A Mediterranean archipelago of volcanic cliffs, turquoise bays, and slow, luminous days at sea.

The Pontine Islands are more than a sailing destination — they are a crossroads of myth, history, and geology, a place where ancient stories, European ideals, and volcanic stone meet the turquoise Mediterranean. Sailing here means moving through layers of time: past Roman exiles, past the birthplace of the European Union, past cliffs forged by fire and sculpted by the sea. Every anchorage carries a story, every island a legacy, every horizon a reminder that the Mediterranean has always been a cradle of culture, imagination, and quiet beauty.

Sailing the Pontine Islands aboard an Excess catamaran is to move through a Mediterranean that still feels wild, intimate, and beautifully untouched. Volcanic cliffs rise from turquoise water, ancient villages glow in soft pastel light, and every passage between Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene feels like slipping into a quieter world shaped by wind, stone and myth. On an Excess 11 or 14, the experience becomes even more vivid: light, responsive, and designed for real sailing, these catamarans turn gentle breezes into elegant motion and transform each day into a blend of comfort, performance and pure Mediterranean freedom.

For 2026, we offer a limited number of one‑week sailing holidays aboard two exceptional catamarans: the Excess 11 and the Excess 14. Ideal weeks: Sept 11–18, Sept 18–25, Sept 25–Oct 2, Oct 2–9.

A Mediterranean Journey Through Volcanic Beauty

Islands of Exile, Myth, and Passage

The Pontine Islands appear throughout classical literature as remote, windswept places where the boundary between myth and reality blurs. Ventotene (ancient Pandataria) is mentioned by Roman writers as a place of exile, where imperial families sent daughters and empresses whose presence threatened political stability. Poets described the archipelago as a chain of rugged sanctuaries shaped by wind and sea, a liminal space between the civilized world and the untamed Mediterranean. Even Palmarola, with its dramatic cliffs, was referenced in ancient itineraries as a landmark for sailors navigating the Tyrrhenian routes between Rome and Naples. And although the Odyssey does not name the Pontines directly, sailors and scholars have long noted that their volcanic silhouettes and isolated coves echo the spirit of Homer’s island passages — places where heroes confront the unknown, guided only by wind, sea, and fate.

The Birthplace of a United Europe

Few places in Europe carry a political legacy as profound as Ventotene. During WWII, while imprisoned by the Fascist regime, Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi wrote the Ventotene Manifesto — a visionary call for a federated Europe built on peace, cooperation, and shared democratic values. This document became the intellectual foundation of the European Union. Today, Ventotene is often called “the birthplace of Europe,” and European leaders still visit the island to honor its role in shaping the continent’s modern identity. Sailing here is not just a journey through turquoise water — it is a voyage through the origins of European unity.

Volcanic Origins and Sculpted Coastlines

The Pontine archipelago rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea as the exposed crest of an ancient volcanic system. Palmarola is a geological masterpiece: vertical basalt columns, stratified cliffs, and caves carved by millennia of wind and wave erosion. Ponza reveals layers of tuff, obsidian, and lava flows — a visible timeline of eruptions and long periods of marine sculpting. The result is a coastline of arches, grottoes, turquoise pools, and sheer rock faces that create some of the most dramatic sailing scenery in the Mediterranean. Every anchorage tells a geological story, every cliff a chapter written in fire and polished by the sea.

Sailing the Pontine Islands is a blend of exploration and serenity — moving from one anchorage to the next, always guided by the wind and the sea, a journey through along dramatic coastlines and small towns that feel suspended in time.

Your Catamaran Options

Why Excess Catamarans Sail Better — And the Power of the Code Zero

Excess catamarans are built with a performance‑first philosophy that sets them apart from traditional Lagoon models: lighter displacement, a more efficient sail plan, and a rig positioned further aft for better balance, drive, and responsiveness. Their dual aft helm stations give the skipper direct feedback from the rudders — a sensation you simply don’t get from a flybridge — allowing precise trim, better awareness of heel and acceleration, and a more intuitive connection with the boat. This design comes alive under a Code Zero, a light‑wind headsail that unfurls quickly and powers the catamaran in breezes where ordinary cruising sails struggle. Instead of motoring in 6–10 knots of wind, an Excess 11 or 14 keeps moving — higher angles, cleaner passages, and that satisfying sense of quiet speed that makes sailors fall in love with these boats. The combination of lighter weight, smarter rig geometry, and the Code Zero’s versatility delivers a catamaran that accelerates faster, points higher, and maintains momentum in marginal conditions, offering a distinctly more “sailing‑forward” experience than comfort‑biased Lagoon cruisers.

Excess 11 — Agile, Bright, and Perfect for Small Groups

The Excess 11 is ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a cozy, modern catamaran with excellent sailing performance.

Highlights

• 4 cabins + 2 bathrooms
• Bright interior with panoramic windows
• Comfortable cockpit for outdoor dining
• Agile sailing performance — perfect for island‑hopping
• Ideal for up to 8 guests

Why Choose the Excess 11

If you want a week of intimate sailing, close connection to the sea, and a catamaran that feels both modern and warm, the Excess 11 is your boat. It’s easy to handle, stable, and perfectly sized for exploring the Pontine Islands’ narrow bays and quiet coves.

A one‑week charter aboard the Excess 11 includes the catamaran, professional skipper, all national park fees, fuel for the entire itinerary, and two stand‑up paddle boards for exploring the Pontine coves. This is the ideal option for couples, families, or small groups who want a light, agile catamaran with excellent sailing performance.

Price for 1 week: USD 13,000

For guests seeking a fully carefree experience, we also offer an all-inclusive package with a private chef preparing all meals aboard, plus non‑alcoholic beverages throughout the week.

All-inclusive option: USD 18,000

Excess 14 — Spacious, Elegant, and Designed for Comfort

The Excess 14 is a larger, more luxurious option — perfect for groups who want space, comfort, and a premium sailing experience.

Highlights

• 4 cabins + 4 bathrooms
• Large salon with panoramic views
• Expansive cockpit and forward lounge
• Excellent stability and comfort under sail
• Ideal for up to 8 guests

Why Choose the Excess 14

If you want more space, more comfort, and a catamaran that feels like a floating home, the Excess 14 delivers. It’s perfect for groups of friends or families who want privacy, elegance, and room to relax between anchorages.

The Excess 14 offers more space, more comfort, and even stronger sailing performance — perfect for two families or groups of friends. A one‑week charter includes the catamaran, professional skipper, national park fees, fuel for the entire route, and two stand‑up paddle boards for exploring Palmarola’s grottoes and Ponza’s turquoise bays.

Price for 1 week: USD 16,000

For a premium experience, the all-inclusive package adds a dedicated chef, all meals aboard, and non‑alcoholic beverages for the entire week, turning the Excess 14 into a floating Mediterranean home.

All-inclusive option: USD 21,000

Your Skipper — Experience, Calm, and Mediterranean Seamanship

Your skipper is more than the person at the helm — he is your guide to the Pontine Islands, your navigator through volcanic cliffs and turquoise coves, and the quiet presence that makes every passage feel effortless. With years of experience sailing the Mediterranean and a deep familiarity with Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene, he brings a blend of professionalism, calm decision‑making and the kind of local knowledge that turns a good itinerary into a memorable one.

He handles the boat with precision, reads the wind with intuition, and shares stories of the islands’ history, geology and hidden anchorages. Whether you’re learning the basics of sailing or simply relaxing on deck, your skipper ensures that every day unfolds safely, smoothly and with the gentle rhythm that defines Mediterranean life at sea.

Life at Sea in the Pontine Islands

Days unfold gently:

• Morning swims in clear, calm water
• Sailing along volcanic cliffs
• Lunch at anchor in turquoise bays
• Exploring small towns in the afternoon
• Sunset dinners on deck
• Quiet nights under Mediterranean stars

The Pontine Islands reward travelers who appreciate beauty, simplicity, and slow days shaped by wind and light.

Ideal Sailing Weeks (2026)

• September 11–18
• September 18–25
• September 25–October 2
• October 2–9

These weeks offer warm weather, calm seas, and fewer crowds — the perfect window to explore the archipelago.

Payment & Booking

• 50% deposit to secure your dates
• 50% balance due 60 days before departure
• Payments accepted via bank transfer (USD, CAD, EUR, NOK, MXN)
• Payments accepted via credit or debit card