Summer sailing camps for kids

One-week camps for children and teenagers aboard a large sailing yacht, with around ten peers and a qualified staff: a skipper and two environmental guides.

Where?

Elba Island and the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica

For whom?

Children and teenagers from age 7, divided into age groups: 7-10, 11-14, 13-15, 14-17, 16-19, 20-25

When?

June, July, August and September

Educational and fun camps

During our summer camps, children and teenagers will enjoy a unique experience, in contact with the fantastic nature of Elba Island and the Tuscan Archipelago. The activities during the sailing camps are truly many and engaging.

Sports and games

Sailing school, theory, hands-on practice, plus many other sports activities such as snorkeling, trekking, swimming, group games in water and on land.

Educational workshops

Marine biology, mineralogy, botany, zoology supported by a small on-board science lab with digital microscope and many nature excursions.

Building team spirit

The purpose of all proposed activities is to build a crew of children and teenagers who, through teamwork, grow as individuals. A true school of life.

Learning to collaborate

Accompanied by expert staff, during the camp children will learn how to manage a sailing yacht, from daily cleaning, cooking on board, to actual navigation. As in every good crew, everyone will have a task. Roles will rotate so everyone can try each one.

Cooking on board

We pay particular attention to nutrition and healthy eating education. The kitchen becomes a place for hands-on experimentation and socialisation. On board we'll have quality products and extra virgin olive oil from our own production.

We can accommodate children and teenagers with specific dietary needs, such as celiac disease or other intolerances, provided these are communicated in advance through the appropriate section of the personal registration form.

How much does it cost?

€ 850.00

per week per person

For two or more siblings, the fee is reduced to €790 each.

What's included

Educational materials
Port stops
Fuel and boat management costs
Participation in all activities
Food and accommodation
UISP membership and insurance

Not included

Return journey to Portoferraio

Frequently asked questions

My child has never been on a boat, can they participate?

Of course! Most kids are first-timers.

My child can't swim, can they participate?

Many activities take place in the water, so a minimum level of water confidence is necessary.

Are children all together or divided by age?

We have different age groups: 7-10, 11-14, 14-16, 17-19 and also 20-25 years old.

Where do the children sleep?

Overnight stays are always on the boat. Children are divided into 4 cabins with two or three beds each, all with their own bathroom. Boys and girls have separate cabins and bathrooms.

What if my child gets seasick?

We're very careful never to sail in rough seas. If it happens, it resolves quickly: just stop and take a swim!

How and when can I contact my child?

Phones are allowed on board but can only be turned on between 8pm and 9pm. For emergencies, you'll be given the skipper's phone numbers.

Do I have to take my child to Elba Island?

No: our staff will take charge of the group in Piombino, saving parents the ferry cost to Portoferraio. Likewise, at the end of the week the children will be escorted back to Piombino.

My child is not yet confident in the water — can they still participate?

Yes: our guides have taught and helped hundreds of children improve their swimming. During our camps there are always two adults in the water, leading and closing the group, and buoyancy aids such as life jackets or rings are provided when needed.

Is it suitable for girls?

Absolutely! Our activities are suitable for everyone. The camps are mixed but boys and girls are never placed in the same cabin. Additionally, one of the staff members (usually the environmental guide) is a woman.

What do they eat?

Cooking is one of our proudest features: we cook and eat well on board. Fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, meat and fish dishes prepared with creativity by our guides with the help of the children on kitchen duty. The diet is Mediterranean, using healthy, genuine products.

Do they sleep in port?

Almost never. We sleep at anchor in bays, which is much more beautiful. Unless special circumstances arise, we much prefer quiet coves to crowded marinas. Elba Island offers shelter in all weather conditions; the roadstead of Portoferraio is one of the best anchorages in the Mediterranean.

My child has a chronic condition, allergy or intolerance — can they participate?

Our policy is to welcome everyone on board without discrimination. The registration form includes a section for reporting any treatments or foods to avoid. For particular conditions or rare diseases, please contact us to discuss feasibility.

What should the luggage be like?

This is extremely important! Luggage must be kept to a minimum because space on board is very limited. Only one SOFT bag per person is allowed. A rigid suitcase or trolley would be impossible to stow and would cause serious problems on board!

Is there insurance coverage?

All children are insured through the accident policy of UISP (Italian Union of Sport for All), to which we are affiliated.

What happens if my child gets ill?

We are always close enough to towns with medical services or hospitals. In case of illness you will be immediately contacted by the camp coordinator to decide the best course of action. We never administer medication to children without your authorisation.

Do you have references?

We have been present on Elba Island for many years, working with both adults and young people. We have collaborated with schools across Italy, and in 2010 Campi del Vento was selected by the Italian Ministry of the Environment in partnership with Legambiente for the pilot project "E...state nei parchi". We have also been featured on radio and TV.

Are there 2-week sailing camps?

Yes: call us to check availability.

Want to enrol your kids?

Contact