The Ligurian Riviera di Levante, with Rapallo at its centre, is a quietly serious sailing destination. Afternoon breezes from the northwest develop predictably from late morning, the coast offers enough shelter to plan itineraries around the wind, and the harbours at Santa Margherita, Portofino and La Spezia are all viable overnight stops. A sailing charter based at Rapallo gives you a comfortable town as your home port and a coastline that changes completely over the 60 miles between Genoa and the Cinque Terre. Sailing yachts available for charter in this area tend toward the practical and the elegant: well-maintained cruising yachts of 14 to 22 metres with competent crews who know the local conditions. Few sailing superyachts base themselves here, which means the charter fleet is less ostentatious than in the Amalfi but also more characterful. Weekly rates for sailing charter yachts based at Rapallo start around 12,000 euros per week for a 14-metre vessel and reach 70,000 euros for a larger, newer performance cruiser. Add 30 percent as the APA for marina fees, diesel for motor passages, provisions and harbour dues. The coast from Portofino to Portovenere is best sailed in the mornings before the afternoon chop builds; plan itineraries accordingly. June and September are excellent sailing months with consistent northwest breezes.
