Grand Sailing Cruise: Sicily (Catania, Syracuse) → Malta +165 MN

Crossing and offshore sailing practices on a large sailboat: Sicily (Catania, Syracuse) → Malta +165 MN.

Sail with us on a unique journey that unites two Mediterranean worlds: the most historic and luminous Sicily with the fortified and elegant character of the Maltese archipelago.

A route of more than 165 miles, which combines coastal navigation with a high crossing between islands and unforgettable anchorages in some of the most transparent waters in the central Mediterranean. From the cultural richness of Catania and Syracuse to the electric blue coves of Comino and the golden cliffs of Gozo and Malta, each day offers a perfect balance between learning, discovery and enjoyment.

A journey for sailors, skippers and captains who want to gain knowledge, experience and trust, perfecting their technique of steering, trimming and maneuvering, interpreting the weather and making the right decisions in real conditions, while enjoying sailing in its most authentic version. For those of us who experience the thrill in a cooling wind, the calm in a guard under the stars and we find meaning in that breeze that caresses us as the sun sets and our sailboat moves forward without haste. But those who simply want to have a great sailing experience, even without learning objectives, are also welcome on board.

Together we will depart from the bustling port of Catania, with Mount Etna as a backdrop, to explore the splendid Sicilian eastern coast and discover Syracuse, before entering the open waters towards Malta.

We will discover, among other beautiful corners, the incomparable heritage of Ortigia, the hypnotic blue of Blue and Crystal Lagoon, the serenity of Ramla Bay and the hidden coves of western Malta, experiencing orange sunsets, starry skies and nights in quiet moorings. And at the final arrival, Valletta will welcome us, with its golden walls and unmistakable beauty.

In short, it is a complete journey: technical, formative, beautiful and authentic. A route that we have designed with love, with mind and with purpose. A trip that any sailor should do at least once in their life. We are waiting for you! Do you get on board?

WORKSHOPS AND PRACTICES

It includes different workshops and practices for those who set learning objectives: Governance and safety on the sailboat (The ship, the skipper and its crew, governance, instrumentation, RIPA, POB, EPIRB, abandonment, logbook, positioning on the charter, control and tasks on board...). Sailing (sails, controls, maneuvers, directions, trimming...). High altitude navigation (planning, meteorology, defeat, management...). Coastal navigation (planning, meteorology, defeat, hazards, marks and marking, delays, anchoring, moorings in port and buoy...). Night navigation (guards, lights, AIS, Radar...) and much more.

EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION

• Boarding: 5:30 p.m. | Pto. de Catania, Sicily (Train, bus or taxi from the airport 5 km away).

• Disembarkation: 14:00 h. | Pto. Valletta, Malta (Train, bus or taxi to the airport 8 km away).

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

We recommend a minimum of sailing experience to participate in this voyage. The proposed program may vary partially or significantly depending on the meteorology or at the request of the group. Consider that there could be any changes or delays due to this or any other unforeseen circumstance. Take it into account for your planning, train, flights, hotel, etc. if you need it and if so, we advise you to make your reservations with a cancellation option, or alternatively take out insurance to cover this possibility, they are usually cheap and well adapted to this type of activity.

OTHER CROSSINGS

If your dates don't add up or the group is complete, maybe you can join another stage of our great Mediterranean voyage. Ask us and we'll give you all the information:

• STAGE 1 (23-May to 29-May): Valencia → MALLORCA (North Coast) → MENORCA (South Coast, Mahón) +255 MN

• STAGE 2 (May 31 to June 3): MENORCA → SARDINIA (South Coast, Cagliari) +270 MN

• STAGE 3 (05-Jun-11-Jun): SARDINIA (Cagliari) → SICILY (Aegadian Islands → Palermo) +240 MN

• STAGE 4 (13-Jun-19-June): SICILY (Palermo → Aeolian Islands → Messina Strait → Catania) +225 MN

• STAGE 5 (June 21 to June 27): SICILY (Catania, Syracuse) → MALTA +165 MN

• STAGE 6: (June 29 to July 5): MALTA → SICILY (C.Sur, Aegadian Islands) → SARDINIA (Cagliari) +325 MN

• STAGE 7 (July 7 to July 10): SARDINIA (Cagliari) → MENORCA (Mahón) +270 MN

• STAGE 8 (July 12 to July 18): MENORCA (Mahón, C.Este and Norte) → MALLORCA (C.Norte) → Valencia +255 MN

Be part of the crew of this great Mediterranean voyage!

*Ask us for discounts for more than one stage.

Plan

1ST SINGAPORE: PORT OF CATANIA.

Welcome and boarding at the port of Catania, where our adventure begins. After discovering our sailboat, we will settle in the cabins and we will have the first of the different workshops and practices that we will be doing on board, as the voyage progresses: Government, security and navigation (Meteorology, defeat planning, POB, VHF, guards, instrumentation...). Then we will familiarize ourselves with the maneuver.

And we will close the day with a dinner all together in the lively and colorful port of Catania. Night on board, with Etna veiled in the background and ready to set sail.

2nd SINGLADURA: CATANIA → SYRACUSE/30MN.

We will set sail first thing in the morning on a beautiful coastal cruise to the South. With Etna receding at our stern, the Sicilian coast guides us to the Bay of Syracuse, where we anchor shortly after noon.

Once there, we can visit this ancient city, renowned for its archaeological heritage, including temples, theaters, amphitheaters and other classical structures, as well as its historic center, as well as walking around the Island of Ortigia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Here we will spend the night with extraordinary views of the dome of the Duomo, the white palaces and the walls looking out of the water and Syracuse in the background illuminated with golden light.

3rd SINGAPORE: SYRACUSE → MALTA SOUTHEAST/80 MN.

Pure sailing day. We will leave early in the morning to face the most common crossing between Sicily and Malta, which is always exciting! After about 5 hours of fishing and 11 hours of open water, we will see the tall golden bastions of Valletta. Depending on the conditions, we can alternatively opt for Marsaxlokk, a spectacular fishing town famous for its colorful luzzus.

Night in a quiet anchorage, with the satisfaction of having completed a classic Mediterranean crossing.

4th SINGAPORE: SOUTHEASTERN MALTA → COMINO/15 MN.

We will leave quietly after breakfast, heading to Comino, a paradise for sailing between cliffs, electric blue and small hidden coves. We will stop at several of their best jewels: Blue Lagoon, impossible not to fall in love. Crystal Lagoon, perfect for swimming in crystal clear waters. Santa Maria Bay, quiet and bright. And St. Nicholas Bay, a large and well-protected anchorage.

We will spend the night in the absolute calm of the Maltese archipelago, under a clean and starry sky.

5th SINGLADURE: COMINO → GOZO/15 MIN.

We will leave Comino to sail to the green and quiet Gozo. We will first anchor in Ramla Bay, with its unique reddish sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for a long swim and lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we sail to Mgarr ix-Xini, a narrow and spectacular cove surrounded by cliffs, where we will probably anchor with a mooring to the ground at the stern.

And for the night, Paradis Bay awaits us, a cove hidden in turquoise waters or Popeye Bay, charming and with movie houses.

6th SINGAPORE: GOZO → WESTERN MALTA/10 MIN.

Today we will cross back, along the west coast of Malta, famous for its transparent waters and golden beaches. We will enjoy anchorages such as: Golden Bay, spacious and bright. Għajn Tuffieħa, with its majestic and sparsely built-up landscape. And Anchor Bay, another spectacular alternative for swimming and relaxing, our anchorage to spend the night, surrounded by the amber color of the Maltese rocks at dusk.

7th SINGAPORE: WEST MALTA → SOUTH MALTA → VALLETTA/15 MN.

We said goodbye to western Malta with smooth sailing to the south, enjoying a stretch full of small entrances perfect for the last few baths.

During the morning we will anchor in two of its best coves: St. Peter's Pool, a natural pool formed in the rock, with crystal clear water and a very marine environment. Ideal for swimming between natural platforms and enjoying the landscape. And Il-Ħofriet Bay, two twin coves, quiet and secluded, with a blue, clean and calm sea. A perfect place to have lunch and relax before the final stretch.

After enjoying these beautiful places, we will continue along the coast to Marsaxlokk, a beautiful fishing town full of light and the typical colorful luzzus.

And shortly after noon, we will enter Valletta, where we will end our journey, full of sailing, learning and unforgettable anchorages. If you have an extra day, make the most of it on your own to discover this beautiful town.

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Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (spanish)

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• The rental of the sailboat, professional skipper/skipper, insurance and VAT. All scheduled activities, workshops and practices have no additional cost. At the end, a cruise certificate will be issued that justifies the route, the sailing conditions and the miles traveled (professional qualifications, rentals, shipments...).

NOT INCLUDED (extras):

• FULL PACK (Required): Preparation, shopping and stowing, food and drink, bed linen and towels, final cleaning and laundry. “All Inclusive” 215 EUR/pax

• FUEL (Required): A provision of approximately 55 EUR/pax will be made. We will prioritize sailing. In any case, it will be adjusted to the one actually consumed.

• MOORINGS IN PORTS OR BUOYS (Required): If due to boarding or security it is necessary or chosen as an option, it will be distributed among the group. A provision will be made for the scheduled moorings (Catania and La Valletta) of 40 EUR/person, at a rate of 1.5 days per port, necessary for pre-preparation and post-cruise cleaning. In any case, this provision will be adjusted to the amount that ultimately results.

• SUITE PACK (Optional): Reserve the spacious forward cabin with integrated full bathroom. 155 EUR/pax

• SINGLE PACK (Optional): Reserve an exclusive upper aft cabin just for you. 625 EUR/person

• LAST MINUTE PACK (Optional). When there are no more cabins left, you can still get on board spending the night on the comfortable sofa in the living room. -185 Eur

• Any other request or need not specified in the price or that would like to be quoted separately.

CANCELLATIONS AND RETURNS

• Cost of early cancellation by the customer:

-Before 60 days before the date of shipment, 10% of the reservation.

-Between 59 and 30 days before the date of shipment, 50% of the reservation.

-Less than 30 days before the date of shipment, 100% of the reservation.

• If canceled early by the shipowner/skipper:

-For reasons of force majeure, crew indisposition, sailboat safety or any other circumstance, a new date would be agreed or, where appropriate, the customer would be reimbursed for 100% of the amount paid.

-For not reaching a confirmed minimum group of 5 people (in the case of rental by places), a new date would be agreed or, if appropriate, the customer would be reimbursed for 100% of the amount paid.

-Due to adverse weather conditions, a new date would be agreed or, if appropriate, 100% of the amount paid would be reimbursed to the customer in the form of a credit valid for 1 year, which can be enjoyed directly by the customer or whoever he decides and reports.

-Once shipped, only a refund in the form of a credit valid for 1 year would be applicable, if the cancellation occurs for reasons directly attributable to the shipowner or skipper, and weather conditions are not considered in any case. This reimbursement would be calculated in proportion to the time or period not finally enjoyed, and there would be no additional compensation.

FORMALIZATION OF THE RESERVATION AND BOARDING

• According to platform policy.

• Up to 5 days in advance, the extras can be paid directly to the shipowner/skipper by bank transfer.

• Before boarding, the group will sign the sailboat rental contract for the indicated time, with a professional skipper included.

• During this time, the group will have the sailboat to enjoy sailing following the suggested itinerary or any other that they can alternatively propose directly to the skipper.

OTHERS

• Complete Pack: The menus are healthy, simple to make and generally adapted to life on board. Soft drinks, beers and wine are included. You don't have to worry about deciding on the ingredients and making the purchase. This service is included. If any type of special diet is required or if you have any allergies, you must communicate in writing beforehand.

• A cook or sailor is not included (this service has an added budget), so it is the responsibility of each person to collaborate with the group in preparing meals and other tasks related to the order, cleaning and safety of the sailboat to have the best experience.

• We will do this trip with a minimum group of 5 and a maximum of 7 crew members plus the Captain, to make the most of the large spaces and comfort of this large sailboat, and to get the most out of the different workshops and practices. Exceptionally, smaller groups could be confirmed.

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Boat details

Powerful, elegant and comfortable Dufour 525 Grand Large. An ocean-going sailboat with superior features and finishes, with a premium specification that includes a generator, hot-cold air conditioning, a watermaker, washing machine, dishwasher, Bosé speakers... as well as a great capacity for autonomy.

The interior is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type forward) with large closets and shelves, two complete toilets (electric and with hot and cold water showers), as well as a large convertible lounge that adds 2 bunk beds, where you can sleep comfortably. in total 8 people. Additionally, it has an independent crew cabin with a third full bathroom.

Outside, its clean and spacious lines are complemented by a magnificent teak deck, with 2 sundecks, one forward and one aft, each for 4 people. In short, it is a large full-equipment sailboat, Dufourt's flagship, with which you will enjoy the pleasure of sailing in paradisiacal settings with high safety and comfort with your family or friends.

General characteristics

- Measurements: overall length 15.32m, beam 4.90m and draft: 2.3m
- Ballast: 4.85 tons
- Displacement: 16.2 tons
- Fuel tanks: 500 liters (2x250l)
- Water tanks: 3x185 (555 l)
- Engine: Volvo Penta D3-110 kW
- Main propeller: 3 folding blades
- Bow thruster: Maxpower retractable
- Alternator: 114AH
- Generator: Fisher Panda 8000 6.8KW
- Chargers: Cristec, Fast Inverter: Power 1200W
- Air conditioning and heating: Dometic Cruiseair with outlets in the living room and 3 cabins
- Water treatment plant: Desalination plant D60BY 60 L/h*
- Water heater: Quick Inox Platform
-Electric bathing platform with aft shower
-Dispatched in sixth list: zone 2 (up to 12 people on board)

Rig

- Sparcraft mast and boom
- Sparcraft Ocean retractable bowsprit with tack line to cockpit
- North Sails cruising laminated mainsail
- Furling cruiser genoa North Sails
- Elvstrom 2010 furling gennaker
- I'm flying
- Elvstrom bad weather jib
- Elvstrom Storm Jib
- Battened mainsail Elvstrom dacron
- Furlex Seldon 404s genoa furler

winches

- 2 main German Harken 53 ST winches
- 2x Harken 60.2 ST electric genoa winches 2x spinnaker
- 1 Harken 48 ST electric starboard halyard winch
- 1 Harken 48 ST port halyard winch

navigation equipment

- VHF ICOM Marine IC-M505 with remote control in cockpit and BoseMC-Murdo ICS speaker
- Navtex Computer Nav6 and Monitor 15
- TinyBytetransceiver AIS wireless keyboard logitech2
- Raymarine ST602 tridata. Raymarine ST6002 Autopilot and Raymarine E80 Plotter
- Raymarine radar and tablet with Navionics

Accommodation

It is a sailboat designed to offer a great navigation experience, comfort and enjoyment for 6 to 8 people overnight and up to 12 people including the crew during daytime navigation.

The interior, with high-quality furniture, in Moabi and Wenge wood, is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type forward) with ample closets and shelves, two complete toilets (electric and with hot water showers), as well as a large convertible saloon that adds 2 berths (for crew or passengers), where a total of 8 people can sleep comfortably. Additionally, it has an independent crew cabin with a third complete bathroom, which is usually used as a sail locker.

The kitchen, distributed in 3 large spaces, has a Corian® work surface with a raised anti-heeling edge in wood. It has a double sink with a synthetic resin lid. 3-burner gas cooker with oven/grill type "Bretagne Evolution" in cardan with stainless steel handrail and safety fixing anchor. A fridge with front cover 130L. A second 175L fridge with freezer, plus a 100L freezer. The service is completed by an Electrolux Arthur Martin MD30 dishwasher, a 1200W ENO microwave, a Tefal toaster, a bottle rack and complete Dufourt crockery for 10 people.

Daily rest is guaranteed with Calipso comfort mattresses with wooden slatted base, fans, as well as a large space in cabinets and shelves, LED reading lights, openable deck hatches, ventilation, black-out blinds and mosquito nets in each cabin.

All this is complemented by 12v-220V plugs. BOSE-Lifestyle DVD 5.1 dolby surround. Sharp Aquos TV and large storage spaces throughout the boat.

*This description may not be exact or may have changed due to subsequent changes. The use of some services such as the dishwasher, TV or air conditioning may be restricted to the port or at certain times at the discretion of the skipper. The owner/skipper is not responsible if any element or accessory described is damaged just before or during the departure.

SERVICES

Rental for cruises and crossings, regattas, hourly rides, Charter day, sunrises, sunsets, ashes at sea, celebrations, etc. Ask us and we will organize a personalized quality service for you.

Specifications

Model: Dufour Yachts - 525 Grand Large
Capacity: 11 spots
Length: 15.32 m
Cabins: 3
Year: 2008
Bathrooms: 3

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Bimini
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
TV
Equipo de snorkel

5 · 111 reviews

Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Biel

October of 2025

Ignacio very attentive to everyone, aware of the menu and the safety of the crew members

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Biel, it has been a pleasure to share this sailing trip with you. I highly value your willingness and conversation with the group, always encouraging and collaborating. Good bow partner;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Diego

October of 2025

Absolute success in choosing Ignacio and his boat for this sailing experience and expanding knowledge. Ignacio is a great sailor with many boards who always opts for the safety of his crew members, good practices and a friendly and continuous learning environment. I will repeat from now on 100%.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Diego! I loved sharing this journey with you. You have brought joy and laughter to the group, and also with an excellent attitude, collaboration and desire to learn. Good bow and until another one, partner;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Alberto

October of 2025

Nostalgia for the silver reflections on his wall when the water was cut off while dancing to the infinite murmur of the waves.
Bedouin of the sea in the star-studded night and guided by the enchantment of his mantle, he sails hanging from the sky.
The sails come out and close to the soul, the salty bodies fly at dawn.

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Reply from Ignacio

Precious words Alberto! It has been a pleasure to share this journey with Esther and you. I highly value your willingness, your desire to learn and to contribute to the group, always with joy and good conversation. A hug;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Alfonso

September of 2025

Ignacio made us go through an incredible journey, teaching us aspects of navigation at all times and transmitting his passion for the sea. I will repeat for sure.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Alfonso! I loved sharing this journey with you. I highlight your good attitude, collaboration in on-board tasks and maneuvers and your desire to learn. Good winds buddy, until the next voyages;)

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Crucero en Gran Velero por Ibiza y Formentera desde Valencia

Nuria

August of 2025

The journey is very good, Nacho gives you a lot of confidence, he is a very experienced captain, and my companions were all a 10, very very happy with everything, I am disabled, I have hip and femur prosthesis and it is a good and comfortable boat and the captain and my companions made me feel one more a hug to everyone

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Nuria. It was a pleasure to have you on board the sailboat. I want to highlight your good attitude and sense of humor at all times. Good bow and good winds, until the next voyages!

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Crucero en Gran Velero por Ibiza y Formentera desde Valencia

Fernando

August of 2025

A unique, adventurous exp. with touches of both fun and total peace.
First time I was sailing on a 7-day voyage and I have to say that I would do it again without a doubt. Top sailboat with all the amenities, security and enough space. Nacho, the captain is a crack! Total control of 10, to the ship and to you

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Fer! I was delighted to share this experience with you on board the sailboat. I want to highlight your good character, always smiling, talking and helping in everything. You're a great crew member and a better person. A hug and until the next voyages;)

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