Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

Just a short 22Nm cruise from Viareggio, the jewel in La Spezia’s crown is the UNESCOWorld Heritage Cinque Terre – five petite villages that overlook the sea and reached only by boat or a small train that rumbles between them. The vibrant shades of pink, blue, yellow and green facades perched on the cliff face make this one of the most photographed places in the world. The coastal Lover’s Walk (currently under repair from landslide) links Riomaggiore (the most southerly village famed for its vineyards) to the second village, Manarola, while Vernazza boasts a natural harbour and pretty Piazza Marconi. Not to be overshadowed, however, nearby Porto Venere (in the Bay of Poets) is one of Italy’s most iconic moorings, steeped in history with old town streets filled with artisan flavour. Forming part of the Porto Venere Regional National Park, it encompasses Palmaria Island, dotted with beaches, caves and protected dive sites. Dine on board by day, interspersed with revitalising swims in the sea, and by night spend starlit evenings sampling the mouth-watering delights of Italy’s gastronomic heights. The spectacular harbourside setting of Portofino stands at the forefront of the local social scene abundant in seafood tavernas, elegantly retaining an air of casual dolce far niente. Come morning, ideally accessed by yacht, San Fruttuoso di Camogli bay is tucked away in a verdant cove, found between Camogli and Portofino, and is a top spot to explore nearby inlets by paddleboard or kayak. While the Italian Riviera is undoubtedly a must-see, the entire Italian coastline - from the cultural hub of Genoa to the southernmost tip of the boot – provides a rewarding charter experience. At Porto Ercole on the Argentario peninsula explore underwater caves by SeaBob or tour the shoreline by Jet Ski. In the afternoon, hop over to Isola del Giglio and