FAQ

  • Our 2026 session runs from July 2 to July 11, a 10-day immersive experience on the smallest habited island in Italy.

  • The full program fee is 3500 USD, excluding airfare.
    This includes accommodations, all meals prepared with organic and locally sourced products, daily sailing sessions and sailing instruction, boat outings, guided cultural visits, all scheduled activities, and complete on island logistics.

    The program also includes 24/7 supervision by our staff, with certified team members accompanying students throughout the entire journey, including flights, airport procedures, and all ground and sea transfers.
    All local transportation is included, with a private bus reserved exclusively for our group and ferry transportation from Formia to Ventotene, so families do not need to manage travel logistics or worry about their children at any stage of the trip.

    In addition, the program fee includes:

    • Sports and sailing insurance covering all organized nautical and outdoor activities
    • Dedicated safety staff present during all sea outings
    • Daily photo updates shared with families through a private folder
    • Bed linens and bath towels provided on island
    • Careful management of dietary needs, allergies, and special requirements
    • A post program buffet dinner in New York at Sullaluna, in the West Village, bringing together students, families, and part of the staff to close the experience and reconnect after the camp

  • Teens ages 12 to 17 who are curious, active, and ready to experience sailing, nature, culture and independence in a safe and supportive environment.

  • We accept a maximum of 25 students, from New York and Europe, to ensure personalized attention, strong group cohesion, and a premium-quality experience.

  • Yes. Due to limited availability and the nature of the experience, we review each application carefully to ensure the best fit for every participant.

  • Use this link for looking in to our Safety and Risk Management Policy

  • Certainly.
    Families are welcome to contact us by email to arrange an in person meeting. Lorenzo, the founder, will be happy to meet families personally at Sullaluna, our bookstore and bistro in the West Village, to answer questions and discuss the program in detail. Unlike many international programs, we believe that in person contact is fundamental to building trust and ensuring families feel fully confident before enrolling.

Program overview

Travel & flights

  • No, flights are not included.

    However, families may purchase the flight directly through us, ensuring that all students travel together and are fully accompanied by our chaperones.
    The estimated round-trip flight cost is approximately 1200 USD.

  • The group departs from New York JFK, meeting well in advance for a calm and smooth start to the journey. Three experienced adult chaperones accompany the students throughout the entire trip.

    Upon arrival in Rome, the group travels by private bus to the port of Formia (about two hours), followed by a one-hour ferry to Ventotene, offering beautiful views and a first feel of the island.

    Meals and snacks are provided, and students may purchase additional items if they wish.

    Flight details and airline information will be shared with families as soon as arrangements are finalized.

Accommodation & daily life

  • Students stay at the Foresteria, our island guesthouse, which provides a safe, simple and welcoming environment. The property is operated by Ventotene Sailing School and is dedicated exclusively to hosting students during the program.

    For the entire duration of the Ventotene Summer Camp, enrolled students, from New York and Europe are the only guests staying on site, ensuring a controlled and cohesive environment.

    The guesthouse includes a full kitchen, where our chef prepares fresh, traditional meals daily using local and seasonal ingredients, aligned with the program’s nutritional and quality standards.

  • Rooms host four to six students, divided by gender and personal preference when possible.

  • Yes — each room has its own bathroom.

  • No. This is intentional. The guesthouse is located by the sea where natural breezes keep rooms cool at night. Rooms also have modern ceiling fans. Students spend most of the day at the sailing base and return to the guesthouse only during the cooler hours.

  • Wifi is available for both guests and staff across the camp, ensuring easy connectivity when needed.

  • All of them, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner are included daily, all made of fresh organic and local products.

  • Yes — we can accommodate all dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences.

Program, sailing, & activities

  • No. We welcome complete beginners and experienced sailors alike.

  • A wide range of boats such as 555FIV, Nikan, Open570, Laser classes, 420, RS500, Open Bic, Laser 4000, 49er and Moth.

  • About three hours per day, adjusted for weather and safety conditions.

  • We offer structured alternative activities including workshops, snorkeling, swimming, sports, and cultural visits. If possible, we will make up the sailing outing during the week.

  • Students explore the Roman Villa of Giulia, ancient cisterns and aqueducts, as well as guided environmental and marine biology activities.

  • Yes — wakeboarding may be offered depending on sea conditions.

Staff & safety

  • Our team includes nine staff members on the island plus two travel chaperones. Students are supervised 24/7.

  • Yes. All sailing instructors hold official certifications and are highly experienced with youth programs.

  • Yes — all staff members speak both English and Italian.

  • Yes. All staff members assigned to the program hold current First Aid and CPR certifications, and we verify their credentials before the season starts. We also run internal refresh sessions to ensure everyone is confident in handling minor injuries and basic emergency procedures.

  • Yes. Students wear certified lifejackets and are supported by multiple rescue motorboats with trained personnel.

  • No. Swimming ability is not required.

Communication

  • Students usually call home once per day, either before or after dinner.

    For any special needs or urgent situations, our staff remains available to both students and parents 24/7, with a dedicated point of contact throughout the program.

  • Absolutely. Emergency numbers are shared before departure, and our team is always available.

  • Yes, daily photos are uploaded to keep families connected with the experience.

Registration, documents, & payments

  • Simply send us an email expressing your interest,

    You can send us an email in this page: Enroll

  • Lorenzo will schedule an in-person meeting with parents at Sullaluna, our bookstore and bistro in the West Village.

    This meeting helps both sides understand expectations and ensure the program is the right fit.

  • Once the student is accepted and the deposit has been received.

  • Flight booking requires a deposit by April 15, with the remaining balance due before may

  • A valid passport and international medical insurance.

  • No, US citizens do not require a visa to travel to Italy.