KATABASIS FREEDIVING and SAILING

Katabasis Freediving and Sailing is a specialised school operating out of Baratti in Tuscany, with additional presence in Porto Torres, Sardinia. Established in 2006, the centre has spent nearly two decades developing a curriculum that merges the technical skills of sailing with the discipline of breath-hold diving.

The centre operates with a philosophy rooted in marine conservation, focusing on the delicate balance of the Mediterranean ecosystem. This approach extends from their educational workshops on marine mammals to their practical commitment to monitoring plastic pollution and protecting sensitive species.

The teaching team is composed of instructors from various disciplines, including SSI, FIPSAS, APNEA ACADEMY, and AIDA. This multi-agency approach allows for a collaborative environment where different methodologies are shared to improve training standards.

Instruction is led by trainer Carlo Boscia, who provides private lessons for those seeking accelerated progress in apnea, sailing, or spearfishing. The team provides instruction in both Italian and English, catering to a diverse range of students from recreational enthusiasts to aspiring professionals.

Beyond standard diving, the staff organises specialised whale watching experiences led by guides trained to identify and understand local cetacean populations. This expertise ensures that every excursion is handled with the necessary biological awareness.

The training programme is extensive, covering freediving, sailing, and spearfishing. For apnea, students can progress from the SSI Freediver 1st Level through to Advanced Freediver and professional instructor training. They also offer functional apnea training specifically designed to complement sailing skills.

Spearfishing courses are structured around ethics and sustainability, ranging from basic introductory levels to advanced workshops. These programmes are designed to teach students how to hunt responsibly within the local ecosystem.

Sailing instruction is provided through UISP-affiliated courses, covering everything from basic navigation to instructor-level training. This allows divers to become self-sufficient mariners as well as skilled breath-hold divers.

The Ironbarque is a 22-metre ocean sailing vessel used for dedicated apnea and spearfishing cruises. Powered by a 130 CV Perkins Sabre M130C diesel engine, it provides a stable platform for long-range exploration.

Accommodation on board consists of single berths or double cabins, which can be booked as shared or private spaces. The sailing experience is integrated into the curriculum, with two hours of sailing lessons provided daily for those on board.

Cruises are organised with a communal approach to life at sea; guests participate in the preparation of meals and routine cleaning duties. Shared funds are used to manage the costs of food, diesel, and mooring fees.

The waters around Tuscany and Sardinia are home to a variety of large pelagics. You may encounter dolphins and whales during guided watching excursions, and depending on your location and season, sightings of sharks are possible in specific areas like the Azores.

In the Mediterranean, sea turtles are a regular presence. The local marine life is also diverse enough to support dedicated workshops on the identification of various fish species and marine mammals.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are a constant part of the ecosystem, providing plenty of interest for those practicing recreational apnea or spearfishing.