Tuscan Archipelago: Question & answer with Leonardo

Today we meet Leonardo the base manager of NSS Charter Toscana. We are in the Marina Cala de Medici about 20 miles south of Livorno in front of the Tuscan Archipelago. We asked Leonardo, an authentic local connoisseur, a few questions to learn a bit more about this sailing area.

What are the places that you think are absolutely worth visiting here?

"Our base is perfect to start off your sailing trip within the Tuscan archipelago which includes the Island of Elba, Capraia, Giglio, Giannutri. These are typically Mediterranean islands with small villages built around natural coves where the port is often already the center of the town. These are islands where the combination of nature, culture and traditions is perhaps the best you can find in the world. But it is also the perfect base to sail to the north of Corsica, where the landscapes are a bit barer and where you really can be in touch with nature. Let's not forget that we are inside the Cetacean Sanctuary - sailing in our waters means spotting dolphins and often whales. Something that will most certainly leave a mark on you and an incredible unique feeling that you can fully understand only when you get to experience it".

What is the spot you most definitely recommend when sailing in this area?

"If I were to recommend a particular place within this sailing area, which in my opinion really deserves a visit, is the Gulf of Spalmatoio (Golfo Spalmatoio) in Giannutri.  I strongly recommend sailing there at around sunset, anchoring there overnight, you get to take a dive in the early morning is an experience that makes a sailing holiday absolutely memorable".

Choosing a catamaran in the Archipelago means full relaxation

"NSS is the largest charter within Marina Cala de Medici, the port that hosts us, with a fleet of 15 boats including monohulls and catamarans. Monohulls range from 35 to 50 feet and are mostly Beneteau Oceanis while catamarans range between 40 and 50 feet are Lagoon.

One word about catamarans is a new entry for our fleet. The catamaran allows a particularly comfortable type of sailing holiday, they guarantee total independence from the marina because they often have a desalinator on board and above a certain size they can be considered luxury hotels by the sea".

Watch the full interview with Leonardo (you can enable English subtitles by clicking on the Gear Settings icon - at the bottom right of the video - Subtitles, English)