak Italian (and French in Corsica) will be welcomed.
The currency of Sardinia and Corsica (Italy and France) is the Euro. Most currencies can be easily exchanged. Cash machines accepting Visa and Mastercard etc. are very common. You can change money at the airport.
These are not a major problem while anchored in a bay. Bring some ointment or spray if you are very sensitive to bites as there could be a few around after dark.
Carry your identity card (EU citizens) or passport (non-EU citizens) at all times. You must be able to show some form of identification if required. Our yacht is a secure location as when you are off the vessel there should always be a member of crew onboard.
We do not have a ‘set-in-stone’ routing – due to the ever changing demands of weather. We always adjust our itinerary according to the winds to ensure you have time for yoga, brunch, swim, sailing, hiking… in-short, it is our philosophy to ensure we give you a great experience Please Note: We adjust our itinerary around the many beautiful islands and beaches North-East Sardinia and South-East Corsica have to offer & although we will endeavor to be in a new location every night, we are at the mercy of the weather Gods! Your comfort & safety is of the utmost importance to us, & on occasions weather conditions may dictate that we remain in the same location for more than 1 day or back-track our routing to get the best of the winds/weather conditions. For more information have a look at the section “Sailing route”.
The sun can be very strong in summer, and especially on a boat you’ll get plenty of it. Sun screen are available on board, but if you have specific requirements please bring your own too. It is advised to use a sun protection factor 30+ in the middle of the day, 15+ if you are already tanned and don’t burn easily. Don’t spoil your holiday for the sake of a tan. A long sleeved light colored T-shirt or sundress is advisable for sunny sailing days.
Mobiles with roaming facility will work in all the islands here. Sometimes while still in the Sardinian islands, the French network will start working so we will warn you to pay attention to the network changes.
Participants from outside the European Union will be issued a tourist visa at the port/airport of entry into Italy for a stay within the European Union of up to 3 months.
Yachts are self-contained environments with limits on resources – conserving water whilst onboard allows us to stay away from busy quays and maximizes our privacy. How can you contribute? Remember to keep the shower a bit shorter than usual and to close the tap while you brush your teeth. Your assistance is appreciated! Bottled water is always available to drink.
Yoga mats, blocks and belts are supplied onboard. Yoga sessions will be ashore on the beach or in sheltered areas, some morning or evening breathing & meditation techniques can be held on deck. Activities will be tailored to the group requirements.