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Chartering between Corsica and Sardinia: what applies in the Strait of Bonifacio?
Short answer
Chartering between Corsica and Sardinia means crossing the Strait of Bonifacio,
where a westerly picks up sharply.
There are normally no border formalities,
but protected areas on both sides have rules of their own.
Chartering between Corsica and Sardinia takes you through the Strait of Bonifacio, the gap between the southern tip of Corsica and the north of Sardinia. On the French side lies the nature reserve of the Bouches de Bonifacio with the Lavezzi islands, on the Italian side the national park of the La Maddalena archipelago. France and Italy are both in the EU and the Schengen area, so crossing normally involves no border formalities. What applies in the strait depends much more on wind, shipping and the rules of the protected areas.
Wind comes first. In a westerly the air is squeezed between the two islands and speeds up, and there is noticeably more wind and sea in the strait than off the coast either side. Ferries and cargo ships cross and transit the strait as well. Both protected areas have zones where anchoring, fishing or navigation is restricted or prohibited, and the La Maddalena park authority requires a paid permit for leisure craft. The current zones and charges are in the base's cruising notes and on the park authorities' own information.
Before you book, ask the base whether you may cross to the other island and what papers it puts on board for that. Plan the crossing for settled weather with a bolt hole, and read the forecast for the strait itself, not just the coast. Get the park permit before you enter La Maddalena and keep to the anchoring zones. Carry your qualification, passports and crew list. You are personally liable for damage you cause to others with the charter yacht, in France and in Italy, so make sure your own skipper liability insurance covers both.
Worth remembering
Border
France and Italy, normally no formalities
Wind and parks
funnelled westerlies, zones and a park permit
Between Corsica and Sardinia it is not the border that holds you up but the wind and the rules of the protected areas.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
Do I need border papers to sail from Sardinia to Corsica?
Normally not, as both islands are in the EU and the Schengen area. Passports, the crew list and the boat's papers still belong on board, and the charter agreement says whether the base allows the crossing.
Why is the Strait of Bonifacio so rough in a westerly?
Because the wind is funnelled between the two islands and speeds up. There is noticeably more wind and sea in the strait than off the coast, so plan the crossing for settled weather.
Do I need a permit for La Maddalena?
Yes, the park authority requires a paid permit for leisure craft, priced by boat size and duration. The park authority publishes current charges and zones, and the base will know how to obtain one.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “Chartering between Corsica and Sardinia: what applies in the Strait of Bonifacio?” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
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