This sailing trip is for those seeking a grand adventure: In two weeks, we'll sail from our home port of Poros across the Mediterranean to Palermo in Sicily. Through the legendary Corinth Canal, across the Gulf of Corinth under the imposing Rion-Antirion Bridge, past the historic lagoon city of Messolonghi, via Ithaca and Kefalonia – and then the grand crossing: approximately 270 nautical miles across the open Ionian Sea to Syracuse. From there, we continue through the Strait of Messina, past the fire-breathing Stromboli, through the Aeolian Islands, and along the northern coast of Sicily to Palermo. A true mileage-building trip of around 660 nautical miles – bluewater sailing at its finest.
Our adventure begins on Saturday in Poros – our home port. After boarding, introductions, and a safety briefing, we set sail north towards the Corinth Canal. The passage between the towering cliffs is the spectacular start to this voyage. We sail westward in the Gulf of Corinth, framed by mountains, with a stop on the small island of Trizonia or in the charming town of Galaxidi. Passing under the imposing Rion-Antirion Bridge, we reach Messolonghi, the historic lagoon city on the Gulf of Patras – once the scene of heroic resistance in the Greek War of Independence and the place where Lord Byron spent his final days.
From Messolonghi, we sail to Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, and on to Kefalonia. Here we take a buffer day: to stock up on provisions, check the weather window for the long crossing, and enjoy the island. Then comes the highlight – we set sail for the long crossing: approximately 269 nautical miles across the open Ionian Sea to Syracuse. Two nights at sea, watch system, navigation by the stars, sunrises over the ocean, and with a bit of luck, dolphins as companions. Arriving in Syracuse, we treat ourselves to a well-deserved rest day on the baroque old town island of Ortigia. From Syracuse, we head up the east coast of Sicily with Mount Etna as our companion, through the legendary Strait of Messina, and on to Stromboli – an unforgettable experience if approached at night, when the lava illuminates the sky. The Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano surprise with their volcanic landscape before we sail via Cefalù with its Norman cathedral to Palermo – a fitting finale in Sicily's vibrant capital. Which ports and bays we visit, and how long we stay in each, will be decided – just like in real sailing – by the wind, the weather, and the crew together.
For those collecting miles for their next sailing license: Since we'll be crossing the open sea on this trip, you'll log plenty of nautical miles. Of course, we'll issue you an official mileage certificate at the end of the trip.
CENTRAL SEASON: This mile-long cruise connects three fascinating sailing areas: the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs, the Ionian Islands, and Sicily. From the sheltered Gulf of Corinth with its calm waters, the route leads into the open Ionian Sea – with short distances between the islands and reliable northwesterly winds. The long crossing from Kefalonia to Sicily (~269 nautical miles) takes you across the open Ionian Sea and is the navigational highlight of the trip. The itinerary includes two built-in buffer days – before the long crossing to Kefalonia and after arrival in Syracuse. From the home port of Poros, you can quickly reach Piraeus by ferry and Athens Airport in about an hour. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport is only about 30 km from the marina and can be reached by shuttle in 35–40 minutes.
WIND & CLIMATE (September): Air temperature 25–30°C (average 28°C), water temperature 24–26°C. The Meltemi wind subsides considerably in September, with prevailing winds in the Ionian Sea from the northwest at 2–4 Beaufort. In the Gulf of Corinth, a westerly wind dominates, freshening in the afternoon. Variable winds are possible on the long crossing. September is considered one of the best sailing seasons in the central Mediterranean: stable weather conditions, little rain, and pleasant temperatures.
THE YACHT – GALINI (Hanse 575): Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, spacious, and comfortable yacht. She is a modern Hanse 575 with four double cabins and a skipper's cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with an electric toilet. Amenities include Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multimedia system, 220V/7kW generator (230V in all cabins), washing machine, air fryer, and coffee maker. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, a hydraulic swim platform, and a dinghy with an outboard motor. She is exceptionally well-equipped for safety and navigation – everything you need to be self-sufficient. The Hanse was designed by Volvo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class.
With us, you're not an anonymous guest on a standard itinerary, but part of a real crew exploring new horizons together. Not just a cruise, but a true community, genuine experiences, and the magic of the sea.
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