For many boaters who spend their vacations on the water, anchoring offshore is the essence of a cruise. Planning the route often revolves around finding bays, coves or coastal inlets to drop anchor, where they can relax, soak up the sun, swim and enjoy dinners and aperitifs on deck—not to mention the occasional trips ashore.

A common topic of discussion among cruisers is whether it’s okay to leave the boat anchored and unattended, even temporarily, with no crew members on board. Newcomers often ask: Is it allowed? Is it against the law? Could they face fines or penalties?

Someone should always be on board, it’s common sense

First, a general piece of advice when it comes to boating: always exercise caution and common sense by never leaving your boat unattended in open water, even in bays you’re familiar with and in perfect weather conditions. Even if the skipper and crew have done a solid job anchoring—with the right chain length, firm grip on the seabed and careful positioning—things at sea can change very quickly. What looks like an ideal situation one moment can turn into a nightmare the next.

Then, there’s the matter of other boats nearby or ones arriving after you’ve anchored. Who’s to say those crews won’t get too close to your boat, set their anchor properly, or choose the right amount of chain based on the water depth and seabed type? Lastly, there’s always a chance that someone with bad intentions might board an unattended boat to steal valuables or equipment.

In short, it’s best to always leave someone on board if possible, ideally someone experienced and capable of handling the boat if necessary. They can alert you and raise the alarm if anything goes wrong.

The nautical laws in Italy

With that in mind, let’s look at what maritime regulations say on this topic. For Italy, there’s actually no explicit law stating that you can’t leave a boat unattended while anchored. However, local Port Authorities often issue ordinances that control where and when boats can be anchored, especially in certain waters or under specific weather conditions.

One well-known example is an ordinance from the Port Authority of Portoferraio on the island of Elba. This location is familiar to many boaters since it’s a common question in the Italian boating license exam. The ordinance, updated multiple times, specifies that in the roadstead area facing the port, anchoring is restricted in certain zones, especially near access channels to key infrastructure. It also adds that in adverse weather conditions, boats must seek shelter immediately with a full crew on board—unless docked in an approved berth. In other words, if the weather turns bad, someone needs to stay on board, or the boat should be safely docked.

Besides Elba, similar strict anchoring rules apply in other popular spots like the island of Ponza (except Frontone Bay) and Porto Azzurro during bad weather.

Insurance Matters: Why it’s important to stay informed

Lastly, there’s one more thing to consider with insurance. Standard yacht insurance policies, known as ‘hull policies,’ typically don’t cover the boat while it’s anchored without anyone on board. This means that, by default, insurance companies won’t provide coverage if the boat is left anchored and unattended. So, for those who like to go out for dinner at a restaurant or take an evening stroll around town while leaving the boat anchored, it’s essential to make sure your charter insurance includes coverage for times when the boat is anchored after sunset without crew on board.

In short, here’s the key to a worry-free sailing holiday: if you’re renting a boat and plan to anchor, go ahead and enjoy. But before you leave the boat unattended, even briefly, check whether local regulations permit it—this applies in Italy and other countries, too. Also, keep a close eye on the weather conditions, both current and forecasted and make sure your insurance covers all your activities.