Sicily Event Guide

Non-route information (yacht packages, deposits, kitty process, app, kit, event team roles, safety forms, etiquette, themes, NPS) lives on the Yacht Week Operations page. This guide contains only what’s specific to Sicily.

MANAGEMENT TEAM
vatro

Vatro Kacic

Head of Operations
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-18 at 18.02.48

Martina Cvitkovic

Operations Coordinator
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-28 at 17.47.39

Annika Dupuis

Event Manager
Kira-Wagner

Kira Wagner

Guest Experience Manager
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Pontus

Event Coordinator
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Uko Benelli

Route Manager

W24 to W26
06 Jun to 27 Jun

member

Elise Pollock

Host Manager

W24 to W26
06 Jun to 27 Jun

member

Eva Tiefengraber

Route Medic

W24 to W26
06 Jun to 27 Jun

IN AN EMERGENCY
IN AN EMERGENCY

If you have an emergency, your first port of call should be the COAST GUARD. Use channel 16 on your VHF to initiate the call and you will then be directed to another channel. You can also call 112 on any mobile phone, regardless of whether it has an operational service plan.

After the coast guard, notify the Route Manager as soon as possible for any major emergencies. For minor emergencies, contact your lead skipper.

Fill out an accident report ASAP: Accident Report Form

IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency Numbers (Italy)
General Emergency
Fire Brigade
Ambulance / Medical Service
Coast Guard (real emergency only; misuse will be fined)
Emergencies at sea
Yacht Week comms
Hospitals
Embassies & Consulates
Embassies & Consulates

Embassies and consulates are the right point of contact for serious matters affecting a guest or a crew member’s home country. They are not a general help line. Reach out to the relevant embassy or consulate when:

Search online for the embassy or consulate of the relevant home country in Italy. Confirm the latest contact details and opening hours before calling, as these change. Most embassies operate a 24-hour emergency line for citizens in distress.

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Standard YW pre-departure steps (crew lists, online check-in, lead booker / skipper check-in, deposits) are on the Yacht Week Operations page.

Guest Comms

In the Day 8 app you’ll be introduced to your crew before the week. If any crew members are missing from the introduction, email app@yachtweek.com.

Common reason: guests don’t check in until the last minute. We send multiple reminders to push them through online check-in, and only once they’re checked in do they get app access. The app is critical: it’s how the weekly schedule, last-minute changes, and push notifications about critical situations reach every guest. App usage and functionality is improving every season, and we want to keep all guests connected to each other through it.

Use the app as your number-one comms channel. This applies particularly to cabin and solo booking charters where guests don’t already know each other.

Do

Do Not

WhatsApp Groups

Please join the WhatsApp groups for the weeks you are assigned. Don’t join weeks where you aren’t assigned. Join 2 groups per week.

For each week we run 3 groups: one combined “All Skippers & Hosts” group, a Skippers-only group, and a Hosts-only group. As a skipper, join the All Skippers & Hosts group plus the Skippers group. As a host, join the All Skippers & Hosts group plus the Hosts group.

You can create groups in the YW App. There will automatically be a Skipper and a Host group in the app for each week. YW is building app functionality to meet operational demands, but it’s not up to speed yet.

Drones

Flying drones may be restricted in some areas. Check current Italy drone regulations: uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-italy

Packing Tips

Packing blog: Yacht Week packing list

Early Arrival

If you plan to arrive in Italy a few days before check-in, book accommodation near Catania or Taormina. Many hotels and apartments are also in Portorosa: Tindari Resort or Portorosa Residence are popular options.

From Palermo By Train

  1. From Palermo Centrale, you can take a direct train to Barcelona-Castroreale, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket costs approximately €15.
  2. Barcelona-Castroreale Station is 15 minutes from Porto Rosa.
  3. Another nearby station is Novara-Montalbano-Furnari, just 6 minutes from Porto Rosa.
  4. Check train schedules on Trenitalia: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

By Taxi 

Taxi services from Palermo Airport to Porto Rosa:

  1. Giardina Viaggi
  2. WhatsApp: +39 0941 361462
  3. Email: info@giardinaviaggi.it
  4. Price list: https://giardinatour.it/chi-siamo/
  5. Taxi Jolly (Felice) – +39 350 1880581 (€300)
  6. Iarcar (Francesco) – +39 340 2165709 (Price https://drive.google.com/file/d/1snx-6D6uR23erG0aL3-eEWMN5NP0ghSj/view

Taxi from Train Stations to Porto Rosa Dock

  1. Taxi Portorosa – +39 388 4362229 (~€50) – Suggestion: call in advance
  2. Taxi Jolly (Felice) – +39 350 1880581 (~€50) 1 car (1-3 ppl) 50€ – Van 8 places 4+ ppl – 80€
  3. Iarcar – +39 340 216 5709

By Taxi

Taxi services from Catania Airport to Porto Rosa:

  1. Giardina Viaggi
  2. WhatsApp: +39 0941 361462
  3. Email: info@giardinaviaggi.it
  4. Price list: https://giardinatour.it/chi-siamo/
  5. Taxi Jolly (Felice) – +39 350 1880581 (€250)
  6. Iarcar (Francesco) – +39 340 2165709 (Price https://drive.google.com/file/d/1snx-6D6uR23erG0aL3-eEWMN5NP0ghSj/view  

Transfers

  1. You can check Giardina Viaggi for transfer service going on for 30€ per person, check here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IbSSTDeFJBOrTIgumRNoGVgLB7-k4V0M/view

Things to do in Palermo

Things to do in Catania

INTERNET & E-SIM GUIDELINES
1. Staff Data Is Mandatory

As a skipper or host you must have continuous mobile data. All Yacht Week operational comms run exclusively through the Day 8 app and WhatsApp, and you need reliable access at the dock, on the water, and on land. Public Wi-Fi at marinas and venues is patchy. Do not rely on it for comms.

2. Onboard Wi-Fi Rentals

Guests can rent a portable Wi-Fi dongle directly from their charter company if they want a shared network for the yacht.

3. Advising Guests On Mobile Data

Personal mobile data is technically optional for guests, but they need it to fully experience the Day 8 app. Pay special attention to non-EU guests or those with limited data plans, and advise them as follows.

EU Phone Numbers

Italy is in the EU. EU-issued SIMs operate under the “Roam Like At Home” rules, so a normal home data plan typically applies in Italy at no extra charge. Fair-use limits exist for very large plans, so guests should confirm with their provider before travelling.

Non-EU Phone Numbers (US, UK, AUS, etc.)

Advise these guests to arrange data before they arrive. Roaming fees can be huge.

Travel eSIMs (Highly Recommended)

Apps like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad sell Italy or Europe-wide data plans that activate instantly:

Physical Local SIMs

Guests can buy a local SIM (TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre) for around €10. The eSIM route is faster and avoids tracking down a carrier store.

US guests: confirm with the home carrier that the phone is unlocked before leaving home (usually means the phone is fully paid off). If the phone is locked, international eSIMs and local physical SIMs will not work.

Onboard Wi-Fi: WiFi can be purchased from some charter companies. Sunsicily (€50/week) and Spartivento (€50/week). Not available from DYC or North Sardinia Sail. Use it sparingly: the data limit goes fast on streaming. Marinas and most bars/restaurants also offer internet, but coverage is patchy on the islands.

LOCAL INFORMATION
Weather
Wind

Prevailing winds from the West and Northwest. Scirocco winds from the Southeast are hot, irregular, and carry Sahara desert dust and Mount Etna ash. Summer thunderstorms follow and arrive quickly. Plan navigation and moorings around weather changes.

Local Currency

The currency is Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and larger restaurants. American Express is unlikely to be accepted, especially on the islands. Smaller establishments do not accept cards. Cash is king on the islands. Carry all the cash needed for the week before leaving Portorosa.

Time Zone

Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2. Sunrise approx 06:00, sunset approx 20:30.

Language

Italian. English is understood in tourist areas like Catania, Palermo, and Taormina, but less common in smaller towns and on the islands. When contacting taxis or local services, use WhatsApp first. More reliable for written communication.

Plug Sockets

Standard voltage on yachts is 12V. Italian mains is 220V, standard European 2-pin plug.

Tap Water

Drink bottled water only on the islands.

Jellyfish & Mosquitos

Be cautious of jellyfish in the water. Pack mosquito repellent.

SICILY KITTY & FOOD BUDGETS

The process is the same everywhere. See Yacht Week Operations. The figures below are Sicily-specific.

Sicily Guest Kitty Amounts

These have been communicated to guests. Do not ask guests to bring more than the below.

Sicily Cabin Booking Provisioning Budget

Hosts receive a virtual Pleo card by email. Keep an eye out for it.

TIPPING

Tipping is one of the most common friction points reported by Yacht Week guests. Different cultures have very different norms around it. Here’s where Yacht Week stands.

Don't Ask For Tips
Why This Matters
The Reality

You win some, you lose some. The bigger yachts tend to tip more often, so the path to better gratuities is racking up multiple weeks and getting onto the larger yachts. Do the job well, treat your guests as guests, and tips will follow on the weeks that follow.

EVENT INFORMATION
Event Themes (Sicily)

Remaining day/night events: casual dress, respecting local culture and community.

Event Schedule

W24: 06 Jun 2026 to 13 Jun 2026. W25 13 Jun 2026. to 20 Jun 2026. W26: 20 Jun 2026 to 26 Jun 2026..

We cannot reserve dock space wherever we’d like in Italy. Port authorities don’t allow it. Departure and arrival times must be respected.

Day
Location
Activity / Party
Saturday
Portorosa Marina
Check-In + Opening Party (Gradisca)
Sunday
Lipari
Line Raft
Monday
Lipari
Winery / Scooters / Turmalin Club
Tuesday
Stromboli
Volcano Hike
Wednesday
Salina
Portobello / Wine Bar
Thursday
Panarea
Raya Rooftop / Banacalii
Friday
Portorosa Marina
Check-Out
ARRIVAL & MARINAS
Charter Company Location / Marina Map

Address: Sailitalia srl, Turistica “il gabbiano”, Villaggio Turistico Portorosa, Zona Laguna Azzurra, 98054 Furnari (ME), Italy.

Charter Companies

Sun Sicily, DYC, and North Sardinia Sail are located close to where you drive in. Spartivento is on the other side of the marina.

Marina Facilities

Showers and restrooms, bars, restaurants, cafés, and small supermarkets.

Luggage Storage

Luggage: You may store the bags at your charter company’s office upon request. The Yacht Week crew do not take responsibility for any lost luggage or items. Prices for luggage storage differ depending on the charter company;

Banks & ATMs

Withdraw enough money before arriving in Portorosa. Bank opening hours: Mon to Fri 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:30 to 16:00. Closed Sat & Sun. ATMs are operational 24h. There is one ATM at the entrance to Porto Rosa Marina. Lipari and Salina have many banks and ATMs; on the other islands, you’ll find ATMs only.

Pharmacy

Located 15 min walk from the marina entrance. Via Prestipaolo, 98054 Furnari ME, Italy.

Local Transport

There are no regular taxi companies in the region. Transportation must be booked in advance with a local transfer company. 
A Few Quick Tips:

SKIPPER INFORMATION
Marina Fees (Rough Guide)

Salina

Lipari (Marina Lunga)

Panarea, Stromboli, and Lipari further fees TBC.

Anchoring

Anchor during lunch stops, rafting, and overnight in Stromboli. Depth drops rapidly, with shoals and submerged rocks near the coastline. Stay 100 m from cliffs and 200 m from beaches. At Stromboli, ensure sufficient chain is out and reverse firmly to check the anchor’s hold. If staying overnight, set an anchor alarm and check your yacht and weather regularly.

Snorkelling

The Aeolian Islands offer great snorkelling. Remind your crew not to touch anything. Reefs are sharp, and jellyfish are common.

Garbage & Recycling (Italy)

Garbage smells quickly in heat. Dispose of it properly. Ask locals where to leave it (there may be a small charge). Italy has strict recycling rules: separate plastics, cardboard, glass, and domestic waste to avoid issues at marinas.

Holding Tanks & Pollution

Fines for pollution can exceed €1,500. Proper use of holding tanks and fuel tanks is critical. Specific rules will be explained on-site. Follow them to avoid fines.

HOST INFORMATION

To stock up for the trip, head to Conad Supermarket with a few guests via shuttle transfer. At Portorosa Marina:

Island Supermarkets
Supermarket Hours

Most stores are open 08:00 to 21:00, though some take a lunch break, particularly on the islands.

What To Buy
SUNDAY: LINE RAFT
Sailing

Portorosa to Lipari (LINE RAFT)
Sail time Lipari/Vulcano: 3.5 hours, 20 NM Arrival at raft/anchor site: 11:00 at the latest. Arrival at Vulcano: 15:00 at the latest. 

Background

Sunday night, we will raft overnight. Location TBC based on weather, but either the north east side of Vulcano or South side of Lipari. There will be a DJ set up in the centre of the raft

Guest Information
MONDAY: LIPARI
Sailing information:

Sail from the raft location TBC to Lipari, a short sail, no longer than an hour. Arrival time: 12:00 at the latest.
We will have our yachts at Lipari Service in Marina Lunga – VHF 77. The floating pontoon dock was left to the fuel dock. Water and electricity are included in the fee. 9 PM – 8 AM, water is closed

Recommended Day Stop: Spiaggia di Pomice (3h30 from Stromboli) 

Plan to arrive by 11:00 at the latest and stop for lunch there.

Lipari was for centuries the world centre for pumice production, and although the mining (now stopped) has left scars on the hillsides, it has also deposited the finest white pumice dust on the seabed. The water off Spiaggia di Pomice is clear and turquoise, perfect for a morning swim and lunch stop. This is by far one of the most scenic and beautiful day stops of the itinerary! Along the beach, you will find the Havana Beach bar, where you can get some quick food and drinks. If you need ice, they can fill up your ice box at the bar.

Background

Lipari is the main tourist centre in the Aeolians, but fortunately, it still retains a charming, laid-back island vibe. It is a lovely town to stroll the labyrinthine alleyways with the sun on your face and nothing to do but enjoy the atmosphere. There are also beautiful sights beyond the soaring clifftop citadel and archaeological museum.

Guest Information
Top Activities

Followed by a sommelier, the tastings are dedicated to wine lovers and to those who want to get to know our viticulture project in depth through a guided tour of the cellar and a walk in the vineyard.

Winery guided tour and short walk in the vineyard include:

3 glasses of wine: Bianco Porticello/Rosa Caolino/Ypsilon

Homemade bread and extra virgin olive oil from Mt.Etna

Selection of cold cuts and cheeses from Nebrodi and the Aeolian Islands, Crostini with our organic caper pâté

“Curzate” olives, traditional vegetables. 

Price: from 45 €

Time: 17:30

Pick-up at the harbour – 15€ pp for a collective transfer

Booking 6 days in advance: https://www.tenutadicastellaro.it/

Golden Era Theme

Where: Turmalin Club. What: Golden night celebration. Vibes: Step into the Golden Era, a night inspired by timeless glamour, elegance, and luxury. The club transforms into a glowing golden world filled with music, sparkle, and unforgettable energy.

Outfit inspiration: https://uk.pinterest.com/theyachtweek/2026-theme-golden-era/ 

We will host our evening event at Turmalin, the most renowned club in the island.

 How to get there:

Turmalin is located in the old part of town, on the cliff across the park in front of Il Filippino.

TUESDAY: STROMBOLI
Sailing

Lipari to Stromboli.Arrival time: between 12:00 and 12:30 at the latest if you are taking part in the hike. 

Anchorage: Buoys are provided at www.marinadelgabbiano.it, which include land transfer until 19:30. Buoys are located 600 meters north of the Scari harbour, and as soon as you approach Stromboli, you can contact them through the VHF channel 9 or to +39 377 38 99 607. They will be waiting for you by your buoy to assist during mooring.

Laundry service, ice, night transfer, and deliveries to the boat are available.

Background

Stromboli Island is a volcano that rises from the sea, and its emergent portion has been persistently active for the last 2000 years. Stromboli is the only active volcano in Europe. For this reason, the island has been described, since the classical age, as the “lighthouse of Tirreno”. Are you ready for the most exhilarating experience? If you are taking part in the guided hike to the top of the volcano, you will embark on a 5h hike and may be lucky enough to see active eruptions! Going down the volcano will be just as exciting, as you will be gliding through volcanic ashes.

Embarking on a hike in an active volcano requires extreme precautions and preparation. Keep in mind that the tracks are predominantly steep, and the climate is particularly hot in the summer months. However, once at the summit, temperatures may reach 5 °C. Please make sure you allow enough time to rent equipment, eat, and meet the group at designated times. Keep in mind you have to stick together as a group. Please notify your Skipper and YW crew of your location. We strongly suggest drinking water the whole day and avoiding alcoholic beverages

Difficulty depends on the weather. After the hike, yachts either stay in Stromboli or head to Panarea, depending on the weather.

Hike Warnings
Day Logistics

If anyone is late, the whole process slows down and affects other groups. Crew, skippers, hosts, and guests must collaborate on time.

Participation

StromboliAdventures:

https://www.stromboliadventures.com/stromboli/escursioni-stromboli-vulcano-di-gruppo

Contatto Stefania: + 339527277

Stromboli Adventures will take sign-ups until 4 days before the adventure. They will send a payment link through which each participant can enrol in the excursion.

We will send a QR code for each week in the WhatsApp group, so that the skippers can forward it to the guests.

Details:

  1. She will give each of us 1 light for the night – mandatory and included in the price.
  2. Guests need to have shoes (not flat on the bottom), or they can rent them on the island.
  3. Price: 30 €
  4. If bad weather → Full refund except payment fees – 4,5€
  5. Direct payment through the link.

Here are the details of the excursion: Duration 5h, Elevation gain about 500m, Low difficulty. However, you need to be at least used to walking, departing from 17:00, depending on the setting of the sun

Path: S.Vincenzo landscape path Return Punta Labronzo Travel time: 2h one way. Stop: 1h at the observation point Return: 2h Cost: €30 adults. Here is the equipment list. If you are missing something, you will find Totem Trekking, a shop and sports equipment rental, within walking distance of us http://www.totemtrekkingstromboli.com

400 m Viewpoint

It is FORBIDDEN to cross the 400 m point without a professional guide. Anyone who breaks this rule will be severely fined by local authorities.

For those not joining the full hike, the 400 m viewpoint is accessible without a guide.

Recommendation HOTEL VILAGGIO STROMBOLI
WEDNESDAY: SALINA
Sailing

Arrival time: 3 pm at the latest. Recommended day stop: Pollara Bay or Grotta del Cavallo.

Background

The first morning, we set sail to Salina, the longest leg of the itinerary. In delightful contrast to the exposed volcanic terrain of other Aeolian Islands, Salina boasts a lush, verdant landscape thanks to its natural freshwater springs. Salina is shaped by two extinct volcanoes whose peaks are 860m and 962m high.

The main port, Santa Marina Salina, is beautiful and unspoilt, with a long, traffic-free main street lined with chic boutiques and food shops. You can enjoy your first day strolling around the streets, tasting some of the amazing local food and wine, and swimming in one of the most beautiful bays of the Aeolian Islands.

Guest Information
Top Activities
Evening Event (Portobello)

Post-dinner drinks at Portobello will start at 23:00.

Party at Portobello, Via Lungomare, N.G/2, Via Lungomare, 2, 98050 Santa Marina Salina ME, Italy.

THURSDAY: PANAREA
Sailing

Sail time Salina to Panarea: 2 hours, 12 NM

Arrival time: 12:00, the latest to start the raft. 

Raft/Anchor location: https://www.seapanarea.com/, 500m from the port, N side. Marco +39 338 5864150

Mooring buoys Sea Panarea – Yellow circle.

IMPORTANT: When coming into Panarea, do not go to a buoy right away; wait and call on the designated channel for assistance, and you will be guided in once it’s your turn. The mooring fee is around €140 per yacht and includes water taxi service to the dock.

Background

Panarea is the trendiest and most exclusive island of the Aeolian Archipelago. It is a very hip place where many VIP’s spend their holidays, as well as where young Italians go to relax. This picture-perfect town will amaze you with its beautiful white houses, charming streets and amazing views. Spend the afternoon exploring the streets of San Pietro, which you will appreciate the most during daylight. Panarea has no harbour, so we will use mooring buoys.

Guest Information

Aperitivo – Riviera Chic Sunset Aperitivo at Raya is a MUST! Head to the rooftop at 19:30 for the most elegant sunset drinks in town.

Top Activities
Evening Event YW Party at Banacali (Riviera Chic) from 11 PM until 2 AM
FRIDAY: RETURN TO PORTOROSA
Sailing

Sail time Panarea to Portorosa: 5 hours, 30 NM

Possible day stops: Ponente Bay, Pietra Quaglietta, or Asino Beach.

Guest Information
SATURDAY: CHECK-OUT

Yachts must be vacated by 09:00. Dishes done, blankets and towels piled on the table, water tanks filled before leaving. Skippers must leave yachts clean for the cleaners. €200 charge shared between skipper and crew if yachts aren’t ready at 09:00.

RESPECT

YW etiquette and ethos are detailed on the Yacht Week Operations page. The notes below cover dress, music, and Sicily-specific guidance.

Dress & Music
Sicily-Specific Notes

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