We sailed toward the famed jewel of the Italian Riviera – Portofino, with its pastel buildings curving around a sapphire cove and bobbing superyachts crowding the harbor like paparazzi at a red carpet. Tempting as it was, the harbor was jammed, so we made the sailor’s call: a respectful glide-by and onward to the quieter Levanto for the night, well-positioned for our long-anticipated Cinque Terre coastline cruise.
The evening started serenely, lazing up front on Kora’s sun cushions, sunset blazing over the water, laughter and wine in the air. But by 4am, serenity gave way to 1.5-2 ft rolling swells. The sea’s irregular rhythm gave us our first bout of queasiness on this journey, as Kora rocked and hummed her way through a restless night.
But the next morning delivered pure magic. We set sail toward Cinque Terre, the villages tracing the rugged Ligurian coastline like a page from a storybook:
- Monterosso, the largest, sprawled with sandy beaches and striped umbrellas.
- Vernazza, with terraced vineyards and pastel homes stacked around its tiny harbor.
- Corniglia, perched high and proud on the side of the cliff.
- Manarola, dramatic and vertical, spilling into the sea like a mosaic.
- Riomaggiore, vibrant and bustling, with boats tethered in its steep little inlet.
Each village was a postcard. An absolute highlight of the trip.
Even more thrilling – realizing we were sailing near Kenzie and Alexandra, two of our favorite Tulane Beach Volleyball stars. We sent a message, and just like that, a plan was born: a dinghy rendezvous off Manarola. But naturally, just as Buzz launched the dinghy, the wind howled to life at 17+ knots, Kora pitching with excitement.
Undeterred and entirely heroic, Buzz surged into action, muscles rippling, bracing the dinghy off jagged rocks as sea spray flew. A cinematic rescue mission unfolded – Kenzie and Alexandra aboard, smiles wide, the dinghy carving back to Kora through the rising chop. With our guests safely aboard, we sailed triumphantly into La Spezia, spirits high.
cascade down the hillsides towards the sea
The afternoon was a joy, wandering Vernazza, sipping mules on the beach, and climbing the cliff to Ristorante La Torre, where local pasta dishes and endless coastal views took our breath away.
After heartfelt farewells, we squeezed in a quick adventure to Riomaggiore, then returned to Kora, hearts full and heads spinning.
This leg? Epic. Legendary. One we will not forget!
