Our Malta Cruise Resurrected
September 7 - 21, 2024
May 26, 2023
Our Maltese connection, John deGiorgio, through his Sicilian Rotary contacts, has introduced us to the agency representing Dufour Yachts in Sicily. They have some quite new boats that are individually owned and available for charter. (the active list is available on this link. There is a brochure describing some of the boats posted to the right).
The two-week cruise would start in the North of Sicily, possibly take in the light show from the active volcano Stromboli on the way to Taormina, home of the ancient Greco-Roman Teatro Antico. Next, a tour of Mt Etna before sailing to the beautiful Greek colonial city of Siracusa with marble streets and fabulous architecture in its Ortigia district. From there, we cross to the west end of Malta where you can anchor in the Blue Lagoon on Comino and visit the adjacent fortress town of Gozo, learning of its history during Bonapart’s invasion. Then it’s a short hop to Valetta, the fabulous walled city established in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John. It’s known for museums, palaces, grand churches, its incredible history fighting off Suliman and its unbelievable endurance during the Second World War siege.
The boats must be returned to Marina di Ragusa on the South East corner of Sicily by the final Thursday morning so they can be in their home ports Friday evening. The plan would have Skippers and a crewmember overnight the boats back to Ragusa (8 hrs) Wednesday night as the balance of their crew stay in hotels and tour Valetta. Skippers would return by high-speed catamaran (2hrs ) the next day.
It's a bit different from our original plan, but I think it is manageable. The sites are very interesting. Ann Kolker had suggested we try starting in Sicily in the fall, but the only boats we could identify then were smaller catamarans.
The cost is a bit (~15%) higher than the Maltese quote for a similar but older boat, but it includes
- a support boat to correct any problems that might arise.
- An extras package including cleaning of the boat, linens and towels, outboard engine and dinghy, gas bottles, first water fill, cushions for the deck, check-in and check-out procedures
- Some of the boats are only available with a skipper.
- Prices are predicated on a minimum of 10 charters.
Please let me know your reaction to the plan. We have sorted out booking deposit and security deposit terms with the charter company. They are listed at the bottom of the boat list. We are just waiting for a sample contract and confirmation of collection charges due when we return of boats to Marina de Ragusa.
Les Crane CCAMalta24@gmail.com
A possible itinerary follows.
Miles Date Location
Sat Sept 7 Porto Rosa Dock Party for boats based there.
36 Sun Lipari for lunch, raft up off Stromboli for the light show overnight if weather permits
56 Mon Taormina Tour the ancient Roman town and coliseum. Join boats from other start points
Tues Taormina Opening Party
Wed Tour Mt Etna
44 Thurs Siracusa
Friday Tour ancient Greek city, Dinner Party
Sat Tour Notto, Ragusa (hill towns in the interior)
Sunday Head to Portopalo (22 mi) or directly to Comino (78 mi)
78 Monday Comino /Gozo Anchor in Blue Lagoon or in Gozo marina
Tuesday Gozo Party
10 Wed Valetta Wed night Skippers return boats to Sicily (50 miles)
Thursday Tour Valetta - Knights Hospitaller, WW2 Defenses
Friday AM Tour Cathedral - PM Closing Dinner
224 Total
4/24 Update
Six of the boats available in Porto Rosa have been circled and three members boats have reported they plan to join.
