SAILING
#10 – Sicily’s stunning coastal towns
Amidst the summery ambiance, we begin to think about where we want to spend the upcoming winter. After receiving numerous recommendations from experienced sailors, we decide on the Marina of Marina di Ragusa in Sicily, known for its thriving liveaboard community. We reserve a spot and set a goal for where we want to be in the coming weeks.
As the sun slowly sets on the horizon, we set sail from Villasimius towards the northwest of Sicily during the night. Although we don't have much wind at first, it steadily picks up throughout the night, allowing us to arrive comfortably in Trapani shortly after noon the next day.
The murky color of the water surprises us upon our arrival. We notice that fishing nets cover the seabed, making our anchorage more difficult. After several attempts, our anchor holds securely. We decide to stay here for a few nights and wait for a suitable weather window to sail towards the northeast.
In the coming weeks, we anchor along the north coast of Sicily in some of the most picturesque and exciting cities such as Castellammare del Golfo, Palermo, Cefalu, Milazzo and Toarmina. Visiting these historic cities is like walking through a museum. We are overwhelmed by the architectural masterpieces and the beauty of the buildings. The walls and churches reflect the rich history and culture of the region. Sicily takes us to another time and lets us experience the culture up close.
Fall approaches, and with it, the storms that are not uncommon in Sicily at this time of year. We navigate through the different bays and coastline of the north, admiring the beauty of the landscapes.
However, sailing along the north coast of Sicily in the fall was quite challenging due to the unpredictable storms that frequently occur during this time. The strong winds and rough seas made it difficult to navigate and to find well protected anchorages. Despite the beauty of the landscapes, we had to be cautious and well-prepared for any sudden weather changes.
In Palermo and Sicily, our sailing adventures are crowned by the arrival of our dear friends and family. Together, we explore the breathtaking scenery and share the joy of experiencing some of the most beautiful coastal stretches that the mediterranean has to offer.
Sailing through the Strait of Messina in Sicily is a true adventure. The raging waters and mighty currents require our full attention as we fight our way through this legendary waterway. However, the view of the majestic landscape that surrounds us is an unforgettable experience and more than compensates for any challenge.
While Covid is once again a topic in Italy and without a vaccination, not even a restaurant visit is possible, we decide to visit Taormina at a later time. We start in Taormina and sail directly to our winter harbor in Marina di Ragusa in southeastern Sicily.
It is reassuring to know that we will find our home in this community of sailors and liveaboards. We look forward to spending the winter in Sicily with them.
Here, we plan to stay for the next few months and use the time to carry out some upgrades to our Lumos.
If you want to learn more about the upgrades we've made to our faithful vessel, simply click on the link below:
