The History of Escursioni Team Shark: A Passion Grown with the Sea
Our story stems from a profound passion for the sea and boats, a love that took shape on July 17, 2004 with the purchase of our first vessel: a wooden launch. Originally used as a cianciolo boat for purse seine fishing (a traditional technique in Porticello), this boat offered us the chance to explore our dedication. With our hands, we completely restored it: from stripping and traditional oil painting to caulking, an ancient technique for making the hull watertight.
Even though it was only a four-meter boat, it represented for us the first step toward a dream. Over time, however, we decided to sell it to purchase a seven-meter gozzo, built in Marsala, which we transformed with passion. We added a cabin and reinforced the hull with fiberglass, naming it Shark, due to the shark mouth we painted on its bow. This boat, much admired by the local seafaring community, became the emblem of our activity and the starting point for what is now Escursioni Team Shark.
The Birth of Our Business
In 2018, driven by the idea of turning our passion into a profession, we were the first in Porticello to establish a sole proprietorship for boat rentals, aiming to share the beauty of the Sicilian sea and coast with anyone wishing to explore it. Our dream materialized with the purchase of two vessels designed to offer maximum comfort during excursions: Clara and Maestrale.
Clara: Elegance and Tradition
Clara, a former lifeboat for 54 passengers, was transformed in the 1980s by Master Giovanni Asciutto into a sailboat with classic charm. Its lines evoke the shapes of a caique, making it a unique piece of its kind. We dedicated hours of work to maintaining its fine wooden parts, caring for every detail to preserve its beauty and authenticity over time.
Maestrale: Innovation and Space
Maestrale, built by the prestigious shipyard CO.ME.NA. of Torre del Greco, was both a challenge and a joy from day one. After an exciting 36-hour crossing, we brought it to Porticello and began a complete restoration. We redesigned the outdoor spaces, removing the old deck and constructing a new one, piece by piece, with oak arches and strips of fine wood.
Our goal was clear: to create a boat with ample outdoor spaces, prioritizing onboard livability and connection with the sea, reducing internal cabins to maximize visibility and comfort. We added a practical boarding ladder, convenient sea access, and wide shaded areas—essential features to ensure a perfect experience during day trips.
The Mission of Escursioni Team Shark
Today, Escursioni Team Shark is synonymous with passion, quality, and authenticity. We offer our guests unique experiences that combine the pleasure of discovery with relaxation and fun. Every detail of our boats and services is designed to let you experience the sea in its purest essence, with the awareness that our work is also a tribute to Sicilian maritime tradition.
Join us to experience the sea as we do: with love, respect, and a deep desire to share its beauty!