Easy Sailing to Venice Lagoon in Corona Times

When my grandchildren together with their parents came on board, we decided to take it easy and visit Venice and Chioggia. We left Marina Stella at noon on Thursday 9th, July 2020 and anchored in the Laguna Marano at our favorite place. Early next morning we left the lagoon and sailed to Porto Lido, where we had to wait, because they tested the MOSE flood prevention system. So we anchored east of the Lido inlet and went for a swim. In the evening we entered the lagoon and anchored in Canale San Felice.

Next day we visited Burano and Murano, passed San Michele cemetery and finally took a mooring at Compagnia della Vela at Isola San Giorgio Maggiore in front of Piazza San Marco. 

The next two days we visited Venice with only half as many tourists as usual and had nice meals at Ristorante Altanella, Bar alla Toletta and Trattoria Ai Cacciatori.

After getting fresh vegetables, prosciutto, bread and cheese from Rialto market we left San Giorgio Maggiore on Monday 13th, and anchored west of Isola Poveglia, where we had a good swim, gnocchi with two dips and enjoyed a quiet night.

Next morning we motored southwest inside the lagoon to Chioggia, where we took a mooring at Darsena Mosella for three nights. Our grandchildren enjoyed the beautiful beach and we savored good food at Pizzeria Antichi Sapori, Minerva, and Il Ristoro.

On Friday 17th we left Chioggia back northeast and had to tack against easterly winds. High waves took their toll on the crew, but finally we moored in Caorle at Darsena dell'Orologio and had a fine dinner at Ristorante il Centrale. Next day we sailed northeast with nice southwesterly winds and quiet sea and finally anchored in Laguna Marano at our favorite place. We baked delicious pancakes and enjoyed a quiet night. 

To get back with high tide we lifted our anchor next morning at 8:45 and moored at 10:00 at Marina Stella. We took a refreshing swim in the marina's large pool and enjoyed an exceptional dinner at Ristorante 900 all'Isola

With our young crew we sailed 148sm in 33h during 11 days.

You may download our track in gpx-format or view it directly on GoogleMaps.

Sailing only in Italian waters poses no problems at all now; no official procedures necessary, but fewer people and boats on the way. Italians are very disciplined wearing masks in all restaurants, shops and offices.