Private Yacht Vacations

CONTENTS
©MARC PARIS

02 Introduction to the charter lifestyle THE AMERICAS MEDITERRANEAN
04 New to charter, where to start:
24 Alaska 38 Corsica
a couple of basics
26 Galápagos Islands 40 Croatia
CARIBBEAN AND BAHAMAS 28 Maine 42 French Riviera and Monaco
30 New England 44 Greece—Aegean Islands
08 Leeward Islands/Antigua
32 Pacific Northwest 46 Greece—Dodecanese Islands
10 British Virgin Islands
48 Italy—Cinque Terre
12 Bahamas—Abacos
PACIFIC
50 Italy—Almafi Coast
14 Bahamas—Exumas
34 Society Islands and French Polynesia 52 Sardinia
16 Grenada and the Grenadines
54 Sicily
18 St. Barth’s
56 Turkey
20 St. Maarten

58 Featured Yachts Index

TEXT Kim Kavin ART DIRECTION Xavier Marañón COVER PHOTO Marc Paris EDITOR Cecile Gauert

Private Yacht Vacations is a special Publication of Yachts International • 1850 SE 17th Street, Suite 107A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 • +1.954.761.8777

2013 | 1

Introduction to the Charter Lifestyle
OUR CAPTAIN INCHES THE 150-FOOTER BACKWARD BIT BY BIT, sliding her effort- and far beyond. You can make a charter yacht vacation anything that you
lessly into the marina slip. Once the yacht is within easy reach of the dock, two want it to be, and just about anything that you can possibly imagine.
deckhands hop off the swim platform to tie the lines and secure the yacht. The one constant among all charters is the standard of luxury on board.
They press a remote-control button, and a passerelle extends hydraulically Whether you are sailing in Saint-Tropez or zipping among the Virgin Islands
from the aft deck to the quay. on a fast motoryacht, each charter yacht has a crew to attend to your every
We emerge into this scene as the aft deck doors open when we step beneath need and desire.
a sensor, and step outside as if on a movie set. Seeing and being seen is just The aforementioned captain and deckhands handle all aspects of safety
one of many possible experiences in the world of luxury yacht charter. and cruising, while the stewardesses and chef pamper you every waking
There’s also the complete opposite. Being on a charter yacht allows you to moment. Meals, simple or gourmet, are prepared to suit your personal tastes
anchor in a secluded harbor where nobody can see you at all. And every- and are served either on the open-air decks or in the formal dining room,
thing in between is also an option. You can spend weeks alternating shore depending on your mood. If you want to sleep late, then breakfast is held until
visits and private snorkeling holes or spend months cruising from one island lunchtime. If you want to go fishing or scuba diving early, then coffee will await
group to the next. you before sunrise. Everything is coordinated to suit you, and you alone, so
Charter yachts are available from Monaco to Fiji, from Alaska to St. Barth’s that you can relax and enjoy every minute of your charter.
©MARC PARIS

From deliciously comfortable beds and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets,
to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, spa showers, outdoor hot tubs,
watersports toys and satellite communications, today’s charter yachts offer
five-star luxury even when cruising in places where civilization does not exist.
Some yachts even offer massage therapy on board as well as yoga, fitness
rooms, full-service spas and saunas.
You can be as lazy or as active as you would like. A number of charter crews
cater to the adventurous and daring spirits beyond the yacht’s deck. Hop
onto a tender to reach shore, and you may find your crew there with mountain
bikes at the ready to explore trails in the shadows of a volcano. You may hike
into a tropical forest or zip through tree canopies. Even if you have never tried
any of these sports, if you so desire, the crew may instruct you on the basics of
anything from paddle boarding to diving. It is all up to you, the yacht and the
destination you choose.
Most people never get a chance to sample the wonders of yacht charter,
instead waiting on the dock and watching, hoping for just a glimpse into the
lifestyle. The following pages are your ticket to stepping on board and joining
the fun, no matter where in the world you want to go.

2013 | 3

Charter Basics: ABCs to APA
CHARTER BROKERS ARE LIKE SPECIALIZED TRAVEL AGENTS. THEY SPEND COUNTLESS the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA), the Florida Yacht Brokers
hours inspecting yachts, interviewing crew and familiarizing themselves with Association (FYBA) or CYBA International. All these groups require a certain
popular charter destinations. As a result, they have far more information about level of experience and expertise before they grant membership.
most yachts than you can find out by browsing online or reading brochures. In addition to helping you select the right yacht for your tastes, your charter
What’s perhaps more important, they work on your behalf, ensuring that you broker will negotiate the contract between you and the yacht’s owner. The
book the right yacht to meet your personal expectations. charter industry uses standardized contracts, but they can be amended for
The services of charter brokers cost you nothing, since yacht owners pay special occasions, such as event charters or regatta charters. These special-
their commissions, but they give you access to valuable and plentiful infor- ized types of charter may require additional staff to tend to parties or addi-
mation. Experienced brokers at the top of their field are members of profes- tional crew for sailing. Your charter broker also will help ensure that your char-
sional groups, such as the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), ter rate is correct and will help you take advantage of any incentives that the
yacht owner is offering, such as discounts or bonus days.
©MARC MARIS

Next, your charter broker will ensure that the yacht receives your Advance
Provisioning Allowance, or APA. This payment is sent before the charter begins
so the crew can provision the yacht in keeping with your tastes. Your broker will
send you a preference sheet asking for your likes and dislikes, everything from
food and wine to movies and magazines. The APA will typically cover expenses
such as food, liquor, anticipated fuel use, and expected dockage and taxes,
none of which are included in the weekly or daily charter fee. Upon your char-
ter’s completion, your broker will review expenses sent by the captain to deter-
mine whether your APA requires any additional payments or refunds.
Last but not least, your charter broker will be available to you via telephone
and e-mail throughout the duration of your charter. If there are any issues with
travel, for instance, your broker can often help. Many brokers can arrange pri-
vate aircraft, private cars and anything else that you require, even at the last
minute. If you are chartering for the first time, then brokers also can give you
unvarnished information about appropriate crew gratuities and other matters
of yachting etiquette.
Every charter broker’s goal is to take care of all the details, so that you simply
have to enjoy your vacation of a lifetime.

2013 | 5

CARIBBEAN AND THE BAHAMAS

6 | PRIVATE YACHT VACATIONS

● BAHAMAS ABACOS/EXUMAS 12/14

● GRENADA AND THE GRENADINES 16

● LEEWARD ISLANDS/ANTIGUA 8

● ST. BARTH’S 18

● ST. MAARTEN 20

● US/BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 10
ATLANTIC OCEAN
©XAVIER MARAÑÓN

There are many ways to appreciate the most popular charter
destinations. Keep in mind charter itineraries will vary with your
boat speed, weather conditions, and other factors. These are only
suggestions to whet your appetite. Discuss the specifics with your
charter broker and your yacht captain.
CARIBBEAN SEA

2013 | 7

LEEWARD ISLANDS

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Your first introduction to the island of shore. With a peak towering at 3,232 feet, island of Saba, part of the Dutch
Antigua will be historic Nelson’s Dockyard. this tropical island offers a real contrast Caribbean, will allow you to enjoy
Then, board your yacht for a short to Barbuda. Hiking, history tours and snorkeling and diving. This tiny island
cruise to nearby Green Island, a water beautiful beaches are all on the menu. nation has much to offer, from scenic
enthusiasts’ paradise. hiking trails and charming villages to
[DAY 4] Nevis to St. Kitts. A short cruise to nearby
great sites for SCUBA and a marine park.
[DAY 2] Green Island to Barbuda. Cruise to the St. Kitts will reveal the other half of this two-
seldom-seen gem of Barbuda, fringed island nation. Try the par-71 beachfront [DAY 6] Saba to St. Barth’s (p.18). Your next
with secluded pink beaches protected by Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, one of the top 10 destination hardly needs an introduction.
a reef. Overnight cruise to Nevis. things to do here. Don’t leave the island The Riviera and the Caribbean meet on
without visiting historic Basseterre. this beautiful, if expensive, island. Gustavia
[DAY 3] Nevis. From your anchorage in sheltered
Harbor is one of the Caribbean’s most
Tamarind Bay, take a short tender ride to [DAY 5] St. Kitts to Saba. A trip to the volcanic
sought-after yacht destinations.


SABA ISLAND BARBUDA

CODRINGTON

ST. EUSTATIUS

ORANGESTAD

ST. KITTS

BASSETERRE

©DANA JINKINS
ST. JOHN
CARIBBEAN SEA
GREEN ISLAND

CHARLESTOWN NEVIS

ANTIGUA

Engaging Antigua
ENGLISH HARBOUR
©DANA JINKINS

IN 1671, A YACHT CHRISTENED THE DOVER CASTLE SAILED INTO ENGLISH HARBOUR—AND be-
©DANA JINKINS

came the first ship ever recorded as entering the protected waters. Today, nearly 350 years
later, dozens of yachts at a time dock at the harbor’s Antigua Yacht Club, which has grown
to become one of the Caribbean’s best-known marinas. Just steps away from English Har-
bour are the yachting hubs at Falmouth Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard. The latter is named
for Admiral Horatio Nelson, who lived there in the late-1700s. Charter clients arrive at all three
locations all winter long, walking in the footsteps of history to board the most modern luxury
[DAY 7] St. Barth’s to Anguilla. A short cruise will yachts ever conceived.
take you to Anguilla. This lesser-known Antigua’s historic place in the annals of yachting is among the most impressive in the entire
and less-traveled island features amazing Caribbean, but the modern-day island is just as well known for its annual Sailing Week. The
beaches and a laidback feel with few full- regatta is a celebration of sailing that draws world-class competitors as well as spectators
time residents. Its galleries offer colorful art aboard charter yachts in late April or early May. Some of the finest sailing yachts in the world
and the recent hotel boom has explored attend this event, showing off their sleek, composite hulls and lightweight, carbon-fiber masts.
whimsical architecture. If you prefer more natural views, then your charter yacht can spend any time of year poking
in and out of bays that lead to Antigua’s 365 beaches. Conch shacks and lobster huts are
[DAY 8] Anguilla to St. Martin (p.20). Your trip ends
never more than a tender ride away, and there are enough enclaves that your yacht’s
on a divided island. St. Martin for the French
captain will be able to easily avoid any cruise ships in the region.
is St. Maarten to the Dutch. Its dual heritage
Nearby islands such as Anguilla and Barbuda also await, with each being within easy
has given it plenty to do, from popular
cruising distance of Antigua for most charter yachts.
beaches to low-key villages.

2013 | 9

US AND BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

ITINERARY (BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS)

[DAY 1] Road Town, Tortola, to Norman Island. Enjoy They’re a beautiful rock formation that day of sailing, settle in for a sundowner
the cruising scenery as you settle on board you can explore with a snorkel or a swim. at Foxy’s, one of the most beloved rum-
and take a swim off the yacht at lunchtime. The Bitter End Yacht Club offers a good punch beach bars in all of the BVIs.
By sunset, you’ll be anchored near Willy T’s option for dinner on shore.
[DAY 6] Jost Van Dyke to Peter Island. Sea turtles
floating bar, just in time for cocktails.
[DAY 4] Virgin Gorda to Anegada. The cruising are frequent visitors at Peter Island, where
[DAY 2] Norman Island to Cooper Island. Make a time to Anegada is one of the longest you can hop into the water with a snorkel
stop along the way at the Caves, where stretches in the BVI, but it’s worth it if and swim alongside.
you can snorkel with a flashlight and see you love long, sandy beaches, wild
[DAY 7] Peter Island to Road Town. Enjoy a final
playful, colorful fish. flamingoes, fantastic snorkeling, and
morning of sailing on your return trip to
fresh-broiled lobster for lunch.
[DAY 3] Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda. The Baths Road Town, where you can catch a ferry
are part of your itinerary on this day. [DAY 5] Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. After a relaxing or a plane and begin your journey home.


ANEGADA

CARIBBEAN SEA

JOSH VAN DYKE
VIRGIN GORDA
TORTOLA
ROAD
TOWN
COOPER ISLAND

ST. THOMAS PETER ISLAND
ST. JOHN
NORMAN ISLAND

Caribbean Charter Classic
ONE COULD MAKE THE CASE THAT CARIBBEAN YACHT CHARTER WAS BORN HERE. THE US AND
British Virgin Islands have had a loyal following for decades now. Traditionally, the islands and
their protected harbors hosted many smaller sailboats and catamarans, enjoying the ideal
wind conditions and the islands’ proximity. Increasingly, these diverse and easily accessible
islands are attracting larger yachts. Many charter guests arrive through St. Thomas in the US
©DANA JINKINS

Virgin Islands or Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
There is no shortage of destinations. In the British Virgin Islands, highlights include Virgin
Gorda, home of the renowned Bitter End Yacht Club. You can anchor nearby and tender
to shore to enjoy the club’s beaches, restaurants and watersports, and even a dip in the
resort’s swimming pool. Oil Nut Bay, a high-end resort and marina developed by a yacht
owner, provides new dockage for larger yachts. Another highlight is Jost Van Dyke, where
Foxy’s bar and lounge has been welcoming generations of rum-punch lovers and reggae
singers. Another classic BVI destination is Pusser’s at Soper’s Hole on Tortola. Pusser’s Painkiller
is famous for its ability to dissolve stress.
The US Virgin Islands also offer attractions for charter yachts. A must-visit destination is Yacht
Haven Grande marina and its restaurants and shopping complex. Located on St. Thomas, it
is a great location to start and end charters. For a change of pace, your charter yacht can
sail to the protected island of St. John. Part of a national park, it offers hiking trails, sandy
white beaches and well-marked snorkeling trails.

2013 | 11

BAHAMAS—ABACOS

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War Cay. Revel [DAY 3] Little Harbour to Hope Town. The famous tie up at a marina instead of dropping the
in the stunning aquamarine waters of red-and-white striped lighthouse will anchor. You can enjoy the resort facilities,
the shallow Abacos as you cruise to guide your entry into Hope Town, where including playing 9 or 18 holes of golf.
Man-O-War Cay, where a family-owned you can spend a day exploring the
[DAY 6] Treasure Cay to Elbow Cay. The big
boatbuilding facility has been turning out quaint shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
attraction here is Tahiti Beach, a spit of
local cruisers for generations.
[DAY 4] Hope Town to Green Turtle Cay. A long, sand where boats anchor side by side to
[DAY 2] Man-O-War Cay to Little Harbour. There are white sandy beach awaits you with create a rollicking fun party every day.
some great snorkeling and beach spots perfect conditions for shelling, sunbathing,
[DAY 7] Elbow Cay to Marsh Harbour. Relax in the
on the way to Little Harbour, where you swimming, or snorkeling.
morning before a short jaunt by dinghy
can visit Pete’s Pub as well as his gallery of
[DAY 5] Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay. The across the sound to the airport at Marsh
beautiful copper sculptures.
resort at Treasure Cay offers a chance to Harbour for your flight back home.


GREEN TURTLE CAY

GRAND BAHAMA TREASURE CAY

MARSH MAN-O-WAR CAY
HARBOUR
HOPE TOWN
ELBOW CAY

GREAT
ABACOS
ATLANTIC OCEAN LITTLE HARBOUR

Picture-Perfect Bahamas
THE ABACOS ARE PART OF THE BAHAMAS OUT ISLANDS. THIS STRETCH OF ISLANDS IS POPULAR
with boaters and sailors and has few real towns. Instead, the island chain is dotted with bars,
restaurants, and shops peddling souvenirs and local artwork. The Abacos offer a nice combi-
nation of “getting away” and “being around,” with options for privacy or civilization, depending
on your mood each day. You can have entire beaches to yourself, or you can join a hopping
reggae party at a local haunt. Some days, you can do both, if that’s what interests you.
Most charters begin and end in Marsh Harbour, home to the local airport and the Abacos’
one “big city.” Small, commercial flights and private jets land here, a 10-minute car ride away
from the nearest marina. Your yacht charter can begin almost immediately after you land,
and the Abacos are yours to explore.
One of the best-known stops in the Abacos is Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Its picture-perfect,
red-and-white candy-striped lighthouse was quite controversial when it was built in the
1860s. You’ll cruise right past it as you enter Hope Town’s harbor, and take your yacht’s tender
ashore to pedestrian-only streets lined with shops, bakeries, and bars. Rental golf carts and
bicycles are a great way to enjoy a tour of the island, dotted with colorful beach houses and
pristine, private coves.
Another great spot along the way is Baker’s Bay and its horseshoe-shaped beach.
Bahamian law says nobody can ever own the sand closest to the water, which means your
yacht’s crew can bring you in by tender to enjoy the spot. The Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean
Club, located on the northern end, features a Tom Fazio–designed oceanfront course over-
looking turquoise shallows.

2013 | 13

BAHAMAS—EXUMAS

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Nassau and Paradise Island. Many yachts where you can enjoy music and cocktails giant groupers from the tender or take a
start from Atlantis, which offers a plethora at sunset. dive in pristine waters teeming with fish.
of activities. Anchor near Emerald Rock at Warderick
[DAY 4] Staniel to Compass Cay. Pay a visit to
Wells Cay and explore the island on foot.
[DAY 2] Paradise Island to Norman’s Cay. Watch the pigs at Big Major’s Cay and find out
Your yacht will head for Shroud Cay and
the towering Atlantis meld into the horizon. what made this colony so famous. Head
anchor for the night.
Snorkel around the plane wreck at to quaint Sampson Cay for an afternoon
Norman’s Cay and anchor for a dinner of Hobie Cat sailing, paddle boarding or [DAY 6] Shroud Cay to Norman’s Cay. Explore the
under the stars. swimming. Visit Compass Cay’s tamed intricate mangroves and shallows around
nurse shark. Overnight at the marina or at this deserted island by canoe or Jet Ski.
[DAY 3] Noman’s Cay to Staniel Cay. Snorkeling
anchor in a well-protected bay. The rich waters serve as a nursery for many
around famous Thunderball Cave is easy
marine species. Once your yacht reaches
and fun. While you explore the colorful [DAY 5] Compass Cay to Shroud Cay. In the
the northern end of Norman’s Cay and
bottoms, your crew will set up a picnic on protected waters of the Exuma Cays Land
anchors, you’ll be able to explore some
a nearby beach. Visit popular Staniel Cay and Sea Park, you can feed sharks and


PARADISE ISLAND

NASSAU

NORMAN’S CAY

SHROUD CAY

COMPASS CAY

STANIEL CAY

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Crystal Clear Cruising
NASSAU IS THE BAHAMAS’ BEST-KNOWN YACHTING PORT. ALBANY MARINA ON PROVIDENCE
Island and the marina at the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island are within easy
driving or tender distance of the newly renovated international airport. Water slides, world-
class gaming, amazing aquariums, gourmet restaurants, and shops are all here. For these
reasons and more, many charters heading to the more laidback Exumas start and end here.
The Exumas archipelago, 35 miles south and a few hours away by motoryacht, is a shallow
more. Its many coves are fun to visit with a cruising ground, excluding the cruise ships that dock in Nassau. The ambiance in this archi-
tender or Jet Ski. Overnight at anchor. pelago is thus far quieter than it is in nearby Providence. Charter guests come here for the
white beaches, crystal-clean aquamarine waters and colorful reefs. There is plenty to see, as
[DAY 7] Norman’s Cay to Paradise Island. At
the chain counts at least 350 different islands, islets, and sand bars.
Highbourne Cay, you can snorkel the warm
Among them are big favorites. Big Major’s Cay’s resident pigs, descendants of farm animals
waters of the colorful Octopus Garden.
brought here decades ago, swim to meet arriving tenders and demand their share of table
Then, you are off to one of the most famous
scraps to the delight of visitors. Nearby Thunderball Cay was one of the filming sites of the
cays in the northern Exumas. Thanks to its
James Bond movie “Thunderball,” and its surrounding currents make for an easy and excit-
rock iguanas, Allen’s Cay is an exhilarating
ing snorkeling trip. Allen’s Cay, home to dozens of iguanas, is another favorite destination.
stop on your Exumas adventure. You’re off to
And the tamed nurse sharks of Compass Cay never fail to send shivers up the spine of first-
Atlantis for your final night.
time visitors.
[DAY 8] Enjoy a day of shopping, swimming and a Divers of all levels can enjoy the biodiversity of the Exumas, a large section of which is part
little gaming at Atlantis. of a marine park. Wall diving, wrecks, shallow reefs, caves, and blue holes guarantee sight-
ings of all kinds of marine life, getting scarcer elsewhere in the world.

2013 | 15

GRENADA AND THE GRENADINES

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] St. Lucia. This scenic, volcanic island has its waterfront sunsets and famous musical Island and anchor for the night.
much to offer. Marigot Bay is your starting guests is an all-time favorite.
[DAY 6] Palm Island to Carriacou. Arrive early at the
point.
[DAY 4] Mustique to Mayreau. Small Mayreau is yacht-friendly resort island of Petit St. Vincent
[DAY 2] St. Lucia to Bequia. Morning departure among the best that the Grenadines has where you will be able to enjoy lunch
to Bequia, a small island with historic to offer. Anchor off the pristine east side. before getting on your way to the largest of
Caribbean charm and a rich maritime Perfect for watersports, onshore Mayreau the Grenadines. Carriacou is known for its
history museum. Activities include planta- is also worth exploring: a climb to the boatbuilding tradition and superb beaches.
tion tours, a turtle sanctuary visit and hilltop offers superb views.
[DAY 7] Carriacou to Grenada. Depart early for
excellent diving.
[DAY 5] Mayreau to Palm Island. Anchor amid the the “Spice Isle” and anchor near
[DAY 3] Bequia to Mustique. The best way to describe Tobago Cays. Snorkel the marine park St. George for shopping and a historic
this island may be “manicured.” But it also and explore the secluded beaches at tour. If time allows, enjoy a ride to the
has tons of island charm, and Basil’s Bar with your leisure. Take a short cruise to Palm hilltop and visit the chocolate factory.


ST. VINCENT

BEQUIA

MUSTIQUE

CARIBBEAN SEA

MAYREAU

PALM ISLAND

CARRIACOU

String of Island Gems
©JOHN ANDERSON 2009

GRENADA
YOU CAN FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF BREADCRUMBS THAT MOTHER NATURE SPRINKLED
generously across the southern Caribbean Sea south from Kingstown, in Saint
Vincent, or north from the lush and mountainous island of Grenada.
Either way, many charter brokers recommend 10 to 12 days instead of seven in
the Grenadines if you want the opportunity to relax instead of racing from one
island to the next. Many charter itineraries are one-way journeys, but it is also pos-
sible to do a roundtrip charter starting from and ending in Grenada. This beautiful
island has great resorts, white-sand beaches, hiking trails, and an international
airport with many convenient flights—to say nothing of a fabulous local crop of
spices and delicious homegrown cocoa processed locally into a fine organic
chocolate. A trip starting in Grenada encompasses the often-overlooked island
of Carriacou, as well as other special gems, including the yacht-friendly Petit St.
Vincent, the beaches of Union Island, tiny and authentic Bequia, and popular and
colorful Mustique, home of the internationally renown Basil’s Bar.
A handful of islands including Canouan and Mayreau are worthwhile stopovers
on the way to the Tobago Cays, a protected park and wildlife sanctuary. Stretching
over about five miles, this marine park offers impossibly blue and green waters,
filled with vibrant coral reefs, large sea turtles and tropical fish that will delight
snorkelers for days.
Above and below water, Grenada and the Grenadines are a feast for the senses,
well worth the extra time.

2013 | 17

ST. BARTH’S

SEE ITINERARY ON PAGE 8


COLOMBIER

COROSSOL
LORIENT

ST. BARTH’S
GUSTAVIA

CARIBBEAN SEA

Caribbean Riviera
©XAVIER MARAÑÓN (5)

ST. BARTH’S IS ISLAND CHIC AT ITS FINEST, WHERE THE SOUTH OF FRANCE MEETS THE
Caribbean and where chalkboard menus feature moules-frites and conch chowder.
Storefronts offer everything from the latest Cartier creations to handmade leather
goods, allowing charter clients to get their shopping fix after a day of windsurfing or
paddleboarding just off one of St. Barth’s sandy beaches.
©DANA JINKINS

The nightlife on St. Barth’s starts at cocktail hour. A sunset toast is a veritable rite of
passage into the cultural scene. Live music, dancing, and classic bar chatter are all
within easy walking distance of Gustavia Harbour’s main quay. Oftentimes, the party
continues back at the yacht and well into morning, when charter yacht chefs offer a
comforting breakfast buffet before sending guests off to bed for the better part of the day.
For these reasons and more, it is an open secret in yachting circles that some
megayachts secure their spots on the quay at Gustavia Harbour a good three months
in advance of New Year’s Eve. It is a coveted spot, since the quay accommodates a
maximum of 60 yachts only. Some of the word’s newest megayachts regularly attend,
along with some of the largest charter yachts, since the quay is safe for yachts as long
as 200 feet. Those too big for the dock anchor in the nearby harbor and use luxury
tenders to ferry partygoers to and from the action. The annual yacht-hopping party in
the St. Barth’s waterfront district is just that good.

2013 | 19

ST. MAARTEN

SEE ITINERARY ON PAGE 8


ANGUILLA

BLOWING
POINT CARIBBEAN SEA

MARIGOT

OISTER POINT
ST. MARTIN
 ST. MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG

Split Personality, Wholesome Beauty
©XAVIER MARAÑÓN

IT IS TWO COUNTRIES COMBINED IN ONE ISLAND. THIS SPLIT PERSONALITY IS THE RESULT OF
the 1864 Treaty of Concordia, which effectively split the Caribbean island between France
and the Netherlands. The two live as good neighbors, but modern-day St. Maarten (the
Dutch spelling) or St. Martin (as the French call it) truly has two distinct personalities.
Busy beaches, discotheques and casinos make the Dutch side a bit more of a touristic
destination.
The Dutch side also attracts lots of yachts. The sheltered and deepwater Simpson
Bay is home to several large megayacht marinas, within 15 minutes of Princess Juliana
International Airport, a major hub for international flights.
Many who fly in and out of Juliana International Airport will be tempted to visit Maho
Beach before flying home. The beach is very close to the runway and offers swimmers and
sunbathers quite a thrill. Many tourists wait for the largest airliners, rum punch in hand,
and dare each other to stay put as a jumbo jet flies shockingly close over their heads.
It is a far cry from the experience many enjoy on the more subdued French side of the
island, which resembles neighboring St. Barth’s. It is not quite as posh or as chic, but it does
have nude beaches, gourmet restaurants and Caribbean fashions in duty-free boutiques.
That personality, plus the island’s easy access to the rest of the Caribbean and the world
beyond, makes St. Maarten a good place to start or end a charter vacation.

2013 | 21

AMERICAS & THE PACIFIC


PACIFIC OCEAN

NORTH AMERICA

ATLANTIC OCEAN

CARIBBEAN SEA
©BILLY BLACK

There are many ways to appreciate the most popular charter
destinations. Keep in mind charter itineraries will vary with your
boat speed, weather conditions, and other factors. These are only
suggestions to whet your appetite. Discuss the specifics with your
charter broker and your yacht captain. ● GALÁPAGOS 26

● NEW ENGLAND 30
SOUTH AMERICA
● MAINE 28

● ALASKA 24

● PACIFIC NORTHWEST 32

● SOCIETY ISLANDS 34

2013 | 23

ALASKA

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Sitka. Spend the day exploring the town, [DAY 3] Kalinin Bay to Baranof Island. Baranof you can spot them alone, and other times
which includes a museum with Native Island was named for Alexander Baranov they are in pods. Sea lions also abound.
American artifacts as well as a historical back when Russians were active in the
[DAY 5] The Brothers islands to Admiralty Island.
park with an impressive collection of local fur-trading industry. Today the wildlife
Continue your adventures with the local
traditional totem poles. is appreciated for its beauty, and you can
wildlife in this nesting ground for the
spot brown bears along with deer.
[DAY 2] Sitka to Kalinin Bay. Enjoy an afternoon majestic eagle. Also keep an eye out
of salmon fishing while surrounded by [DAY 4] Baranof Island to The Brothers islands. for grizzly bears, which populate quite a
breathtaking scenery. Your charter yacht’s En route to The Brothers islands, you will large swath of the area.
chef will use the day’s fresh catch to cruise through Frederick Sound—where
[DAY 6] Admiralty Island to Taku Harbor. The
prepare sushi or the hot recipe of your hundreds upon hundreds of humpback
highlight of this day’s cruising is the
choice for dinner. whales are known to migrate. Sometimes
scenery all along Tracy Arm, which leads


BEAUFORT SEA
CHUKCHI SEA

RUSSIA
ALASKA

CANADA

JUNEAU
BERING SEA TAKU HARBOR
ADMIRALTY ISLAND
KALININ BAY
SILKA THE BROTHERS ISLANDS
BARANOF ISLAND

GULF OF ALASKA

A Walk on the Wild Side
FEW CHARTER DESTINATIONS ON EARTH OFFER MAJESTY AND GRANDEUR THAT CAN
compete with what you will see in Alaska. From the towering glaciers to the tips of
icebergs jutting up and out of the sea, Alaska is an environment unlike any other. The
©NEIL RABINOWITZ

sheer beauty of the place—the blue ice, white snow, and green water—is a testament
to nature’s prowess. When you add wildlife and solitude into the mix, well, your cup
most definitely runneth over.
The best way to see Alaska on a charter yacht is with a one-way itinerary, such as
from Juneau to Sitka or vice versa during a seven-day booking. You can spend some
time in Juneau visiting places like the local cannery, where fresh salmon is hot or cold
to Sawyer Glacier. You can occasionally smoked, candied or otherwise preserved before being flash-frozen for visitors to take
hear the thunderous sound as a chunk of back home and enjoy (don’t let the name “candied salmon” turn you off; it’s actually
glacier calves into the water. quite delicious.)
After a day in town, your charter yacht can cruise into Tracy Arm, where Sawyer Gla-
[DAY 7] Taku Harbor to Juneau. End your charter in
cier is among the sites to be seen—and heard. Massive chunks of the centuries-old ice
Alaska’s state capital, where you can visit
calve into the sea, creating full-blown icebergs as well as much less intimidating “bergy
the local cannery for tasty souvenirs such
bits” that your tender’s driver can dodge as if going through a slalom-skiing course.
as candied salmon sticks. Also check out
Whales are often seen in this area, and there are lots of opportunities to do things
the state museum before heading to the
such as catching king crab in traps set out by your charter yacht’s crew. The only thing
airport for your flight back home.
that is certain in Alaska is that you will see and do things you’ve never before seen or
done, and perhaps never even imagined in your wildest dreams.

2013 | 25

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Baltra Island to Santa Cruz. Visit the red-footed, blue-footed, and masked they attract their mates by puffing out their
Charles Darwin Research Station, where boobies live near the wild tortoises. red pouches.
more than a hundred scientists and
[DAY 4] San Cristóbal to Santa Fé Island. The [DAY 6] Genovesa Island to Bartolomé Island.
researchers work on conservation. See
Galapagos Hawk is endemic to this island, The landmark Pinnacle Rock presents a
giant tortoises when they’re still babies,
along with the Galápagos Mockingbird wonderful opportunity for hiking. You can
being bred to return to the wild.
and a number of finches—yes, those also spend some time watching colonies
[DAY 2] Santa Cruz to Española. Watch the waved same types of finches that helped Charles of sea lions on the sandy beaches.
albatross, which nest here and mate for life. Darwin hone his theory of evolution.
[DAY 7] Bartolomé Island to Baltra Island. Finish your
Also keep watch for the marine iguanas
[DAY 5] Santa Fé Island to Genovesa Island. When charter with a memorable morning snorkel
that change color during mating season.
you arrive at Darwin Bay, search the sky for amid the whitetip reef sharks that call the
[DAY 3] Española to San Cristóbal. Enjoy a frigates looking for food. You’ll see them base of Pinnacle Rock home, then head to
wildlife-filled hike through Punta Pitt, where again on shore. During mating season, the airport for your flight back home.


PINTA
GENOVESA

MARCHENA

BARTOLOMÉ
PACIFIC OCEAN
BALTRA
FERNANDINA PINZÓN
SANTA CRUZ

CHARLES
ALBEMARTE DARWIN SANTA FÉ SAN CRISTOBAL
RESEARCH
STATION

FLOREADA
ESPAÑOLA

Charter on the Wild Side
©FRANCES HOWORTH

LOCATED ABOUT 600 MILES WEST OF ECUADOR, THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS ARE ONE OF THE
world’s truly unique destinations for luxury yacht charter. Instead of sundresses for shop-
ping and stilettos for the discotheques, you’ll need hiking boots for trails that wind around
islands inhabited only by nature. The Galápagos are about geology and wildlife, offering an
unmatched look at what the world may be like with little human influence.
The best yacht charters in the Galápagos include a professional guide or naturalist able to
arrange onshore tours at times when big tour boats are long gone. You will be able to get up
close and personal with everything from sea lions to giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
Many of these animals have no natural predators here, so they have no fear of humans.
Sometimes, you’ll be walking along the paths, and you’ll have to step over a bird sitting on a
nest of eggs, because the bird doesn’t even think of moving.
The Galápagos also offer hiking trails across huge fields of lava that have dried stone-hard
after flowing in boiling rivers from the mouths of the island volcanoes. They have formed rip-
ples and tunnels you can walk through, offering sheer evidence of how fierce nature can be.
Your charter yacht will have snorkeling gear available (the ideal time for this is December
through May), and in some cases, diving will also be an option. Depending on the time of
year, your encounters with wildlife can also include hammerhead sharks.

2013 | 27

MAINE

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Southwest Harbor to Blue Hill. Spend the early August, get your belly ready for the [DAY 6] Monhegan Island to Boothbay Harbor.
day exploring Mount Desert Island. End annual lobster festival. Maine’s state aquarium is at Boothbay
your day in Blue Hill, and perhaps take in Harbor, as are a fine opera house, a
[DAY 4] Rockland to Camden. Spend the day
a show at the New Surry Theatre. regional museum and Railway Village
touring Camden’s art galleries. Or, when
encompassing one of New England’s
[DAY 2] Blue Hill to Belfast. Walk around Belfast’s the Camden Yacht Club is holding a
finest collection of antique automobiles.
historic districts. Simply looking at the sailing race, enjoy the show from your
homes and buildings can turn a day of yacht with a pair of binoculars. [DAY 7] Boothbay Harbor to Portland. End your
meandering into an architectural escape. charter in the city of Portland, where you
[DAY 5] Camden to Monhegan Island. Monhegan
can walk along the Old Port district’s
[DAY 3] Belfast to Rockland. Art lovers need to add Island is accessible only by boat.
cobblestone streets. Sample the shops,
the Farnsworth Art Museum‘s oustanding Countless people have visited during the
restaurants, and nightlife if time allows.
collection of work by New England past century to enjoy the island’s solitude,
artists to their day. And if you’re visiting in wilderness and road-free atmosphere.


CANADA

MAINE NOVA SCOTIA
BLUE HILL

BELFAST
SOUTHWEST
HARBOR

CAMDEN
ROCKLAND
MONHEGAN ISLAND
BOOTHBAY
PORTLAND

ATLANTIC OCEAN

The Maine Attraction
©BLLY BLACK (LEFT)

MAINE IS THE MOST NORTHEASTERLY PLACE FOR YACHT CHARTER IN THE UNITED STATES.
A long enough haul from Newport, Rhode Island, and the heart of New England, it
is truly a destination unto itself. It is possible to do a one-way, multi-week charter that
begins in Newport and finishes in Maine, but there is enough to see and do in Maine
alone. You can enjoy itineraries from one to three weeks there without ever passing
the same location twice.
The most popular waterfront towns include Portland, with its cobblestone streets
and delightful shopping, and Bar Harbor, with its yacht clubs and croquet matches
out on the front lawns of elegant summer homes. These are the spots to sip iced tea
for hours, and of course to enjoy a juicy Maine lobster with freshly squeezed lemon
and ladles of melted butter.
Maine’s coastline and countless islands also offer some beautiful and remote hiking
along rocky beaches and wooded trails, often with an ocean view. Quite a few of
Maine’s islands are part of Acadia National Park, preserved as nature created them
and protected from future development.
And don’t forget to enjoy the view out on the water, too, as traditional lobster boats
and clamming boats ply their morning routes in search of the day’s best catch. If you
really want to see a great show, sit in the pilothouse with your charter yacht’s captain
and watch the yacht navigate around all the lobster pots.

2013 | 29

NEW ENGLAND

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Newport. Newport Harbor is the historic [DAY 3] Block Island to Nantucket. Spend a few The New England Aquarium is another
home of yachting in the United States. hours at the Whaling Museum in New Bed- option, as is a visit to the USS Constitution
Meander through the shops, chandleries, ford, which chronicles this wealthy vaca- Museum, where you can learn the history
and galleries with views of spectacular tion enclave’s history as the center of the of “Old Ironsides.”
yachts in the harbor before your own din- whaling industry during previous centuries.
[DAY 6] Boston to Provincetown. Art galleries
ner cruise.
[DAY 4] Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy the abound in this colorful and vibrant Cape
[DAY 2] Newport to Block Island. A bicycle tour shops and boutiques at Edgartown, where Cod community. Take in a show at a local
is the best way to appreciate Victorian you just might run into a member of the theater or browse for eclectic souvenirs in
homes and classic New England architec- political elite during the height of the sum- the local shops.
ture. Stop for an ice cream cone or other mer season.
[DAY 7] Provincetown to Newport: Enjoy a morning
summertime treat at one of the family-
[DAY 5] Martha’s Vineyard to Boston. Cruise into cruise around Newport Harbor before
owned eateries.
Boston Harbor and then choose from disembarking downtown.
countless museums and restaurants.


CANADA
NEW BRUNSWICK

QUEBEC

MAINE NOVA SCOTIA

VERMONT

NEW
HAMPSHIRE
NEW YORK

BOSTON
MASSACHUSETTS
PROVINCETOWN

CONNECTICUT ATLANTIC OCEAN
NANTUKET
MARTHA’S VINEYARD
NEWPORT
BLOCK ISLAND

NEW JERSEY
RHODE
ISLAND

America the Beautiful
©BILLY BLACK (2)

NEW ENGLAND IS A REGION THAT STRETCHES NORTHWARD FROM CONNECTICUT TO THE BORDER
between the United States and Canada. The islands surrounding Newport, Rhode Island, along with
Maine, are considered charter destinations unto themselves. Broader New England can include
yacht charters from cities like Boston, which is an ideal spot for a “surf and turf,” meaning a few days
on shore followed by a few days on board. Any charter broker can help you combine land tours with
a charter itinerary so that you can make the most of your time in the area, maybe taking in a Red Sox
game at Fenway Park before stepping on board your private yacht in Boston Harbor.
A charter in and around Boston can feel like a journey into the history of America itself. Itinerary stops
can include Plymouth Harbor, where the Pilgrims landed on the Mayflower, complete with a replica
of the ship that is available for tours. Also close by is Salem, Massachusetts, whose infamous history of
witch trials is enshrined in local shops and a museum. Pack a copy of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller,
and then walk down the streets where its most famous scenes take place.
Also nearby are artists’ colonies, charming architecture and adorable seaside restaurants serving
lobster rolls all summer long. Many charter yacht chefs are well versed in the art of the clam bake,
too, if you want to spend an evening on the beach enjoying a cookout the same way the locals have
for generations.

2013 | 31

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Anacortes to Lopez Island. Anacortes is this picturesque harbor, relax on your capital. Check out the eateries, boutiques,
the Gulf Islands, and San Juan Islands’ yacht at anchor, and enjoy dinner at the and even a few gourmet grocery stores
homeport for charter vacations. Spend charming Hotel de Haro just across the offering local delicacies packaged to
the morning hiking, kayaking or whale- long white bridge. take back home.
watching before visiting beautiful
[DAY 4] Roche Harbor to Reid Harbor. Reid Harbor [DAY 6] Friday Harbor to Hunter Bay. Spend a full
Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island.
is lovely, but the real fun is in getting there. day enjoying the beaches and hiking
[DAY 2] Lopez Island to Victoria, British Columbia. Pods of Orca whales are frequent visitors paths along Hunter Bay, where calm and
Enjoy the world-famous experience of high to this area during spring and early tranquility reign supreme.
tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, or fill your summer, and the whale-watching is some
[DAY 7] Hunter Bay to Anacortes. The trip back
senses at Butchart Gardens, where flowers of the best on the planet.
to Anacortes offers you one last good
and foliage cover more than 50 acres.
[DAY 5] Reid Harbor to Friday Harbor. Friday look at snow-capped Mount Baker in the
[DAY 3] Victoria to Roche Harbor. Cruise into Harbor is the San Juan Islands’ unofficial distance.


VICTORIA
REID HARBOR
ROCHER HARBOR
PACIFIC OCEAN FRIDAY HARBOR
HUNTER BAY
LOPEZ ISLAND
ANACORTES

Coastal Splendor
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, WHEN IT COMES TO YACHT CHARTER, MEANS THE REGION FROM
Seattle, Washington, north past Vancouver and into Desolation Sound. A number of different
one-week itineraries are available here, each offering something a little bit different to see
and do.
Many charter yachts make the San Juan Islands their home, picking up charter guests in
Seattle and then heading away from civilization to this much quieter archipelago. The San
Juans offer views that you can’t find anywhere else. Snow-capped Mount Baker serves as
a magical background as your yacht sits anchored in 80-degree weather off Sucia Island.
Seasonal whale migrations make for once-in-a-lifetime photos, and the fishing can be abso-
lutely fantastic.
Vancouver Island offers encounters with nature, too, as well as a chance to explore Victoria.
The world-famous Butchart Gardens are well worth an afternoon stroll amid the beautiful
flowers and landscaping, right up until it’s time for high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
After that, it’s time for shopping. The stores stay open until just past dinnertime and offer local
souvenirs, such as moose caricatures.
Desolation Sound is north of Victoria, and you are well on your way to Alaska by the time
you reach its heart. Don’t let the barren meaning of the name fool you. Desolation Sound
may be more serene and see fewer cruises ships and crowds than other spots on your
cruise, but it offers some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.

2013 | 33

SOCIETY ISLANDS AND FRENCH POLYNESIA

ITINERARY

[DAY 1] Tahiti to Moorea. Board your charter yacht pearl farm uncovers acres of oysters visit the plantations for a tour, a taste, and
in Tahiti and then cruise away from tourism producing the stuff of fine jewelry around some delicious souvenirs.
and into paradise. Arrive at Moorea in time the world. Huahine is also the perfect
[DAY 6] Tahaa to Bora Bora. Marvel at the crystal-
for an afternoon snorkeling adventure with place for a traditional beach picnic on a
blue color of the water at Bora Bora,
sting rays and reef sharks. spit of sand called a motu.
where you can snorkel amid massive
[DAY 2] Moorea. Spend the day exploring the [DAY 4] Huahine to Raiatea. On Raiatea, you can coral heads or follow giant manta rays
reefs and colorful fish all around the explore Mount Temehani Plateau; this across the lagoon’s open water.
island. Moorea has great snorkeling and once-sacred spot is now accessible on
[DAY 7] Bora Bora. Enjoy one last trip to the
diving. If you want to wander ashore, foot, horseback, or by all-terrain vehicle.
beach before heading to an onshore
local shops offer pearls, tropical wraps,
[DAY 5] Raiatea to Tahaa. More than 80 percent resort for an extended vacation, or to the
and the local monoi.
of vanilla that comes from the Society island’s airport for your flight home.
[DAY 3] Moorea to Huahine. A tour of a local Islands is grown on Tahaa, and you can


BORA BORA

TAHAÁ

HUAHINE

©LIZ PASCH
RAIATEA

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

MOOREA
PAPEETE

MAIAO
TAHITI

A Taste of Polynesia
©TIM MCKENNA, TIM-MCKENNA.COM

FRENCH POLYNESIA IS A SWATH OF TROPICAL PACIFIC ISLAND GROUPS, INCLUDING
everything from the Tuamotus to the Australs; in between are a whole lot of great cruising
and a few island groupings well worth a visit. French Polynesia’s best-known landmasses
are in the archipelago known as the Society Islands, which include Tahiti and Bora Bora.
Tahiti’s international airport is an easy jumping-off point for one-way charters that last
one to two weeks. A one-week itinerary can include the bulk of the Society Islands, with
©RODOLPHE HOLLER

Moorea and Huahine among the stops between Tahiti and Bora Bora. Cruising along
this route ensures plenty to do both on shore and at sea, including visits to pearl farms,
snorkeling with reef sharks and rays, diving on shipwrecks, riding ATVs through plantations,
and, of course, relaxing on white sand beaches so spectacular that they are the stuff of
many bucket-list dreams.
Two-week itineraries can combine a visit to the Society Islands with time in the nearby
Tuamotus, which are far less populated. This is the part of French Polynesia that serious
fishing enthusiasts and scuba divers covet, a place on the planet where the reefs are still
huge and the wildlife is, too. Seasonal encounters can include everything from humpback
whales to hammerhead sharks, in waters so warm that you rarely even need a wetsuit to
take a swim alongside them. If you want to see the underwater world unspoiled, then the
Tuamotus are a must-visit.
Only a handful of luxury charter yachts visit French Polynesia each year, and the best
book as much as a year in advance. If this destination is on your wish list, then consider
planning well in advance.

2013 | 35

MEDIT ERRANEAN


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