Season 5 - 2026 Route Plan (Part 1)

This season will be the boldest one ever as we make our way west from Montenegro to the coast of Spain in 10 weeks for part 1 of our 2026 sailing year.

Leg 1 - Tivat Montenegro to Bari Italy - 106NM

It seems like every season our first leg is an over nighter. A good way to get right back into the cruising lifestyle after spending six months on land in Nova Scotia.

Leg 2 - Brindisi - 60NM

We will head South in the Adriatic Sea down the East coast of Italy.

Leg 3 - Otranto - 45NM

Leg 4 - Santa María de Leuca - 25NM

Leg 5 - Crotone - 71NM

Heading south in the Adriatic we will cruse down and around the Boot of Italy,

Leg 6 - Roccella - 65NM

Leg 7 - Reggio Claabria - 60NM

On this passage we will enter the Strait of Messina which is a narrow, historically significant waterway in Southern Italy, separating Sicily from the Italian mainland (Calabria) and linking the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, known for its powerful, shifting currents, rich marine life (like swordfish), and as a vital bird migration route. It's famous for the Greek myth of Scylla and Charybdis, whirlpools, and mirages (Fata Morgana), We passed through this waterway in 2023 and can vouch for the crazy currents and abundance of wildlife. 

Leg 8 - Vibo Marina - 50NM

Leg 9 - Maratea - 80NM

Leg 10 - Agropoli - 55NM

Leg 11 - Salerno - 20NM

Leg 12 - Sorrento (Amalfi Coast) - 26NM

Sorrento is a stunning Italian cliffside town on the Bay of Naples, famous for its panoramic views, fragrant lemon groves, Limoncello liqueur, and as a perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii, offering historic alleys, artisan shops (ceramics, marquetry), lovely gardens (Villa Comunale), bustling squares (Piazza Tasso), and delicious seafood from its marinas. It blends ancient Roman resort charm with vibrant modern tourism, featuring cliff-edge hotels, tranquil cloisters (San Francesco), and a lively atmosphere. Janine and Andrew will be sure to drive to Ravello to raise a toast to the town they got married in 2015.

Leg 13 - Ischia Island - 21NM

We will depart the mainland and head to a few islands in the Terranean Sea .

Leg 14 - Ventotene Island - 25NM

Leg 15 - Isola di Ponza - 25NM

Ponza is a volcanic island and a popular Italian summer destination in the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its stunning turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, charming harbor with colorful houses, and rich history (linked to Greek mythology and Mussolini). As the largest of the Pontine Islands, it offers activities like boating, snorkeling, hiking, and enjoying fresh seafood, attracting Italians but remaining a less-crowded gem for international travelers seeking authentic dolce vita. 

Leg 16 - Nettuno - 35NM

Leg 17 - ROME - 30NM

We are looking forward to spending a couple of days land touring in Rome. Italy's capital, A historic city on the Tiber River famous for ancient ruins like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Vatican City, beautiful fountains (Trevi), art, and rich culture

Leg 18 - Santa Marinella - 25NM

A commune. Santa Marinella is a charming coastal town in Lazio, Italy, known as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea," famous for its beaches, historic sites like Santa Severa Castle and Etruscan/Roman ruins, and as a popular, easy day trip from Rome due to its short train ride and mild climate, offering seaside relaxation, water sports, and vintage Italian resort vibes. 

Leg 19 - Orbetello - 40NM

Leg 20 - Isola d'Elba - 50NM

Visiting Elba on our FP Elba 45 is a must do stop for us.

Elba (Isola d'Elba) is Italy's third-largest island, famous as Napoleon's first place of exile (1814-15) and a popular Mediterranean tourist spot known for its diverse beaches, clear waters, rich history (Etruscan, Roman), scenic beauty, and part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Key destinations include Portoferraio (capital), Capoliveri, and Porto Azzurro, with ferries running from mainland Piombino. 

Leg 21 - Rosignano - 35NM

Leg 22 - Pisa - 20NM

We toured here in 2017 with our friends Michelle, Mark and Erin.

Leg 23 - Bocca di Magra - 25NM

Leg 24 - Portofino - 40NM

We have heard alot about Portofino and we look forward to exploring the town and area.

Leg 25 - Varazze - 30NM

Leg 26 - Marina Loano - 20NM

Leg 27 - Sanremo - 32NM

Sanremo is a beautiful Italian Riviera city in Liguria, famous for its mild climate, flower industry (the "City of Flowers"), and the iconic Sanremo Music Festival. Located near the French border, it offers stunning coastline, a historic old town, beaches with golden sand, and a popular cycling path, attracting visitors for shopping, culture, and relaxing seaside getaways. 

Leg 28 - Menton, France OR Monaco - 15NM

Pending on where we can find affordable accommodations for 45NORTH. Regardless we will do some land touring in Monaco to indulge in the opulence,

Leg 29 - Villefranche-sur-Mer FRANCE - 15NM

Leg 30 - Cannes - 20NM

Another amazing place we have been wanting to visit for years.

Leg 31 - Saint-Tropez - 25NM

We have heard a lot about Saint Tropez and looking forward to exploring here. Saint-Tropez is a coastal town on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. Long popular with artists, the town attracted the international "jet set" in the 1960s, and remains known for its beaches and nightlife. The cobblestoned La Ponche quarter recalls its past as a fishing village, although yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Vieux Port (Old Port).

Leg to the FINISH in Barcelona - 240NM

Depending on our timeline we would also like to stop in to Marselle (85NM), We will shoot the bay 180NM to Barcelona.

We fly back to Halifax June 18th, just in time for the SailGP races in the harbour.