The Amalfi report

The 2026 Gnomad Sailing Amalfi Flotilla was everything we hoped for and more: seven days of sailing, laughter, learning, incredible food, and unforgettable adventures along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

Our flotilla consisted of two Leopard 42 catamarans carrying 13 adventurers from around the globe, all brought together by a shared love of travel, sailing, and good company. From the colorful waterfronts of Procida to the dramatic cliffs of Positano and the timeless charm of Amalfi, every day brought a new destination and a new story.

We began our journey in Procida, where the crew gathered, provisioned the boats, and quickly transformed from strangers into shipmates. After a thorough briefing and a celebratory first dinner, lines were cast off and the adventure officially began.

The days that followed were filled with spectacular sailing conditions, swimming stops in crystal-clear water, dockside cafés, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for everyone to sharpen their sailing skills. Whether learning Mediterranean mooring techniques, standing watch underway, or helping navigate between ports, every crew member became an active part of the experience.

Highlights included exploring the postcard-perfect streets of Positano, wandering the historic center of Amalfi, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine of Nerano, and soaking in the charm of Sant’Angelo. Every harbor offered its own personality, and every evening seemed to produce another memory that will be talked about for years.

Of course, no Gnomad Sailing adventure would be complete without a little celebration. The legendary Pirate Party quickly became one of the week’s defining moments, complete with costumes, laughter, sea stories, questionable pirate accents, and enough fun to ensure future flotillas will have a hard act to follow. For one evening, the Amalfi Coast belonged to a crew of happy pirates.

As we sailed back toward Procida, there was a feeling familiar to anyone who has shared an adventure at sea: gratitude. Gratitude for fair winds, new friendships, incredible destinations, and the simple joy of living life fully.

The flotilla may have ended when we stepped off the boats, but the stories, friendships, and memories made along the Amalfi Coast will continue sailing with us for years to come. ⚓🌊☀️🏴‍☠️🍋🇮🇹

Anchoring

⚓ Drop It Like It’s Yacht: Anchoring Without the Drama 🌊😎

Anchoring is one of those skills that quietly separates a casual cruiser from a confident sailor ⚓🌊. Get it right, and you unlock front-row seats to sunsets, glassy mornings, and those “how is this real?” nights on the water 🌅🍊

At its core, anchoring is simple: drop the hook, pay out chain, let it set. But the difference between drifting at 2am and sleeping like a rock comes down to a few key details.

First up: Scope. Scope is the ratio between the amount of anchor rode (chain or rope) you let out and the depth of the water plus bow roller height or roller height above the waterline📏. A good rule of thumb is 5:1 in calm conditions and 7:1 or more when it’s breezy 🌬️. So in 10 feet of water and 5 feet to the bow roller, you’re looking at 75–100 feet of chain. More scope creates a flatter angle on the anchor, helping it dig in instead of getting pulled out.

Next, the holding ground — what’s beneath you 🐚.
The gold standard? Sand and mud 🏝️. Anchors bite deep and hold strong.
Solid backup: sand/mud mix.
Sketchy: grass or weeds 🌱 — your anchor may just skate along the surface.
Avoid when possible: rock or coral 🪨 — tough to set, easy to snag, and rough on the seabed ecosystem.

A clean anchoring sequence goes like this: motor slowly into the wind or current, lower the anchor, (do not drop it fast as it could tangle the chain), once it hits the bottom, ease into reverse while steadily letting out chain ⚓💨. Once you’ve hit your desired scope, give it a gentle but firm reverse to set the anchor. Watch your surroundings, take a transit, or check your GPS to confirm you’re not dragging. I always set an anchor alarm, most navigation systems have a built in one, or you can use a free app called "Anchor Pro".

Get this dialed in, and you’re not just stopping the boat… you’re staking your claim to a floating front porch for the night 🌙⛵ Yes, this is me, anchored the Catamaran on our Balearic Flotilla in 2025.