Sailing on Lake Como is a greta way to be introduced the sport. You can take a few hours of basic training which can be spread over a short holiday break of three to five days. This will give you the confidence to return home with sailing experience and increase your expertise at a local club or to buy your own dingy. For intermediates you can improve your sailing experiences and capability and compete in local events.

How difficult is sailing. Not at all is the answer. If you start on "easy to sail" dinghies in light weather, then the basics come very easily. You only need to wear sensible clothes and a life jacket. The Italian Lakes are not like the great oceans where you may encounter more serious water and weather conditions. Sailing is as easy, or easier than almost any other sport. It does not require great hand-eye co-ordination, balance or a license. That's 3 great reasons to start!

Sailing however can give a great buzz. With a following wind and a good reach, the boat can skim across the water at sup rising speeds. Tacking and coming in against the wind is of course the part which motor boat enthusiasts will decry. They however leave a big carbon footprint, have a motor howling in their ear and the level of exercise is clearly less! The silence with just the rush of water at the bow and the fantastic views from the Lake, which are totally different to viewing from the shore, make this a worthwhile experience!

The Lake as with many bays and coastal areas tend to see calmer water, as the water and the land mass have equilibrated temperatures. This is when you will see the most motorboats and water skiers. They always give way to sail however and there is no reason to be nervous. As the day progresses the wind tends to pick up a little and you will see more wind surfers and sailing dingiest out on the water.

There are a number of sailing courses and most are for adults,in groups or privately.

There are "Tabo Surf Centres" in Sorico and Gera Lario with group classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced; There is also a childrens class for 6-12 year olds. Adult classes cost over €250 (pus EU25 paperwork!) for fifteen hours over five days whilst the childrens’ classes cost from €160. The classes are inclusive of lifejackets and all necessary sailing equipment.

You may expect to move on up to faster more sophisticated boats when taking private lessons (which start at €50 per single hour and you will get to sail a Hobie Catamaran.

These centres also hire sailing boats, wind-surfing and kite surfing equipment and and rent out kayaks, outdoor equipment & mountain bikes etc.

At Domaso the Katsegeln centre provides introductory training courses lasting seven and a half hours over three days, the next level of basic training lasting twelve and a half hours over five days, and an advanced level, lasting ten hours over five days. The courses cost upwards of €18o or for the more well heeled you can choose personal training at €80 per hour, discounted for more.

These centres are quite well known and found from the LAke roads easily. There are many other smaller and diverse sailing opportunities and we have provided links below.