Sarzana to Lerici by boat

Pilotage Plan: Sarzana, SP, IT to Lerici, SP, IT

Route Overview This delightful journey from Sarzana to Lerici offers stunning coastal views along the Ligurian Sea, ensuring an enjoyable outing for experienced sailors and novices alike. The distance is relatively short—around 8 nautical miles—which makes this trip particularly suitable for day cruising and allows flexibility with your schedule. You’ll navigate through historically rich areas, past beautiful landmarks, and along picturesque shores.

Departure Point: Sarzana, SP, IT Starting from Sarzana, a charming town rich in history, you can take a moment to explore its narrow streets and impressive medieval architecture before setting sail. The harbor here is suitable for all types of vessels.

Hazards and Considerations As you depart Sarzana, it’s crucial to be attentive to the local traffic as fishing boats are common in the area. Additionally, pay attention to the tidal currents as they can be quite brisk, especially during the change of tide.

Notable Points of Interest Along the Route 1. Marina di Carrara: Just a short detour of about 3 nautical miles from Sarzana, this marina can be a perfect pit stop for fuel or provisions. Also, it provides shelter if the weather turns sour.

2. Fortress of Lerici: As you approach Lerici, you’ll catch sight of the iconic medieval fortress perched above the bay. It’s an excellent place to drop anchor and explore ashore, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

3. San Terenzo: A quaint inlet on the way to Lerici, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. If conditions permit, consider stopping here for a swim or a casual lunch at one of the local eateries.

Navigational Aids While navigating this route, there are several key aids to keep in mind:

• Lerici Lighthouse (Faro di Lerici): Located at the entrance of the harbor, it’s an essential reference point and can aid in your approach to Lerici.
• Buoys and Markers: Be mindful of the various buoys indicating safe channels and shallow waters, particularly near the inlets. It’s wise to have a lookout for local fishing activities, especially at dawn and dusk.

Local Regulations Be aware of local boating regulations. The waters around Lerici can be prone to heavy boat traffic during peak seasons, so maintain a safe distance and adhere to navigation rules. Speed limits are often enforced, especially in congested zones, so proceed with caution.

Shelter Considerations Should the weather take a turn for the worse, both the Bay of Lerici and San Terenzo offer good shelter options. Additionally, the area around Marina di Carrara is also equipped for safe mooring with modern amenities.

Suitability for Boat Types This route is suitable for various types of boaters, from sailboats to motorboats. The calm waters in most parts combined with the fairly accurate weather conditions of this region make it ideal for both seasoned sailors looking for a quick coastal trip and newer boaters seeking a manageable, rewarding journey.

Recommended Boating Apps To maximize your safety and enjoyment while on the water, consider using the following apps:

• Savvy Navvy: A fantastic navigational tool that provides real-time data on tides, weather, and charts.
• Navionics: Great for charting, it helps in understanding the local geography and aids in planning your route.
• Windy: Essential for checking weather conditions, especially wind patterns which are crucial for your journey.

This route is not only a pathway from Sarzana to Lerici, but a wonderful way to experience the Ligurian coast’s culture, beauty, and charm. Enjoy a safe trip!