a world of Exotic yachting splendour
The French Riviera, the Virgin Islands: the names conjure images of idyllic, sun-drenched vacations. They’re also among the dream destinations for travellers wanting to charter a yacht. Whether it’s bareboat, by-the-cabin charter or a fully crewed luxury yacht, you’ll want to make your way to Europe or the U.S. in the summer, or the Caribbean in the winter. Some top destinations to consider:
Virgin islands, Caribbean
It’s been called a “sailor’s paradise” and “the sailing capital of the world.” The British and the U.S. Virgin Islands (BVI & USVI) offer crystal- clear waters, protected harbours for anchoring and plenty of islands to explore. Distances range from around two nautical miles (St. Thomas to St. John) to 45 nautical miles ( Virgin Gorda to St. Croix). The most popular cruising area around the Virgin Islands is the beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel.
antigua, Caribbean
The Leeward Islands are a popular choice for private yacht charters in the Caribbean, and the advantage of starting in Antigua is that it’s midway through the chain. North and west: St. Martin, St. Barth, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Anguilla. South: Montserrat, Guadeloupe and Dominica. Follow in the footsteps of Horatio Nelson and begin your trip at English Harbour, a popular yachting destination that has 18th-century ruins and museums. Find good restaurants, galleries and shops at Nelson’s Dockyard or check out one of Antigua & Barbuda’s 365 beaches!
st. Martin/ st. Maarten, Caribbean
A major transportation hub in the Caribbean and the world’s smallest territory shared by two sovereign states means cultural variety and convenience. The lively Dutch side has gabled buildings, nightlife and duty-free shopping, while the quieter French side has charming Marigot Bay, beautiful anchorages and so many good restaurants that it’s called the “culinary capital of the Caribbean.” The island is a popular base for large motor yachts in the winter charter season.
Greece
With over 1,000 islands, only a few of which are inhabited, there’s a lot to explore in Greece. Most of the yacht charters are found in the Ionian Islands or the Cyclades (home to Mykonos and Santorini) in the Aegean Sea. Other yacht cruising grounds include the Sporades, the Saronic Islands and the Dodecanese. Don’t forget the coast off Greece’s mainland, especially if you want to see the Acropolis in Athens.
italian riviera and beyond
UNESCO Heritage sites, history, beaches and plenty of choice harbours to visit in close proximity are some of the reasons that make Italy a prime destination. On the Ligurian coast, the Italian Riviera has many scenic ports and villages. A popular yacht charter embarkation spot is San Remo, the “town of flowers.” Elsewhere, the Bay of Naples with Capri, and the Amalfi Coast are also worth seeing.
south of France
Ahhh, the romantic appeal of the Cote d’Azur, which is synonymous with the French Riviera. Start planning the places you’ll go when the yacht cruising season begins in May: St. Tropez for people watching, Cannes for the film festival, and Monaco for the Formula One Grand Prix. Or take an excursion to the three islands of gold (Iles d’Or). Night life, beaches and 300 days of sunshine await!
Croatia
The land of medieval towns and the centuries-old churches is becoming an increasingly popular destination, with more yachts visiting the area and available for charter every year. Many trips begin at the well-known harbours of Dubrovnik or Split. Some travellers opt for a one-way charter starting in Venice and ending in Dubrovnik, stopping at many islands along the way.
Balearic islands, spain
Mallorca (the largest), Minorca, Ibiza (known for its nightlife) and quieter Formentera are the four main Balearic Islands. Considered some of the most beautiful islands in the western Mediterranean Sea, you’ll find 360 beaches, the popular Dragon Caves, archaeological sites, more than a dozen wineries and many more smaller islands and islets to visit.
newport, u.s.a.
The yachting capital of New England, Newport is an ideal place to start your U. S. trip. Charter a sailing yacht, motor yacht or mega yacht in summer, or in autumn when it’s cooler and less crowded. Then set your sights on quintessential New England destinations such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in Massachusetts and Bar Harbor and Camden in Maine. Along the way you’ll find everything from busy harbours and upscale shopping, to little “out islands,” and old commercial whaling and merchant trading centres.
south pacific
If you want an exotic and distant escape, this is it. With so many islands spread out over a vast area, it’d be wise to stick with one island chain for each charter experience. A few destination options: Tahiti and the Society Islands; Tuamotu Island Archipelago to the east; the wild and remote Marquesas Islands; Fiji; the Cook Islands; and along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are popular.