Sicily & the Aeolian Islands 2019

The Volcano Tour

Saturday 6th July – Saturday 13th July 2019

About The Aeolian Islands

These islands are just north of Sicily and a short sail from Portorosa where we will pick up the boats.  The Aeolian Islands are known for their cobalt blue seas , dramatic volcanic landscapes and wind.  The Greeks believed their wind god Aeolus lived in the chain.   The islands have been an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.

Thanks to their volcanic nature, all the beaches are made of black, fine, glittering sand, whilst the islands are characterised by old houses, narrow streets, colorful flowers, laundry being dried outside and generally lots of green vegetation.  The mountains are covered with wild flowers, vineyards and trees including lemon, caper and olive.

 

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The Volcanos

Italy is a volcanically active country, containing the only active volcanoes in mainland Europe.  Most noteworthy is the island of Stromboli which is an active volcano with hourly eruptions.  This explains why it’s been called the oldest lighthouse in the world!  Also volcanically active in the Aeolian Islands is Vulcano with sulfuric mud baths and hot springs.  We plan to visit both these islands.

Near continuously active is Mount Etna on Sicily.  There will be an opportunity to visit this volcano on Saturday after we’ve handed the boats back.

The Plan

We’ll fly into Catania on Saturday and transfer to Portorosa where we’ll pick up the boats the same evening.  We’ll set sail for the Aeolian Islands on Sunday morning and will have 6 days to explore the archipelago before returning to Portorosa late Friday afternoon. 

There will be a choice to fly home on Saturday from Catania airport or to complete your volcano tour and take the daytrip to Mount Etna on Sicily.  This will require a night in a hotel on Saturday before flying home on Sunday.

 The Aeolian Islands

Stromboli – active volcano, black sand beaches

Vulcano –  thermal waters, sulfuric gas and therapeuric mudbaths, black sand beaches

Salina – nature reserve, green hillsides, vineyards, capers, natural sea arch

Panarea – charming island, marine reserves, night life, quaint streets

Filicudi – crystal clear waters, natural beauty, Neolithic village, uncontaminated

Alicudi – isolated, quiet, pebble beaches

Lipari – ossidian rocks, pumice, archaeological museum, city with stores and restaurants, turquoise waters

Sailing & Weather

July is considered to be the best month for weather in the Aeolian islands.  Average temperatures in this month range from 24 to 28 degrees with a sea temperature of around 25 degrees.

The prevailing winds around these islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE and are usually F3-4 but stronger winds are also possible.

There are only two ports in the islands so we’ll be anchoring most nights.  You will not find shower blocks after we leave Sicily!

Important Trip Information
Sicily – The Volcano Tour

Embarkation: 1700 on Sat 6 July 2019

Set sail: 1000 on Sun 7 July 2019

Arrival Back in Marina Portorosa: 1700 on Fri 12 July 2019

Disembark: 0800 on Sat 13 July 2019

The Sundowners member price of the trip for the yacht charter is £460

Not included in the sailing event price are: flights, transfers, personal insurance, victualling, meals ashore, diesel, water, mooring fees (can be expensive), Aeolian Islands fee, gas, bed linen, towels, outboard, end cleaning, onboard wi-fi, daytrip to Mount Etna, hotel ashore and any personal expenditure.

The Club’s standard terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found here but in summary:

• Paying your deposit commits you to the trip and to paying all payments as and when required.
• If you withdraw from an event you are still liable for the full cost unless a replacement participant is found.
• If a replacement is found there will be an admin charge made for the change of participant.
• You agree to bear the shared cost of any security deposit loss levied by the charter company for damages.

The full cost of the deposits range from 2000 to 3500 Euros per boat.

Flights

Return flights with EasyJet to Catania are available from London for around £320.

Do not book flights until advised to do so by the event organiser.

 Payment Schedule

Payment	Due Date	Amount
Deposit	Immediately	£100
Mid Payment	25 January 2019	£200
Final Payment	29 March 2019	£160
	Total Cost	£460

Bookings