CRUISE SICILY IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS WITH COLGATE SAILING ADVENTURES® 
Took Place September 21-28, 2024 – Blog and Photos to Come
A Stunning Cruising Destination with Majestic Views and World Class Cuisine
Named after Aeolus, God of the Winds, the UNESCO-protected Aeolian islands were formed by volcanoes rising theatrically from the sea. Breathtaking views of mountain peaks and steamy volcanoes, black sand beaches, ancient architecture, huge sea caves, therapeutic hot springs, and world-famous cuisine highlight this Aeolian Islands adventure.
The Cruise Started and Ended in Portorosa
Nestled in the northeast corner of Sicily with Mount Etna prominently in view, Portorosa has many activities and sites within walking distance of the marina or beyond. Explore Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta featuring a 13th Century Black Madonna and Child above the main altar. Discover Tonnarella’s white sand beaches and the black pebble Fornillo Beach, flanked by picturesque towers. Take a three-hour pasta and tiramisu class in a private home in town, or head into the hills to savor home cooking at a family run vineyard.
Cruising in Comfort on Five 4-Cabin Catamarans!
On this Sicily cruise, Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla participants enjoyed cruising on spacious 45’-46’ Lagoon and Leopard 4-cabin, 4-head catamarans provided by Sailitalia through our Moorings/Sunsail partners. Trip leaders assigned participants as Skipper, Navigator, or crew, based on submitted Sailing Resumes, and also assigned the yachts.
Beyond Portorosa
The week on those comfortable four-cabin catamarans took the group to secluded anchorages, exciting modern towns, and lovely traditional ports. As they headed for Stromboli, the lava-spewing force of Europe’s second-largest active volcano came into view. These fabled waters provided a lot of variety including beautiful beaches in quiet harbors, spectacular snorkeling, rugged cliffs formed by steaming craters, lush greenery and black rock formations. Here are some highlights of stops the group could visit.
Vulcano
Thought to be the former location of the “God of Fire’s” blacksmiths, Vulcano has steaming peaks, black sand beaches, and local mud and natural hot springs known for their therapeutic qualities. The smoldering crater, Fossa di Vulcano, encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, is a well-worth-it one-hour hike. There is also an interesting volcano museum. The south and northwest coasts are great for snorkeling and swimming. At the Grotta del Cavallo, a unique half-submerged cave, with underground lakes and hanging stalactites.
Filicudi
This is the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, with a stunning Blue Grotto and network of hiking trails to the island’s scenic interior. A short walk from the main port of Capo Graziano goes to the remains of a village dating back to 1800 BC. Superior snorkeling can be enjoyed around the natural rock formation at La Canna, and one can explore the huge sea cave known as Grotta del Bue Marino.
Salina
Lush landscape with vast wooded areas filled with ferns, several freshwater springs and panoramic views from Salina’s three towering peaks are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Scooter and bike rentals are available to get to the top. Along the waterfront there are great shoreside restaurants serving local seafood dishes in beautiful settings. Pollara on the south side of the island was the setting for the Italian movie “Il Postino.”
Stromboli
Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is the second-largest volcano in Europe, with continuous eruptions for more than 80 years. No matter where you stand on the island, you can see the natural beauty of this massive lava-spewing mountain, extending 924 meters from the Tyrrhenian Sea, and plunging 2000 meters below the surface. At night the red-hot flow of lava is visible as it makes its way into the sea. The black rock of the towering volcano mixed with the island’s traditional white houses creates a magical effect. A half-hour scenic hike takes you to an observatory area where you can dine while enjoying breathtaking views. In Ginostra’s town piazza the island’s famous, decadent cannoli desserts can be found.
Lipari
This is the largest, oldest, and most densely populated Aeolian Island. Places to explore include its ancient Greek acropolis, exquisitely preserved 13th century cathedral, the Aeolian Museum, and five vineyards on the eastern coast where fine wine is available. A short cruise away is the small uninhabited island of Basiluzzo with spectacular snorkeling, and Panarea, the smallest, but most picturesque of the islands with a glamorous port town and panoramic views from Punta del Corno.
BOOK A CABIN ON AN UPCOMING CRUISE NOW!
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
2024 Sicily Package Costs
The Grad Discounts applied only to those individuals who hold the specified certification and certificate. For those traveling with someone who does not meet the Category 1 or Category 2 requirements below, they must pay the Category 3 package cost. Offshore Sailing School grads with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification designated as “skipper” or “mate” need to hold the US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), in order to charter and skipper in Sicily.
For Qualified Offshore Sailing School Graduates
Category 1: Offshore Sailing School Graduates with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, US Sailing IPC, and willing to be a Designated Skipper if asked
- $4,495 single in a private cabin
- $3,995 per person, sharing a cabin
Category 2: Offshore Sailing School Graduates with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification Only (No US Sailing IPC or unwilling to Skipper if asked)
- $4,695 single in a private cabin
- $4,195 per person, sharing a cabin
Category 3: Other Qualified Sailors
- $4,995 single in a private cabin
- $4,495 per person, sharing a cabin
Payment Schedule
Up to May 24, 2024, a deposit of 30% of the total package cost was due along with a sailing resume – required to hold a spot in the cruise. Final or full payment was due May 24, 2024, and no refunds were allowed on cancellations May 24, 2024 or later for any reason. BUYING TRAVEL INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT!
This Sicily Flotilla Cruise Package Included:
- 7 nights in a private or shared cabin on one of the flotilla catamarans, assigned in advance by your cruise leaders
- Welcome meet and greet party and dinner first night of trip
- Gala group dinner ashore during the cruise or at end of cruise
- Starter pack of provisions and bottled water
- Full fuel and water tanks upon departure, no need to replenish and pay for fuel upon return
- Damage waiver
- Commemorative Colgate Sailing Adventures® Sicily Flotilla Cruise shirt and hat
- Comprehensive e-book prepared by Offshore, to help plan the trip
- Guidance by expert cruise leaders Nate and Heather Atwater, with the fleet throughout the cruise
Contributing to the Boat Kitty
As with any Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise, crew on each boat contributed equally to a kitty to cover shared costs during the cruise, usually starting with $100 per person. To discover Sicilian food and cuisine, and the hospitality of those who live there, shopping local markets for goodies to share aboard is always fun. Most nights the group enjoyed dining ashore at seaside and inland eateries.
Who Can Participate on a Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise?
If you are an Offshore Sailing School graduate with Bareboat Cruising Certification (OSS 104/114) or higher and love sharing sailing adventures with like-minded sailors, Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruises are for you! If you took OSS 101 or OSS 102 you are also welcome, as well as experienced sailors. All participation acceptance is based on review of the required sailing resume.
SAILING RESUME FOR FLOTILLA CRUISES
888-454-7015
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
Why is a Sailing Resume Required?
All Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruises are hands-on activities that require unaided mobility on the yacht you live and sail on. On the dinghies, you must board to go ashore and back to the boat, regardless of how choppy the seas and harbor waters might be. So, we require you complete a sailing resume before being confirmed for a flotilla charter trip. There are many questions, all of which must be answered, including information about medical or physical conditions that may hinder full participation. Only the cruise leaders and Offshore management can see these resumes.
Be a Designated Skipper or Designated Mate
Sicilian charter companies and authorities, like many European and Mediterranean countries, require that two people on each boat have an International Proficiency Certification (IPC). Based on completed resumes and possession of the IPC, a designated Skipper and Designated Mate is assigned to each boat. It’s very easy to obtain if you have Bareboat Cruising Certification! Learn how to get it here.
Your Cruise Leaders
Heather and Nate Atwater were the guides on this trip, as the group discovered this exciting Sicilian region under sail. They have led Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla cruises for many years, and must have completed resumes in order to assign crews to each boat and choose the designated “skipper and mate” from the information provided on the resume. When you are ready to book a Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruise, please print, fill out and email the form in the link provided and send it to the Offshore Sailing School designated representative.
How to Get to Portorosa
There are three airports with various train, ferry, and taxi connections to Portorosa Marina: Reggio Calabria (REG), 30 miles; Catania-Fontanaross (CTA), 45 miles; Palmero (PMO), 110 miles to the marina. To find the best flights from your home base to Sicily or other flotilla cruises we schedule, we highly recommend the Moorings/Sunsail travel service (866-649-2003). They have tremendous experience helping sailors get to Sunsail/Moorings destinations. Check your passport! It must be valid for six months after your return home.
This Cruise Was Sold Out In No-Time!
Only 19 cabins were available, and we ended up with sailors on wait-list. St. Lucia in the Caribbean, Tahiti, Amalfi Coast of Italy, and Montengro & Croatia are next. JOIN US!
SAILING RESUME FOR FLOTILLA CRUISES
888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
