Classic yacht charter in Taormina pairs a beautifully restored vessel with the most theatrically beautiful anchorage on the Sicilian coast. The clifftop Greek theatre above the bay and the cone of Etna to the north have attracted artists and travellers since the Grand Tour, and a classic yacht anchored below Taormina carries on a tradition of arrival by sea that the town has always welcomed.
The Italy fleet includes three classic yachts available for a Taormina charter, ranging from restored ketch-rigged sailing vessels to elegant vintage motor yachts. Crew on classic yachts tend to be experienced in the vessel specifically and in this stretch of the Ionian coast, knowing the calms and the squalls that come off the Etna slopes and timing the Strait of Messina transit to use the current.
Weekly rates for classic yachts available for a Taormina charter start at approximately 20,000 euros and can reach 60,000 euros for the finest restorations. The provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers fuel, maintenance and all provisions. These yachts book out early among returning clients who value the rarity; early inquiry is advisable.
Taormina suits a classic yacht itinerary because it rewards slowness. A night at anchor in the bay with the Greek theatre illuminated above, followed by a dawn departure through the Strait of Messina on the tide, is an experience that the pace of a classic vessel enhances rather than diminishes. The Aeolian Islands, Lipari and the approach to Stromboli from the sea, complete the classic Sicilian circuit.
