Rapallo has a particular affinity with classic yachts. The harbour has hosted traditional wooden and composite vessels since the regatta tradition on the Ligurian Riviera began in the early 20th century, and the Portofino promontory to the west was where British and American yachting families wintered their vessels before and after the war. A classic yacht charter based at Rapallo connects with that tradition in the most direct way. Classic yachts on the Italian Riviera include original wooden ketches and yawls with period interiors, beautifully restored racing yachts from the 1960s and 1970s, and newer builds in the classic idiom with modern safety equipment. Crews are enthusiasts first, professionals second: they chose these boats because they wanted to sail them, and that shows in the quality of their sailing. The Ligurian Sea suits classic yachts well. The northwest breezes are steady but not overpowering, the coastline provides a sequence of interesting anchorages and the absence of large swell makes longer passages comfortable in vessels without modern motion stabilisation. Weekly rates for classic yacht charters based at Rapallo start around 15,000 euros for a smaller vessel and climb to 80,000 euros for a larger schooner or ketch in exceptional condition. Add 30 percent for the APA.
