THE RHYTHM OF THE RIVIERA

NORTH SAILS TRAVEL GUIDE: THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

EXPLORING THE BEST OF THE LIGURIAN RIVIERA

If you're looking for a place to live la dolce vita, you'll find it here. Stretching from the French border to the azure crescent of La Spezia, the Ligurian Riviera offers a diverse mix of activities, scenic spots, and iconic beach clubs. From sipping spritzes under striped umbrellas to cruising the coastline on a classic sailboat—this place is all about slowing down and soaking it all in.  

HIKE TO SAN FRUTTUOSO ABBEY AND DIVE THE CHRIST OF THE ABYSS 

One of Portofino's most popular hikes winds you through Portofino Natural Park to San Fruttuoso Abbey—a 10th Century Monastery fronted by a beautiful pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. The 5km hike takes around 2 hours, and you'll be rewarded with a fresh seafood lunch and a chilled glass of local wine in one of the beachside restaurants. While you're here, it's well worth a dive or snorkel trip out to Christ of The Abyss—a bronze statue placed on the seabed about 300m from the shoreline.

LEARN TO SAIL OR WING FOIL IN GENOA 

Named after a legendary figure in Italian sailing, the Scuola di Mare Beppe Croce in Genoa offers sailing and wing foiling lessons to adults and children aged six and over. From beginners through to improvers and advanced, the club places special emphasis on responsibility to yourself, others, and the environment. Locals who want to progress beyond dinghies can join the crew of the club's 16-metre sailing yacht and compete in coastal and offshore races.  

SHOP ARTISAN BOUTIQUES IN RAPALLO 

Tucked between pastel facades and palm-lined streets, Rapallo's historic center is a treasure trove of artisan boutiques. Wander the cobbled streets to discover hand-stitched leather sandals, locally made jewelry, and traditional Ligurian ceramics. Many workshops are family-run, passing down skills through generations—so you'll leave not just with a souvenir but a little piece of Riviera craftsmanship. Perfect after a seaside lunch or a late-morning espresso.

BAGNI WINDSOR, LAIGUEGLIA  

Bagni Windsor is all about ease—sun-drenched days spent by the sea, wide parasols, comfy loungers, and tasty refreshments. Whether you're cooling off in the water, stretching out in the shade, or grabbing a snack from the hotel bar just steps away, this is slow living at its finest. Thoughtfully set up for full days spent waterside, it's a quiet kind of luxury—simple, effortless, and perfectly Riviera. 

PACK YOUR BAG. LAY BACK. DIVE IN.  

From elegant hideaways to new skills and firm traveler favorites, the Ligure offers so much more than just a place to lay your towel. Get out there, embrace the pace, and make some memories. 

LATEST NORTH SAILS NEWS

NORTH SAILS AND YACHT CLUB ITALIANO CONSOLIDATE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

NORTH SAILS AND YACHT CLUB ITALIANO CONSOLIDATE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

From sailmaking to performance apparel: an evolving partnership geared up for future challenges. North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are proud to announce the formal expansion of their long-standing relationship into a comprehensive long-term partnership. This agreement officially designates North Sails as the Official Technical Partner for both sailmaking and performance apparel, marking a new chapter in a collaboration built on decades of mutual respect and shared maritime values. The partnership, which extends through 2030, is not a beginning, but rather an evolution of the existing bond between the two organizations. By formalizing this alliance, North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano aim to align their goals ahead of the Club’s historic 150th Anniversary, creating a robust technical ecosystem that serves the Club’s members, elite athletes, and international racing calendar. Alessio Razeto, North Sails Sales Director, emphasized the organic nature of this development: "Our relationship with the Yacht Club Italiano goes beyond a simple collaboration; it is built on years of friendship, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to promoting sailing among young sailors. Today, this partnership is further strengthened with the addition of North Sails Apparel, expanding opportunities forcollaboration and mutual growth. We look ahead with great enthusiasm to the upcoming season, which promises a calendar of high-profile events that will best showcase and enhance this shared journey." This consolidated partnership reinforces North Sails' position at the heart of the Italian racing scene. By expanding its role to include technical apparel alongside its world-leading sail technology, North Sails will provide comprehensive support as the technical partner to the Yacht Club Italiano, organizer of iconic regattas such as the Loro Piana Giraglia, Genova Sailing Week, Bombola d’Oro, and Millevele IREN. “North Sails has been a valued partner of Yacht Club Italiano for many years through its sailmaking division, supporting our sporting activities and sharing our commitment to excellence in sailing,” said Carlo Cameli, President of Yacht Club Italiano. “We are very pleased to welcome North Sails Apparel into this collaboration, further strengthening the relationship between our two organizations. This new agreement represents an important opportunity to enhance the experience of our members, athletes and events, while continuing to promote the values, tradition and innovation that define both North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano.” The core of this extended union is the seamless integration of advanced sail aerodynamics with ergonomic apparel design. This "360-degree" approach ensures that the technical requirements of the modern sailor are met both on and off the water. "Formalizing our partnership with the Yacht Club Italiano is a natural step forward in our shared history," stated Cedric Georges, CEO of North Sails Apparel. "Moving beyond our established rapport, this agreement allows us to work even more closely on innovation and performance. We are proud to support the Club as it navigates toward its 150th anniversary and beyond." With a shared history as their foundation and innovation as their compass, North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are united by a unified vision. As preparations begin for the upcoming racing season and the milestone celebrations ahead, this partnership stands as a testament to their enduring dedication to the sport of sailing and the global yachting community.
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