You have probably heard about recreational boating in Italy. But what does it mean exactly? By definition, it is a kind of sailing carried out in inland or maritime waters for sporting or recreational purposes with a non-profit goal. You can travel on ships, vessels and boats and everything is regulated. If you are into recreational boating, keep reading the article to find out more!
Recreational boating in Italy: some useful definitions
First of all, one of the most important things to keep in mind regarding recreational boating in Italy is the different kinds of watercraft, which means the kind of transportation used to sail. The main source to use as reference in these cases is the Recreational Boating Code, where all essential information is contained if you are interested in sailing safely and lawfully.
There are different types of vessels which can be differentiated according to their length. However, the first thing to know is that watercraft refers to all kinds of transportation with any kind of means of propulsion. As I was saying, there is a differentiation in relation to vessels and it is as follows:
- Leisure crafts: for transports up to 10 meters
- Pleasure boats: over 10 meters up to 24 meters
- Recreational ships: over 24 meters
It is important to underline that in common language it is possible to be more generic, that is to use terms such as “boats” or “yachts”. In the case of recreational boating, however, it is good to be precise because everything is governed by well-defined rules.
The latest regulations on recreational boating in Italy
A few months ago, the Italian Minister of Transports, Enrico Giovannini, signed a regulation valid up to September 30, 2021, which aims at implementing monitoring activities to identify what are the priorities in relation to safe bathing and yachting. In particular, this year we need to be even more careful to prevent Coronavirus from spreading.
If you love recreational boating it will be useful for you to know that the check will be mainly about being compliant with navigation regulations and bans in those areas destined for bathing and will also deal with high traffic maritime areas. There will also be monitoring in terms of the correct waste disposal and the respect of navigation limits in marine protected areas.
Furthermore, there will be checks on potential improper use of transportation such as jet skis, water walking balls or kite-surfs. If you are a recreational boating lover, you will find some interesting info as you keep reading, guaranteed!
How recreational boating in Italy has changed after the pandemic
As expected, all sectors were impacted by the pandemic, including recreational boating in Italy. But what has changed compared to 2019?
An investigation led by a research centre of the Political Sciences Department of University of Genova was based on a questionnaire distributed in February 2021 and it exclusively involves vessels and boats.
The results are quite intriguing: first of all, it was noticed that sailors tend to be from 61 to 75 years old, followed by the 46-60 range. Furthermore, on average, sailors are mainly men and with a degree.
Here another interesting info: it was noticed that most people prefer buying a used boat rather than a new one. Furthermore, it has been calculated that in 2020 the number of day outings and cruises decreased in comparison with 2019, and the reasons were mainly due to difficulty in moving, limitations on the number of people allowed to be carried and difficulty in reaching the places least hit by the pandemic.
Now that you have all the useful information you need regarding pleasure boating in Italy, what are you waiting for? Get planning a day out or a little cruise with your boat!