1/11
Dec 13-23
€799
3 spaces available
This is not a continuous, exhausting endurance marathon. The Three Seas Expedition is an expert-level offshore passage covering over 1,000 nautical miles, intelligently divided into three rewarding offshore passage stages with two strategic Italian stopovers for rest, recovery, local exploration, and dynamic weather routing. You will navigate the length of the Adriatic, round the boot of southern Italy with snow-capped Mount Etna rising on the horizon, dock in the historic ports of Otranto and Reggio di Calabria, and conquer the tidal currents of the Strait of Messina before crossing the open Tyrrhenian to Sardinia. You will experience authentic offshore watch rotations underway, balanced by well-earned shore dinners and cultural discovery, arriving in Cagliari just in time for Christmas Eve.
An offshore epic of over 1,000nm from Northern Croatia to Sardinia. Both scenic and utterly rewarding.
Casting off from Istria, leaving the archipelago to run south down the open Adriatic backbone. Tactical weather routing balances Italian low-pressure troughs against sudden Bora gales descending off the Velebit mountains.
The Adriatic narrows into a 72-kilometer gap between Italy and Albania with lively convergence seas. After a fast 350 NM run, we tie up in the medieval fortified harbor of Otranto for our first tactical rest, hot showers, fresh Apulian cuisine, and passage debrief. Casting off from Otranto, we round the boot of southern Italy (Capo Santa Maria di Leuca) and enter the open waters of the northern Ionian Sea. Crossing the Gulf of Taranto, the snow-dusted, 3,357-meter summit of Mount Etna looms majestically on the Sicilian horizon.
Entering the southern mouth of the Strait of Messina, we dock in Reggio di Calabria. A dedicated 24-hour pit-stop under the shadow of Sicily to explore the famous waterfront promenade, savor authentic Calabrian food, rest, and time our passage through the Strait with the turning tide. Departing Reggio di Calabria, we navigate north through the narrowest part of the Strait — the legendary realm of Scylla and Charybdis. We tackle real-world tidal whirlpools (garofali), 4-knot currents, and intense ferry traffic. Breaking out into the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, the smoking volcanic silhouette of Stromboli rises to the north as we set our course west towards Sardinia.
An open-sea deep-water reach across the southern Tyrrhenian Sea toward southern Sardinia. Running a structured offshore watch system through late-autumn pressure systems before a triumphant Christmas landfall beneath the ancient citadel of Cagliari.
Veruda Sailing School is a high-performance offshore training center based in Pula, Croatia. We specialize in demanding mile-builder campaigns, offshore qualifiers, and endurance regattas (such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Aegean 600, and La 500). Our expeditions are designed specifically for sailors who want to step up their game, log serious Mediterranean miles, and experience the reality of offshore sailing in a highly structured environment. Aboard our fast, Cat 2-optimized offshore yacht, crew members are never just passengers. You will be fully integrated into the watch system and actively involved in all aspects of the passage, including advanced sail trim, weather routing, night watches, and heavy-weather boat handling. If you are looking to push your limits and learn true seamanship, welcome aboard.
Veruda Sailing School gets the balance right with proper seamanship, serious miles, and real adventure, not just ticking off certificates. Their offshore passages and hands-on training create sailors, not just students, which is exactly what SailTies is about.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Elan - 333
LOA: 33ft (9.99m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
30
What You'll Gain: 1,000 Official Logged Sea Miles: Substantial qualifying mileage for advanced certifications and master logbooks. Tidal Gate & Current Navigation: Practical timing and handling in the Strait of Messina (whirlpools, current streams). Balanced Expedition Rhythm: Experience offshore watchkeeping at sea paired with practical port clearances and shore logistics. Heavy-Weather Sail Trim: Reefing, sail flattening, and active helming in late-autumn Mediterranean pressure systems. Passage Planning: Hands-on electronic and tactical navigation across 3 distinct sea bodies.
Rental of an ergonomic automatic inflatable lifejacket for active sailing (standard safety gear and tethers are fully provided on board).
18-24°C
Pleasant temperatures, occasional rain. Fewer crowds.
25-30°C
Warm and sunny with gentle Maestral winds. Peak sailing season.
18-24°C
Mild weather, warm seas, fewer crowds.
18-24°C
Pleasant temperatures, occasional rain. Fewer crowds.
25-30°C
Warm and sunny with gentle Maestral winds. Peak sailing season.
18-24°C
Mild weather, warm seas, fewer crowds.
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From €799 EUR per person
Secure your place today from €239.70 EUR
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in EUR and payment will be taken in EUR.