CONNECTING THE DOTS

Readers can easily imagine cruising from port to port along North American coasts, summers exploring the Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes, and winters in the Bahamas or even Cuba. But don’t let your imagination stop there. Look at a map; coastal cruising destinations are everywhere. If the limiting factor of where you take your boat is open water or land in between your planned destinations, consider shipping it to your new destination. There are several shipping companies dedicated specifically to transporting boats, and you may be surprised at how affordable it can be. Phuket, Thailand, is one of the most popular destinations in the world for off-loading cruising yachts. While John and Angie were in Phuket, one of the shipping companies hosted a cocktail party where the couple answered boat owners’ questions and helped with shipping plans.

Consider when buying a new boat that European car manufacturers have for many years allowed North American customers to pick up their cars at the factory and enjoy the area before shipping it home. If your new boat is being built in the Pacific Northwest, New England, Nova Scotia, Florida, Turkey, or Taiwan, imagine enjoying it in one of those beautiful cruising destinations before shipping it home or elsewhere.