Wind catamaran. Spartan, social, adventurous, sporty: boat holidays in Aeolian Islands (see the DOVE guide) it can be declined in different ways. But it can also be lived as a five-star luxury experience, without giving up the emotions of a sailing cruise: a navigation during which you do not have to fight for space on board, but can enjoy comfortable cabins and dining areas, which resemble real lofts, savoring every kilometer traveled.
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Wind catamaran: the formula Holistic Veil
This is precisely the luxury formula offered by the tour operator Cabins and charters with cruises called Holistic Veil. “The destination is the Aeolian Islandswhere the magic of colours meets the energy of the sea and that of the yoga exercises offered on board, to transform the sailing cruise into a wellness holiday,” he says Marianna Tondosoul of the charter company.
And he adds: “We operate in the seas all over the world, but when it comes to 'energy currents', the Mediterranean it has no equal. Its many winds, calm and gloomy at the same time, as well as the particular salinity of the salt water, the perfumes and the invisible electric charges due to the presence of sulfur and lava in the air, transport you into a magical atmosphere.”
From Capo d'Orlando to the Aeolian Islands by catamaran
Boarding takes place at Orlando Capea Metz spur which, according to history, received its name from Charlemagne on his return from Palestine. The catamaran moored in the old fishing village stands out from the other hulls with its more than 17 meters in length and nine meters in width.
The two staircases at the rear almost make this yacht look like a Palladian villa on the water's edge. Brenta and the interiors designed by Nauta Design are a hymn to the elegance of rationality.
The windows of the six cabins on board certainly do not make you miss the small portholes of the sailboats, and the bathrooms, one per cabin, have nothing to envy of those of a charming hotel, with wood paneling and a shower cubicle overlooking the sea.
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It comes from this northern coast of Sicily who sets sail, in the direction of islands Wind catamaran. With the bow turned to the northeast and just under three hours of navigation, the 16 miles that divide the Sicily SinceVolcanic island.
Wind catamaran: greetings to the sun in Vulcano
The appointment is with the greeting at sunset which falls on the Porto Ponente BayThe calm surface of the sea, the vegetation and the cone of the crater turn golden yellow and ochre flashes begin to dance on the shiny fiberglass of the catamaran.
On the deck of the boat, motionless in the light breezes of the sunset, Fulvia Bernacca invites the group of sailors to Yin-Yogaa gentle practice to relax the mind and body by stimulating vital energy and calming emotions.
“Yin is based on a breathing technique that creates a sort of massage on the abdominal wall, very effective, among other things, in cases of seasickness,” explains Fulvia, an expert in holistic disciplines, but trained as a photographer and passionate about meteorology inherited from her grandfather, the famous Colonel Edmondo Bernacca, the first black and white television meteorologist.
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At dusk, the anchorage is located west of the Vulcanello Marinain the Hot water bay. The evening breeze brings to the boat the scent of eucalyptus, which mixes with that of a Zagarathe cocktail made with mandarin, dry vermouth, lemon and salted honey prepared for the occasion by skipper Captain Salvo.
“During the Holistic Veil“, continues Fulvia, “the food is carefully prepared, with particular attention given to seasonal vegetables and fruits freshly purchased at the local market, which in our dining room, on the terrace overlooking the sea, the skipper-chef transforms into healthy dishes.”
Examples? Escarole salad soufflé with chopped anchovies and capers or broccoli parmigiana and goat cheese Volcano bought in its typical rush baskets. Vegetables also replace alcoholic beverages, with juicers and extracts.
The aperitif ritual and Cala Pomice in Lipari
There is only one exception: the aperitif ritual after the Yin lesson. Moving from an intimate spirituality to the spirit of conviviality.
Equally magical is the atmosphere that envelops the catamaran when it drops anchor. Cala Pomice has Lipari in the moonlight, which enhances the whiteness of the pumice stone counters Mount PilatusBehind this dazzling light, the abandoned structures of the old quarry also disappear, now a simple reminder of industrial archaeology.
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Arrival at Cala Junco on the coast of Panarea
The other beneficial effect of Yin occurs at sunrise, when dawn gradually erases the shadows of the night to make way for a light mixed with blue and yellow.
With the annex you can reach the beach Cala Junco, on the south coast of Panarea, to climb the paved path where you can place your mattresses and let yourself be enveloped by the first rays of the sun with only the sound of the sea and your own deep breathing.
“But here, on land, we can do less static exercises than those practiced on the deck of the boat,” explains Fulvia Bernacca. In short, a boost of energy before living the day with intensity in the smallest and most exclusive of Aeolian Islands.
Then, in the evening, after the aperitif on the boat, enjoy the atmosphere of the Sushi Barwhere you can enjoy fresh fish dishes prepared in a Japanese version.
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Stromboli and the bay of Postman in Salina
In the morning, navigation, leaving the rear lively Basketdouble the islets of Basiluzzo And Spinazzola, Bottaro, Dattilo And White bone. Immersing yourself here among the bubble columns of the submerged solfataras and the contrast of cold and hot water has a beneficial and regenerating effect.
After all, I just reached Stromboli crossing the west side you can capture all the wild and suggestive energy of the volcanic island with the Fire Sciara, a depression from which sulphurous gases escape which inevitably attract attention.
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The next day we leave for Saline. “In the evening, our yoga sun salutation is a Pollara“, said Bernacca. “Remember the Bay of Postman? It is precisely here that the film with Massimo Troisi and Philippe Noiret was shot, with the balata, the old fishermen's houses, in the background.”
The long sailing weekend in the Aeolian Islands ends with the return to Orlando Cape. But not before going through this Filicudiwith a mooring in the sheltered port by Chef Grazianoin the southeast of the island. To enjoy a last unforgettable sunset.
How to get to Capo d'Orlando
By plane: you fly towards Catania from the main Italian cities and the airport you can rent a car or take the bus to Orlando Cape (about 3 and a half hours). The ticket price varies from €13 to €22.
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