Roaming the Seas of the World with IntersailClub, the Airbnb of Sailing

[Simon Hopes]

IntersailClub

The greatest way to see the world's beaches and coastlines is, unsurprisingly, by by boat. But of course, sailing for most people means relying on tour operators and charters. To add to the growing options out there, one service that has arisen in recent years is IntersailClub, which as posttionend itself as the Airbnb of sailing. Offering 76 itineraries around the world; it connects would-be sailers with yacht and catamaran owners, allowing you to book a spot at rates substantially more moderate than booking the entire boat (at the moment, for example, a seven-day sail in Ibiza/Formentera, in Spain's Balearic Islands, costs just 376 euros per person, though there are various other sailing packages at various price points, up to 1,750 for a week on a luxury catamaran through Italy's Aeolian Islands.. "Bareboat" (meaning you sail the craft yourself) options are also available.

Sailing and Wining off Southern Italy


The excursion my group recently picked was part of the Wine and Sail Flotilla from Sail Italia along in the Bay of Naples and along an inspiring stretch of southern Italian coastline where rugged green mountains dive into the Mediterranean with vivid towns clinging to their sides.

Our cruise began in Provide - a spot we'd never known about - the smalelst (at just four square kilometers) and least touristy island in the Bay of Naples; we also chose to go spend seven days here even before the sail began. We became hopelessly enamored with its laid-back appeal, lemon groves, and lively Marina Corricella.

The following morning after the cruise began, we set off on the short excursion to neighboring island Ischia. It's significantly bigger and more precipitous than Provide, with a stunning coastline of beautiful towns and the inspiring Aragonese Castle, rooted on volcanic stone. We spent a comfortable mid-day break secured offshore sunbathing and swimming in the sea. For the majority of the week we motored more than cruised, yet that first evening we got the sails up and Simon maneuvered us around Ischia to Marina di Forio where we spent the night.

The next day saw a long daytime crossing to Capri in rough waters, but it was well worth the trouble. The rugged limestone rock takes off over the blue ocean. Its overwhelming structure appears to be aloof yet it's specked with lavish green trees, purple bougainvillea, and sturdy white houses.At night we enjoyed wonderful onboard tastings of delicious Italian wines.