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Aeolian Islands | SALE ✨
The Sicily Experience
Sighted off the bow, a volcano spews ash and smoke into the atmosphere. A town sits on the slopes below, they are harvesting crops and going about daily life in the shadow of possible destruction. The steep shoreline is teetering on the brink of collapse, black boulders perched like high-divers over the sea, preparing for their plunge. Nothing is sure here, everything hangs in the balance of forces bigger than your small sailboat cutting shoreward through the deep blue sea. Still, you hold a steady helm on your approach. Life is sweeter in perspective.
One boat is already SOLD OUT—exciting news! This will be a two-flotilla adventure!
During a sailing itinerary to the Aeolian Islands, you’ll experience the island edges, home to white pumice mountains and jagged cliff sides that seemingly dives straight into the Mediterranean’s indigo seas lined by black sand beaches. These islands are fueled by wine, food, the sea, and the volcanoes--two that are currently active. Fragrances of olives, capers, sea salt, and vegetables ripen in the sun that fills the air. Less touristic than their neighboring archipelagos, you’ll always be reminded that these islands are far removed from everyday life.
Closest Airports: Catania or Palermo
One amazing day at sea in the Aeolian Islands, we sideswiped an active volcano and a sea spout, then arrived in Salina Island to a full moon lunar eclipse and an all night street party. The day also included Captain’s much hyped and very delicious pasta fuori. It’s not all swimming and chilling out!
Lauren in Sicily
Itinerary
Isola Vulcano
The southernmost island in the archipelago is Isola Vulcano-a popular port to begin the itinerary. Sailing to Vulcano from the mainland coast is a pleasant introduction to the Aeolian Islands--during the passage, you’ll observe the islands’ natural biodiversity and the layered igneous rock and soil, caused by the volcanic activity. It’s also home to a densely wooded forests that lines the hilltops.
Lipari
Lipari is the largest island and the most inhabited, home to 10,000 residents. Le Bocche di Vulcano, the Mouths of Vulcan, is the channel between Lipari and Vulcano home to pleasant anchorages with dramatic views of nearby islands with a backdrop of the eroding cliffs that plummet into the sea. The western coast of Lipari takes a very different appearance than the more inhabited and developed eastern coast where the town of Lipari is located. If the main port town does not interest you, venture onward to the southwest coves along the island.
Salina
Easily identified by its twin mountain peaks, Salina is considered the most lush of the islands. The island has become a hub for sailors cruising through the Aeolia. The islanders welcome sailors by sharing their wines, their cuisine, and always offering stories and anecdotes of this extraordinary place they call home. It’s a perfect port of call to re-provision for local wine and other island products to keep for the remainder of your itinerary. Sailing from the port and rounding the north coast, a steep cliff falls into the sea.
Panarea
Panarea has many anchorages perfect for discovering the local culture and off-boat activities. Capo Milazzese and Cala Zimmari located west of Punta Torrione along the southern cost offers a safe anchorage with unique geological formation along the cliffs that surround the cove.
Stromboli
Rugged and wild is how many locals like to describe Stromboli. The island grows lemons, oranges, capers, grapes, and olives come from its northern and southern slopes and ashore is a charming town, home to a small welcoming community. Walking the streets you can find a gelateria selling local flavors grown and harvested on the island. There are numerous trattorias serving rustic and traditional menus options and modern ristorantes offering fancier gastronomic dishes paired with local island wine or other Sicilian acclaimed wine.
Filicudi
One of the lesser explored islands is Filicudi. Home to two small fishing village and the archipelago’s second smallest community. There are well preserved ancient ruins scattered throughout its villages dating back to the Bronze Era. It’s the second-farthest western island in group, and sailors come to Filicudi for the true sense of peace and calm that’s found here.
Crew
Private Chef
Meet the chefs
A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.
Professional Captain
Meet the captains
Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.
About the Food
A culinary program with a focus on locally sourced sustainable foods
The Sailing Collective Travel Co. takes food to a new level. We believe by sourcing local ingredients from local friends we have made throughout our travels pushes us to experience where we are by being engulfed by the regional flavors.
Private chef creating customized menus to your taste and requirements
Each voyage, both group & private, has a private culinary artist aboard preparing some of the most unique, interesting, and thoughtful food you may ever enjoy in your life! From breakfast to dinner each day of the journey, we are blessed by beautiful meals by one of the most talented culinary teams in travel anywhere in the world.
General Information
Provisioning Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef/crew is incredibly talented and can handle the group's needs with ease. We are all about participation and learning, so if you'd like to help, just ask and we'll get you involved! Collective groups may choose to dine out more times than scheduled if the group or individuals choose.
Included in provisioning package*:
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners (or similar), Light Snacks, Water, Coffee & Tea
* Subjected to change
Dietary Restrictions We can accommodate as long as we know in advance! It is important to notify us of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and include full details in the Guest Form that you will fill out prior to the start of the trip.
Sailing a group journey is a collective experience calling us to ebb and flow with the tides of the group. While alcohol and soft beverages are not included, we find a well curated bar shared across the group works out best. We offer two beverage during group journeys packages during the course of the week*:
• $150 for wine, beer, spirits and soft beverages • $75 for soft beverages and under 5 alcoholic drinks. *Private charters, beverages are billed to the charter
You can also choose to bring your own beverages on board at no cost. Beverages through our package options will be provisioned for by your crew based on the preferences shared in your guest forms. Alternatively, if you plan to purchase your beverages separately, it is best to stock up before we depart the marina! Morning beverages and water are included for all guests.
Please confirm your package choice within your guest form so your crew can plan accordingly!
ADDITIONAL COSTS We recommend planning on having at least $300 – $600 in spending money depending on spending habits. You will be responsible for paying for:
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location
Onboard beverages
Gratuity (a 10% to 20% offering)
GRATUITY Tipping your captain and crew is welcomed. If you are satisfied with your service, the industry standard for yacht charters ranges from 10-20% of the cost of the charter. Gratuity is split evenly between the crew and can be paid via cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal. Please contact your Sailing Collective Journey Coordinator if you have any questions.
10% - Standard good time on holiday with good service.
15% - Exceptional service on your holiday with exceptional service!
20% - Extraordinary experience and your crew sent the voyage to the moon and back!!
PACKING LIST Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes such as flip-flops that you can get wet if we are landing on a beach is recommended.
As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light raincoat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a warm layer. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring an outfit looks nice and suits your style.
We also encourage that people bring ecologically appropriate products into ocean environments. You can read more about those recommendations on the Sailing Collective Journal here: Packing for a Healthy Ocean
The Journey Schedule Meeting time is at 9:00am on Day 1 of the charter. We return back to port on the final evening by 5:00pm and disembark between 8-9:00am on the final day.
Terms & Conditions By booking this journey, you agree to comply with the stated Terms & Conditions and Covid Considerations, available on our website. Please contact info@thesailingcollective.com with any questions.
Travel Insurance We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that protects you in case of general and covid-related trip interruptions. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you forfeit the right to a refund or credit in the event you have to cancel your trip with Sailing Collective.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
REALISTIC DISCLAIMER ABOUT BOATS Boats can break. Charter boats are like a rental car, they are checked before and after each charter. The engineer team is required to check the vessel for maintenance issues and make repairs during the half-day turnaround. Vessels require constant attention like any other complex mechanical system. If you are particular about your exact vacation requirements, we recommend booking a yacht charter with a higher price point allowing for an onboard engineer and we are happy to assist brokering a luxury yacht charter for you and your group.
FAQ
What makes this departure unique?
Falling in love with the blissfully rustic Aeolian Islands will stand out as a highlight moment of your life. These islands look rugged from afar - volcanic and active - these islands are home to small hamlets, villages, and towns isolated from the rest of Italy. Culture is pronounced and their own. If you're looking for authenticity, if you're looking to experience Italy without the influence of modern tourism, Aeolian is for you. Highlights: hiking, swimming, local wine, spas, boat time, exploring local villages.
What airport should I fly into?
Option a] Palermo
Option b] Catania
Both airports are roughly a 2 hour drive to the starting marina. Trains run regularly and a local taxi will be needed from the local train station to the marina. Private taxi service can be arranged and the cost rages from $150 - $250. We can assist with carpooling if you are aboard a group journey.
What kind of travel is this journey ideal for?
If you're looking for a unique experience that is off the beaten path and a place that isn't overrun by tourist and other travelers. There is only one-marina stay during this itinerary (not including the final night which is also at the homeport marina) and most of the itinerary is spent at anchor or at a mooring. There are opportunities to explore ashore daily.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ABOARD?
We will be sailing a reliable and nice catamaran with a generator, air conditioning, and a watermaker. Bedding, towels, etc. will be provided but we recommend you bring an extra beach towel. You will be aboard with usually 6 travelers + your captain and your chef and you will be spending lots of time as a group. The crew is responsible for keeping your boat as clean as can be - your heads (bathrooms) will be cleaned, but what you do in your cabins is up to you as crew does not do full turn down services.
WHAT ARE THE CABINS LIKE?
There are 4 cabins aboard + 2 crew bunks. Your cabin has a bed slightly smaller than a queen bed and will fit two people, friends or a couple, very comfortable. Attached to your cabin is your private bathroom (head) which has a marine toilet, sink, and shower. Please note, your crew may use your toilet from time to time. There is a closet to stow your clothing. We recommend small collapsable luggage as we cannot always guarantee extra space for your luggage and you may have to keep it in your cabin.
WHO ARE THE CREW?
They are the best. But seriously, they are. You will have a Sailing Collective Captain keep you safe all week planning your daily itinerary and keeping you in the loop so you know what the daily activities are and where you are during your itinerary. Your chef will create a personalized menu for the full group and will be feeding you some of the best food of your life! Just trust us on this. Unlike traditional yacht charters, Sailing Collective has a 'we're all friends' attitude so expect to hang out with your crew instead of them lurking in the shadows like
Boats
Lagoon 46 Flybridge
The new catamaran LAGOON 46 combines easy sailing with plenty of comfort. Relaxed, effortless sailing paired with comfortable accommodation are the highlights of the LAGOON 46 catamaran. The French yacht designers placed value on an elevated helm station and on the three spacious lounge areas on this catamaran. The LAGOON 46 catamaran comes with 3 or 4 cabins and offers enough space for up to eight guests plus crew.
Bedsize: Just shy of a queen-size mattress
For more information about the Lagoon 46 Catamaran
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