Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail Palermo
Marina Acquasanta
Discesa Bagni Minerali No. 7
C/O Coop. Di Giovanni
90100 Palermo
Mobile +39 331 959 4063
Email: italy@sunsailnet.com

Location

The base  is located on the north western coast of Sicily in a marvelous inlet by Monte Pellegrino. The Sunsail Base is located in the Acquasanta District near the Acquasanta Square. Our boats are located 15 meters from the Base.  
Palermo offers sailing around the cruising ground of the Egadi Islands

Base Open Hours

Mon/Fri - 9am – 5pm
Sat/Sun: 9am -  6pm.

Base/Shore Facilities

There are full facilities here, including a fuel dock, chandlery, crane, travel hoist, restaurant, laundry, bank, LPG and yacht club.

The marina office is located not far from the Sunsail office. There you will find free shower and toilet facilities.   Sunsail has reserved berths in the marina and your first and last night’s moorings are complimentary. All other nights are at customer’s expense and subject to availability. Payment details will be confirmed at the Base.

There is a supermarket 200 meters from the Base. The Supermarkets are open Monday - Saturday from 8:00am till 8:00pm all day. During the summer months, supermarkets are also open on Sunday mornings.

There are numerous restaurants within walking distance or a short taxi ride away from the base.
The post office is a good 10 minute walk from the Marina. The Sunsail staff can give you directions if required. The Post Office is open from Monday to Friday 8:00am to 1:30pm and Saturdays from 8:00am to 12.00pm.

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Arrival & Departure

Time Difference

Standard time zone in Italy is GMT + 1 hrs

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport

Alcohol may be taken on flights  but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

Palermo -Falcone-Borsellino Airport.  
The airport is 32 kilometres west of Palermo along highway A29. Driving from the airport, on the Highway A29 Trapani-Palermo, turn off at 'Via Belgio' gate and follow the directions to the Port.
Facilities at the airport include:

• Money and Communications: There is a bank (Bank of Sicily), open 8:30-1:00 and 2:45-7:15, and there are two ATM's in the Arrivals Hall. A post office is open from 8:30-6:15, except for Sundays and public holidays.
• Eating and Drinking:   There is  a self-service restaurant there, and a snack bar is available on each level.
• Shopping:   A limited shopping area on the second level of the terminal.

Transfers

Palermo Airport is approximately 35km from the city of Palermo and 25km from the Base. By car, the journey to the Base will take you about 40 minutes. You can also travel by train from the airport to the city of Palermo. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and a ticket will cost €5.00 approx. From the train station in Palermo it is then a 10 minute taxi ride to the Port and costs approximately €15. There is also a bus service from the airport to the city of Palermo.

Transfers from the airport to the Base can be arranged on request, but they will need to be paid for locally.

Transfer Costs
Taxi transfer from the Airport to Marina – Transfer time – 40 minutes
1-4     persons     100 Euros
5-8     persons     170 Euros
9-12   persons     200 Euros

Bus (airport to Central station, Palermo) The bus departs from Palermo airport to the main train station in Palermo every half hour. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes: (6:00am & 11.30pm). Price € 6 per person.

Car Rental

Avis, Hertz, Eurocar and Maggiore are located at the airport. The prices range from: approx. € 50 to € 120 per day

Parking

The Sunsail office cannot organise parking. The Parking area is located 15 minutes from the Base; however, they will not take bookings in advance.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.  Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Customs and Immigration

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 6:00 pm for boarding,  Luggage may be left at the Base office at the Marina.
When you arrive at the Base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. On your radio, you can also listen to the weather forecast 24 hours a day on Channels 68 and 21 in both English and Italian. Harbour Offices also receive a weather forecast regularly.

Sailing conditions: 144 66 1906 Weather reports: 144 66 1911
Chart briefing and Boat briefings will be scheduled. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.
The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours arrival procedure

There will be a representative at the base until 11pm who will accompany the client to their boat. The check-in and briefing will be completed the following morning.

On departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 9:00 am so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.

Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip.  This enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and refrigerator of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Sicily Ionian Sailing Experience Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

The Italian Port Authorities require all skippers to hold proper sailing ability licenses.  
We therefore strongly advise that you take any sailing certificates on vacation with you.   This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police.  If you have not already done so then both the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Night Time Sailing 

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

This information is provided in the chart briefing.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Most overnight stops in the area will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays.  The  buoys will cost approximately € 50.00 per night – to be paid locally at each anchorage.   Marina fees start at approximately €40 per night and can be as much as €1600 per night, depending on the time of the year and the size of boat.  
These are approximate prices only.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht

Fuel 

Cost Guide 1.20 Euro
Location:  In the marina at the Sunsail base

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise they will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have his own cabin. 

For one-day check out skippers it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.
More information on Skippered Charter Options.

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The  Euro is the currency used throughout Italy.

Banks

Banks and ATM’s are available in San Vito Lo Capo, Favignana and Marettimo
Bank Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am-1:30pm and Saturdays: 8:30am-1:00pm (during the summer months only) ATM’s operational 24 hours a day

Credit Card Information

MasterCard, Visa and Euro check cards are widely accepted throughout Italy.
Traveler’s checks are accepted in major Italian cities and tourist areas, however not in some very small establishments and outdoor markets.

Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit cards.  

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General Information

Language

The Language in Italy is Italian

Cost of living in Sicily

Approximate restaurant prices:

• Bottle of beer 66cl - €2.50
• Glass of wine - € 1.50
• 1.5 liter of water - € 1.00
• Starter / Entrée - € 8.00
• Evening meal main course € 7.00 - € 15.00
• Dessert € 3.00- € 5.00

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants close to the base that cater for every taste and every budget.  Obviously the specialities are pasta and pizza dishes but  seafood is also very popular.  The local Sunsail staff will advise you of the whereabouts of restaurants.
 

• Antica Focacceria S.Francesco + 39 091 320264 Via Paternostro Alessandro 58, Palermo
• Al Covo Dei Beati Paulo + 39 091 6166634 Piazza Marina 50, Palermo
• Kursaal Tonnara + 39 091 6372267 Via Bordonaro 9, Palermo
• A Cuccagna + 39 091 587267 Piazza P.pe di Granatelli 21/a, Palermo
• Acantoblu + 39 091 326558 Via F. Guardione 19, Palermo
• Ristorante Cin Cin + 39 091 6124095 Via Manin 22, Palermo

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
Tip according to quality of service.

Shopping

There is a supermarket 200 meters from the Base. The Supermarkets are open Monday - Saturday from 8:00am till 8.00pm all day. During the summer months, supermarkets are also open on Sunday mornings.

In Palermo one of the most typical objects of all are the famous “pupi”, puppets. Pupi are the characteristic Sicilian marionettes that the “pupari”, the master puppet show experts, use to put on shows of the medieval knights actions.

The pupari” families in Palermo have been passing on this art to each new generation. If you walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you will see the Cuticchio, Mancuso and Greco family craftsmen’s workshops and if you are lucky, you may see a marionette being created by true artists, who are part carpenters, part blacksmiths, part painters but, most importantly, actors.

Palermo is also known for other crafts products, such as painted pottery (vases, large wall plates, and jugs of all sizes) and recipients in copper or tin, which can be purchased in the ancient Via Calderai.  Market lovers can go on a tour of the four most famous, crowded (not by tourists) markets in Palermo, to get a true sense of the city’s atmosphere: Vucciria, that is held between Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Ballarò, near the central station, Capo, behind the Teatro Massimo, and Borgo Vecchio, that is held between Piazza Sturzo and Piazza Ucciardone and which is open until late.

Hotels

Hilton Villa Igiea Palermo
Salita Belmonte 43, Palermo, Italy 90142
Tel: 39-091-631-2111   
Fax: 39-091-547-654
Includes Cliff top restaurant and Bar overlooking Marina, fitness room, pool, tennis court, baby sitting service

Magaggiari Hotel Resort
Via Peppino Impastato snc,
90045 Cinisi, Palermo.
Telephone: +39 091 866 5351
Fax: +39 091 866 5351
Email:  info@hotelmagaggiari.com
Situated close to Cinisi at 7 kms from Palermo airport and 20 kms from the centre of Palermo. ARK HOTEL

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Italy is 220 Volts and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. 

Mobile Phones

Your mobile phone may work when in Italy, but please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

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Activities

Car and Jeep Rentals

You can find counters for car rental companies in the Arrivals Hall, including: Europcar, Avis, Hertz and Autoeuropa. You can also reserve a rental car in advance using the service EasyTerra provides, they compare the rates of several providers in a single quote - www.easyterra.com.

Watersports

Diving

There is excellent diving all around Sicily.  Due to over fishing around the Sicilian coast there is a lack of large fish.  The most notable wrecks are the Wreck of Columns and The Junkers wreck.  The main diving centers are located at Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo, Marrettimo Islands, and the Aeolian Islands.
There are great diving opportunities on the Egadi Islands, especially on Marettimo.
Marettimo’s coast is jagged, irregular and dramatic with coves and beaches. Visibility around Marettimo is 30-90 metres (100-300 feet) deep.
Dive centers offer single dives off rubber boats or full day excursions.
Marettimo Diving Center:
www.marettimodivingcenter.it

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Walking

Beautiful and rugged coastlines, the colorful markets and the Islands of Egadi are just some of the sights to see on foot.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location.  More information on provisioning.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base or Club.
If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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