GAY CATAMARAN SAILING TRIP SICILY / AEOLIAN ISLANDS

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EXCLUSIVELY FOR GAY MEN

Active volcanoes and culture thousands of years old

Contrasts of steaming volcanoes and rugged cliffs alongside a gentler, greener side with lush vegetation make this sailing area exceptional. Adventurous hikes on active volcanoes, swimming stops in shallow bays and a culture over 6,000 years old await to amaze visitors.

⚓ Marina Capo d'Orlando: right in front of the Aeolian Islands
⚓ UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site
⚓ Island hopping
⚓ Active volcano Stromboli

Sailing in the land of the god of the winds
The Lipari Islands, also known as the Aeolian Islands, lie north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Our departure and return harbour, Marina Capo d'Orlando, is only a short sail away from them.

SAILING AREA:
This sailing trip fills sailors with awe every time. Active volcanoes loom dark and fascinating before you, making you conscious of how small we humans are and how vast and breathtaking the nature of our Earth can be. Stromboli, Europe's most active volcano, glows fiery in the evening hours, the easily accessible crater rim of the island Vulcano is shrouded in sulphur and volcanic fumes, and bizarre geological formations offer magnificent sights. Yet this sailing area also has a gentler side with green islands of lush vegetation, turquoise water standing in captivating contrast to the black beaches, and charming villages and bays. And all of this can be enjoyed in peace, as the seven islands have preserved their pristine character and are hardly frequented by tourists. Incidentally, you can buy prawns and fish directly from the fishing boats on the water here – freshly caught and absolutely delicious.

Lipari is the main island and a bathing paradise. Things are a little more touristy here, but nowhere near as much as in many other parts of Italy. The lively island offers a beautiful old town with narrow lanes and the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo, wonderful restaurants and cafés, and numerous dreamy bays with crystal-clear water.

The green island Salina beckons with lush vegetation, remnants of Roman and Greek rule, the famous "Malvasia" wine, and a rich diversity of underwater life.
The island Alicudi also shines in rich green hues and is a true El Dorado for those seeking tranquillity.

Vulcano is probably the most wondrous island; you feel as though you're in another world. A visit is something for adventurers, as sulphur and plumes of smoke emerge from rock fissures everywhere, since the volcano is only dormant. Anyone visiting here should take a bath in the "Vulcano Terme I Fanghi", a large mud pool whose mineral composition is said to be good for the skin and helps with various ailments – amusing photos for the memory album guaranteed.

The island Filicudi is a paradise for snorkellers, as many ships sank off its coast in the past and now numerous marine creatures feel at home there.

Last but not least there is the island Panarea, which stands in stark contrast to the quiet, unspoilt islands. In summer the rich and famous gather here, luxury yachts lie at anchor, and stars and starlets make their entrance into the restaurants and nightclubs.
In this sailing area there are numerous anchorages, several harbours and only a few well-equipped marinas where diesel and fresh water can be topped up.

Regional and thermal winds usually make for pleasant sailing weather. However, the Aeolian Islands are also known as the "seat of the god of the winds" and one has the feeling that the sea sprite sometimes plays tricks on you. Unexpected winds mean that the route sometimes has to be adapted at very short notice. Fortunately, the next sheltered anchorage is usually not far away and our skipper will bring you there safely.

The summers here are hot and dry, with sunshine in abundance.

Avg. water temp. June – Sept. 25–28°C
Avg. air temp. June – Sept. 30–35°C

LIFE ON BOARD
Our sailing trips are always a good mix of hands-on sailing and relaxing. Once the onboard kitty has been set up, the first shopping done, the cabins allocated and the
catamaran and safety briefing completed, along with a first rough trip plan, we finally set off on Sunday. On Saturday the skipper first gets to know you better, finds out how much sailing experience everyone has and roughly how you imagine the trip going. Taking safety and seamanship into account, he or she works out a first rough route with you. As you are dependent on wind and weather, each morning you then see where you will actually end up that day.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an old hand: everyone can pitch in with us. We offer sailing trips where you can get involved and experience it all first-hand! The skipper shows everyone the necessary moves and involves each person actively in the sailing. This means even beginners are able to take the helm in no time at all, and the crew quickly forms into one team.

Life on board is organised communally and everyone participates equally in the tasks that arise, such as preparing meals.

The crew decides where the wind takes you, with the expert support of your skipper, of course. Whether it is cooking on board, eating in a restaurant, anchoring in a secluded bay – or perhaps you would rather moor at the pontoon – you help shape the trip.

TRAVEL
We are happy to arrange flights from many German airports to Catania (CTA) or Palermo (PMO) on request. If you book your flight yourself, please pay attention to the flight times, as the onward journey to the marina takes some time. Our team will be glad to advise you on this.

The destination station for the train journey is Capo d'Orlando-Naso. From there, take a taxi to the marina (approx. 5 km, about 5 minutes, approx. €10). The train journey is, by the way, beautiful and there is plenty to see. The train can be booked locally or via Trenitalia.

Train from Palermo Aeroporto to Capo d'Orlando (1 change), approx. €10 - 25, then 5 minutes by taxi to the marina (approx. €10).
Or: transfer from Palermo airport to Palermo Centrale and back by taxi, approx. 25 minutes, approx. €35-45 each way. Then train from Palermo Centrale to Capo d´Orlando-Naso (approx. €10-25 / each way). From there approx. 5 minutes by taxi to the marina (approx. €10)

(Information without guarantee, as of 2025)

Catamaran subject to change.