This passage is for those seeking a true adventure: over two weeks, we sail from our home port of Poros across the Mediterranean to Palermo in Sicily. Through the legendary Corinth Canal, the Gulf of Corinth beneath the imposing Rio-Antirrio Bridge, past the historic lagoon city of Missolonghi, via Ithaca and Kefalonia – and then the big crossing: around 270 nautical miles across the open Ionian Sea to Syracuse. From there, we continue through the Strait of Messina, past the fire-spitting Stromboli, through the Lipari Islands and along Sicily's north coast to Palermo. A true mileage passage of around 660 nautical miles – bluewater sailing at its finest.
Galini, our Hanse 575, is a true bluewater vessel – built for living and travelling on the sea. We sail with warm-hearted people, discover the world together and experience genuine boat life: sun, wind, saltwater, small adventures and the feeling of truly discovering something as a crew. Galini calls the sea home and is usually far from her home port in Poros. You'll be part of life on board. Not everything will go according to plan – sometimes something breaks or the weather changes our course – but that's exactly what makes it authentic. We're also happy to show you the boat's systems, and you can be involved in all activities – navigation, helming, cooking, even engineering. No cruise – but a lived community, real experiences and the magic of the sea.
This mileage passage 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 and few anchorages, it leads into the open Ionian Sea – with short distances between islands and reliable northwesterly winds. The big crossing from Kefalonia to Sicily (~269 nm) crosses the open Ionian Sea and is the navigational heart of the passage. In September, conditions are good: the Meltemi subsides, winds are moderate and weather patterns are mostly stable. The Lipari Islands off Sicily's north coast are volcanic in origin – spectacular, but with limited anchoring options that require good planning. The route has two built-in buffer days – before the big crossing on Kefalonia and after arrival in Syracuse – which can be used as waiting days or pleasure stops depending on the weather. From the home port of Poros, you can quickly reach Piraeus by ferry and then 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.
Our adventure begins on Saturday in Poros – our home port. After boarding, getting to know each other and a safety briefing, we set off north towards the Corinth Canal. The transit between the steep rock walls is the spectacular opening of this passage. In the Gulf of Corinth we sail westwards – framed by mountains, with a stop at the tiny island of Trizonia or the charming Galaxidi. Passing beneath the imposing Rio-Antirrio Bridge, we reach Missolonghi, the historic lagoon city on the Gulf of Patras – once the scene of heroic resistance in the Greek War of Independence and where Lord Byron spent his last days. From Missolonghi we sail to Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus, and on to Kefalonia. Here we have a buffer day: provisioning, checking the weather window for the big crossing and enjoying the island. Then the highlight – we set off for the big crossing: about 269 nautical miles across the open Ionian Sea to Syracuse. Two nights at sea, watch system, navigating by the stars, sunrises over the sea and, with luck, dolphins as companions. Arriving in Syracuse, we treat ourselves to a well-deserved rest day on the baroque old town island of Ortygia. From Syracuse we head up Sicily's east coast with Mount Etna as companion, through the legendary Strait of Messina and on to Stromboli – when approached at night, an unforgettable experience as the lava lights up the sky. The Lipari Islands of Lipari and Vulcano surprise with their volcanic landscape, before we sail via Cefalù with its Norman cathedral to Palermo – a worthy finale in Sicily's vibrant capital. Which harbours and bays we visit and how long we stay is decided jointly – as in real sailing – by the wind, the weather and the crew.
For those collecting miles for their next sailing certificate: since we cross open sea on this passage, substantial nautical miles go into the logbook. Of course, we will issue an official mileage confirmation at the end of the trip.
Our Galini sails the world – and you can be part of it! With us, you are not an anonymous guest on a standard route, but part of a genuine crew discovering new horizons together. We are not a classic charter company that runs the same tour every week. Instead, we sail together, experience real boat life and embrace the adventure that the sea holds for us.
Step aboard a beautifully equipped, lovingly maintained boat and enjoy something special: with us, nothing is off the peg. Every passage is unique – sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned, always full of surprises. Unplanned experiences are as much a part of it as relaxed days on deck.
Do you want more than just being a passenger? We take care of the boat's systems together, and you can lend a hand if you like. You can turn your holiday passage into a genuine experience on a long-distance cruising yacht and become part of life at sea.
Our passages combine holiday, experience, mindfulness and real boat life. Become part of our crew and enjoy a special time on Galini – authentic, communal and full of adventurous spirit.
Our beautiful GALINI is a very fast, large and comfortable yacht. She spent the winter in the Caribbean and will cross the Atlantic in April/May.
She is a modern Hanse 575 with 4 double cabins and a skipper's cabin. Each cabin has its own bathroom with electric toilet. Wi-Fi via Starlink (optional), multi media, generator 220 V / 7 kW (230 V in all cabins), washing machine, air fryer and coffee machine. She has large solar panels, radar, AIS, a watermaker, hydraulic swim platform and a tender with outboard engine. An exceptional level of safety and navigation equipment and much more – everything needed to be self-sufficient without having to call at a supply port. A yacht that meets the highest requirements for safety, design and comfort.
The sailing characteristics are also outstanding! The Hanse was designed by Volvo Ocean Racers and is the fastest yacht in its class. Sailing pleasure is guaranteed!
In September, conditions are pleasant: temperatures are 25–30°C (air) and 24–26°C (water) – summer warm, but not as oppressively hot as August. The Meltemi subsides significantly in September; the prevailing winds in the Ionian Sea are moderate northwesterly at 2–4 Bft. In the Gulf of Corinth, a westerly wind dominates, freshening in the afternoon. On the big crossing, variable winds are possible – from light calms to fresh northwesterly. The Lipari Islands are light-winded in summer, influenced by topography and thermals, mainly from NW and W. September is considered one of the best sailing times in the central Mediterranean: stable weather, little rain and pleasant temperatures – ideal for a demanding mileage passage.
Everyone can help with sailing if they wish, even take the helm occasionally, or simply enjoy the beautiful nature and the day. In addition, everyone is jointly responsible for the crew's catering. That means everyone takes turns preparing breakfast or looking after dinner. Usually the hobby cooks on board quickly emerge, and those less into cooking simply take a back seat and wash up. When berthing and unberthing, everyone typically lends a hand according to their abilities and after briefing by the skipper. The boat is to be kept clean by crew members during the passage. However, the final cleaning is done by the marina staff.
All crew members (except the skipper) pay an agreed amount into the kitty. From this kitty, all common costs incurred during the passage (e.g., diesel, harbour fees, deposit insurance, transit log, tourist tax, national and nature park fees, service pack for provided bed linen, final cleaning, gas, marina fee for the first and last night in harbour, etc.) are covered. According to old seafaring tradition, the skipper is fed by the crew during the passage.
A berth charter is the best way for those who want to experience sailing life. No prior knowledge or sailing experience is necessary. But perhaps you already have sailing experience, have completed sailing training and want to deepen it? – Then the skipper will give you the opportunity to try yourself and help you gain confidence in the future. The crew can help shape the course of the passage, and your wishes will be heard, subject to safety and weather. On such a passage, you meet like-minded people, can make nice new acquaintances and have an experienced skipper at your side who takes care of all nautical matters. The cabins on the yacht are usually equipped similarly but may vary slightly. The berths are allocated by the skipper taking crew wishes into account. Whole cabins can be chartered by individuals, couples or families. Payment is per person and you don't have to worry about anything else.
We want to make sailing more sustainable and environmentally friendly. On GALINI we test various products that provide a great sailing experience while reducing the impact on the environment. At the same time, she is on a voyage to explore the world. Her base is in Poros, Greece. But she is usually on a long passage. Our small team of skippers looks forward to sharing a real sailing experience with you!
