Dolce Farr Niente was launched for the Spring 2026 season two weeks ago. We have big plans for ourselves this season and we have covered a lot of territory already.

The master plan is to make our way to and around Italy. We will leave DFN at a marina near Rome when we return to Canada for the summer. The steps include going to Nydri, Greece to have Star Link installed on the boat by our friend “Joe the Electrician”. Then making our way north to Corfu and across to Albania (a non-EU country) for the purpose of resetting DFN’s allowable time in the EU. Then crossing the Adriatic Sea to land in Puglia, Italy on the north west (heel) of The Boot. From there we will make our way south, through the Straight of Messina (between the toe of The Boot and Sicily) then up the eastern side of The Boot to Rome, an estimated 500 plus nautical miles.

We are fortunate the have Mike and Linda with us to help with this grand adventure. This is not a glamorous cruise. These two are more than just travel mates, they are working crew and we are grateful for all they do.

This time in Corfu we stayed at the Mandraki. It is a spectacular place to stay inside the walls, basically part of the old fort. It is very protected and within walking distance of everything the Old City has to offer.

The entry and exit at Albania went smoothly with the help of our agent, Jelja Serani. And then we were off for our crossing.

We made landfall, after eleven hours, at Porto Santa Maria di Leuca. The tallest lighthouse in Europe greeted us as we approached Leuca.

We have been in Italy only a couple of days; but, I could do a whole post on the food already.

Stay turned for more of our adventure as we make our way around Italy.