Luca Lianza, Founder of IntersailClub: Experience, Vision and Sailing Expertise
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Experiences & Stories
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- Why IntersailClub Is Different: A Better Way to Find Yacht Charters and Sailing Trips
- Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking Sailing Holidays and Yacht Charters
- A Different Way to Experience Sailing Holidays
- My Personal Experience: Still Traveling, Sailing and Exploring New Destinations
- Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a sailor and explorer, both at sea and on land, constantly traveling to discover and connect unique sailing experiences and local operators around the world.
I founded IntersailClub in 2012 in New York, after nearly 10 years managing crewed yachts and charter operations. Before that, I worked directly as a skipper and yacht manager, handling multiple boats up to 30 meters, including maintenance, charter activity, and owner relations.
I started sailing at a very young age, growing up on my father’s boat and spending summers between Sicily and Greece. I began racing at the age of eight, achieving top regional rankings in Southern Italy and placing 13th in European competitions in the dinghy class. Later, I worked as a skipper and eventually owned and managed my own 20-meter ocean-going yacht, including crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
IntersailClub Story: How We Built a Global Sailing and Yacht Charter Platform
The idea behind IntersailClub came from a simple observation. Many travelers were interested in sailing holidays, but didn’t have a full group to charter a boat. Most were individuals or couples, and the market didn’t offer an accessible solution.
Before launching the platform, I tested this model directly on my own boat, offering cabin-based experiences and introducing one of the first bed and breakfast concepts on a yacht in Italy. Guests could book individual cabins instead of the entire boat, making the experience more flexible and accessible.
At the time, cabin charters already existed, but they were fragmented and difficult to find. IntersailClub was created to bring these experiences together into a single platform, making sailing travel easier to access and compare.
Why IntersailClub Is Different: A Better Way to Find Yacht Charters and Sailing Trips
Sailing is not a standard travel product. It requires direct knowledge of boats, operators, and real conditions.
Over the years, I’ve seen multiple platforms enter this space without that understanding. Many failed to build a reliable product because they lacked hands-on experience.
IntersailClub was built differently. The team is made up of people who have worked in sailing and charter operations. We don’t just list products, we select them.
We’ve also built an extensive internal database of operators worldwide, developed through years of direct relationships and research. Today, the focus is on scaling this knowledge through technology, making more high-quality experiences accessible online while maintaining control over quality.
My Role at IntersailClub: Managing a Yacht Charter and Sailing Platform
Today I’m directly involved in both the strategic and operational side of IntersailClub.
I work closely with the team, support boat owners in bringing their products online, and collaborate with developers to improve the platform. At the same time, I still handle part of the charter requests personally, especially for first-time sailors.
Staying in direct contact with clients and operators allows me to keep a clear and realistic view of how the market actually works.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking Sailing Holidays and Yacht Charters
One of the most common mistakes is treating a sailing holiday like a standard vacation.
A boat is not a house, and it doesn’t follow a fixed schedule like a cruise. Weather, crew, seasonality, and boat type all play a key role in the experience.
The more flexible you are, and the more you trust the skipper and the conditions, the better the trip becomes. Sailing is about freedom, not rigid planning.
Another common mistake is booking directly with a single operator without comparing options. This often limits visibility and flexibility.
Working with an experienced agency allows travelers to evaluate different boats and receive more objective advice based on their needs.
How the Yacht Charter Market Has Changed in this Years
Since 2015, the number of sailing offers has increased significantly, especially in the cabin charter segment.
However, the market remains fragmented, and it has become more difficult for travelers to identify reliable operators and well-maintained boats.
At the same time, demand has shifted. More people are looking for experiences rather than traditional holidays. Sailing naturally fits this trend.
Booking behavior has also changed, with a mix of early bookings and last-minute decisions across all markets.
Another growing trend is themed experiences, where sailing is combined with activities such as diving, yoga, wine tasting, or water sports.
A Different Way to Experience Sailing Holidays
Many people think a sailing holiday means being stuck on a boat. In reality, it’s the opposite.
It’s like having a floating villa that moves with you, where every day you wake up in a different place and can go ashore whenever you want.
Another misconception is sharing the boat with strangers. In many cases, it works better than traveling with a fixed group. People tend to be more flexible and respectful, while still enjoying the social aspect of the trip.
Why You Can Trust My Advice on Sailing Holidays and Yacht Charters
My perspective comes from direct experience across every level of the sailing industry.
Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of travelers, many of whom return. We focus on giving honest advice, including explaining when a sailing holiday might not be the right choice.
Our goal is not to push a specific product, but to help people choose the right experience.
My Personal Experience: Still Traveling, Sailing and Exploring New Destinations
Today I still travel extensively, often combining sailing with surf trips, exploring destinations from a different perspective.
Sailing remains part of my life, although no longer as a full-time profession. I still go on board for personal trips or occasional charters, often in places I haven’t explored before.
IntersailClub and my work have been featured in several international publications, including Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Candy, The Globe and Mail, and La Repubblica.
You can watch a previous interview with La Repubblica (2014): click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Cabin Charter?
A: A cabin charter allows you to book a cabin on a shared boat, perfect for solo travelers or small groups. Learn more here.
Q: What types of cabin charters are available?
A: Options include gulets, catamarans, and sailing yachts, each offering unique experiences. Explore options here.
Q: Is sailing experience required to join a cabin charter?
A: No, a professional crew handles everything, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Read more here.
Q: Are itineraries fixed or flexible on a cabin charter?
A: Itineraries are thoughtfully planned but can be adjusted based on weather and guest preferences. Find out more here.
Q: What to pack for a yacht charter?
A: Pack light with soft luggage, swimsuits, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. See the full packing guide here.
Q: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions?
A: The skipper will adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort. Learn more here.
Q: Are Cabin Charters Suitable for Families with Children?
A: Absolutely! Cabin charters are perfect for families, offering kid-friendly amenities, safe environments, and flexible itineraries for quality time together. Learn more here.
