Sicily
september 2025
Sailing out of the Aeolian Islands, located off the north coast of Sicily, you will discover one of the most captivating cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. Here, the dramatic volcanic landscapes rise from the crystalline waters, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your journey. The islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli, offer a diverse range of activities, from hiking volcanic craters to basking on picturesque beaches.
As we set sail each morning, we navigate towards our next destination amidst steady breezes and stunning scenery. The afternoons can be filled with leisure—whether you choose to sunbathe on deck, snorkel in the azure waters, or explore charming local towns, the choice is yours. Each island presents unique cultural highlights and opportunities for adventure, ensuring that every day is a new experience.
In the evenings, crews may choose to prepare dinner on board or dine at one of the inviting local eateries, allowing for a taste of Sicilian cuisine. The flotilla comes together for social gatherings, fostering connections among fellow sailing enthusiasts who share a passion for exploration and camaraderie in a relaxed atmosphere. No prior sailing experience is necessary to join this memorable journey.
The flotilla will explore the stunning waters of the Aeolian Islands on the north coast of Sicily. Our sail will include stops at several charming ports and anchorages as we navigate these beautiful islands. A detailed itinerary will be available in the coming months. Please note the sailing itinerary is subject to change right up to and during the sail based on weather and sea conditions.
Where
When
Our sailing adventure begins September 6th, 2025 and lasts for one week. You'll spend seven nights aboard your vessel (Saturday to Saturday). A hotel stay either side of the sail is optional should you wish to start your adventure early or continue exploring Sicily after we return the boats.
Travel
We begin our sail at Portorosa Marina located on the northeast coast of Sicily. You get there by flying to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). It is approximately 2 hours by road from the airport to the marina. All travel from the US will require at least one connection before landing in Sicily. All crew must schedule travel to ensure being on-sight at the marina on the morning of September 6th, 2025.
Who
This trip is open to anyone who has found or is yet to discover their love of sailing and adventure! DC's sailing and boating community are particularly encouraged to join us and may invite friends and family members. You must be easy going and drama free! DC Sailing Community skippers have the right to refuse crew for any reason.
Boats
We have two Robertson & Caine Leopard catamarans and one Lagoon catamaran booked for this flotilla, all chartered through The Moorings and Sunsail. All boats offer excellent sailing characteristics with a high degree of space and comfort.
Registration and Costs
All boats booked for this flotilla are Tier 1 catamarans, with eight berths (4 cabins / 2 people per cabin) on each boat. A payment in full books your berth on a boat. Provisioning and mooring / park fees incurred during the sail are split among the crew of each boat. You are responsible for your own travel and insurance costs.
Tier 1 Fee - $1960 per person
Secure your berth before June 30th, 2025 and take 10% off the berth fee! $1960 $1764
See below for payment disclosures.
DC Sailing Community, at it’s sole discretion, reserves the right to remove participants from the flotilla for any reason.
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Payments Non-refundable
Berth payments are non-refundable, whether paid in full or as a deposit, unless another person is found to take your spot. Berth fees are calculated based on the total cost of all boats within a specific Tier divided by the total number of double occupancy cabin berths in that Tier, so that everybody within a Tier pays the same to join the flotilla (excludes Skippers), subject to discounts offered at DC Sailing Community’s discretion.
Additional Crew
Any additional crew added by a Skipper that exceeds the advertised number of berths available on a given boat are added at the Skippers sole discretion and DC Sailing Community bears no responsibility for the additional crew management that may be required or higher crew expenses that may be incurred as a result. The per person cost for additional crew members remains as originally calculated for the advertised available berths.
Boat Cancellations
If multiple boats are cancelled for any reason and we are unable to sail, refunds are not typically issued by the charter company except under extreme circumstances. If such circumstances arise and the charter company refunds the costs of the boats, refunds to crew will be applied based on the same average cost model, less handling fees. If we need to replace the boats with those from another vendor for any reason, and the total cost is cheaper, partial refunds will be calculated based on the same average cost model, with no exceptions. If the trip is cancelled by the charter company and refunds are not issued, monies paid will be held by the charter company and used for a future charter. Each crew member will have first refusal on that next charter. If a crew member is not able to attend a credited charter they will be refunded only when another sailor is found to take his/her place. These terms are applied equally across the flotilla fleet. Registering for the flotilla constitutes acceptance of these terms.
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Last Updated January 2nd, 2024
All participants are strongly encouraged to be fully up-to-date in having received the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters. While we no longer require proof of vaccination, local requirements at our destination may still do so.
Covid-19 can still be a quickly changing situation. We are subject to whatever restrictions or precautions are in place at the time of departure, which are impossible to predict today.
Note that the berth fee is non-refundable, as has always been the case. The policy remains that refunds can only be issued if another sailor can take your place. If we have to cancel the entire trip, for Covid-19 or any other reason, each participant will have first option to join the next subsequent Flotilla. If they are unable to do that they will be refunded their money if another crew member takes his/her place on that next trip.
The charter companies do not issue refunds except in very rare cases. Usually only credit or a re-booking is offered. Therefore DC Sailing Community can only offer the same terms.
You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage, for cancellation of flights, medical emergency, etc. DC Sailing Community does not provide travel insurance.
Each person that signs up for a sailing charter does so according to their own risk tolerance. DC Sailing Community cannot be held liable for illness picked up in traveling to, from, or during a trip. Whether that's Covid-19, Dengue, Zika, or other infectious diseases that may be prevalent in our cruising grounds.
DC Sailing Community charters its boats exclusively from The Moorings and Sunsail, subject to availability for our chosen location and dates.
