Asia Destinations Malaysia

Malaysia

Imagine a country where you can instantly plug into the buzz of modern commerce and culture, walk amid some of the world’s tallest buildings, shop for the newest sophisticated fashions and electronic gadgets, or groove to the latest music and food at trendy night clubs and restaurants.

Now imagine a country where you can disconnect completely, travel at a pace set by the earth itself, and explore untouched beaches, rainforests and jungles so ancient and exotic that they are home to plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Malaysia is that country.

Located in Southeast Asia just north of the Equator, Malaysia is distinctive not only for its multi-cultural mix of people — Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and indigenous tribes — but also for its unique geography as well. The country is split into two halves separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia occupies the southern half of the Malay Peninsula, and is bordered in the north by Thailand, and in the south by Singapore. East Malaysia occupies the northeastern part of the island of Borneo, and consists of the states of Sarawak and Sabah.

From its earliest days, Malaysia was an important destination for traders plying the China Sea. In about 1400 under protection from China, a Sumatran prince established a city-state kingdom called Malacca. Traders introduced the Islamic religion, which spread throughout the country. Seeking to control the worldwide spice trade, Portuguese warships captured Malacca in 1511, which ushered in a long colonial period. The Dutch captured the city in 1641, ruling it for the next 150 years. Great Britain established a foothold on Penang Island in 1786, using it as a base from which to protect shipping lanes between China and India. British influence continued to grow until it assumed total control of Malaysia in the early 1900s. The modern country of Malaysia was established in 1957.

Dream Yacht Charter operates two bases in Malaysia, both of which offer sailors an ideal jumping off point from which to explore the country’s exotic treasurers, legends and astonishing natural wonders both above and below the sea.

Asia Destinations Thailand

Thailand

Phuket, which lies at 7 degrees, 53 minutes north latitude and 98 degrees, 24 minutes, east longitude, is Thailand’s largest island and the ideal base for Dream Yacht Charter’s Thailand fleet. There are hundreds of islands in the Andaman Sea to explore, countless miles of beaches fringed with swaying palm trees, shimmering emerald-colored seas, coral reefs, charming villages and simply dazzling scenery.

For the busy professional and adventurous sailor in search of an unforgettable vacation, Thailand is among the finest, most interesting and beautiful places to sail in the world. Where else can you sail among the spectacular limestone pinnacles that jut above the waters of Phang-nga Bay? Yet, that’s just the beginning.

Sailing approximately 28 nm southeast of Phuket brings you to the Phi Phi Islands, which have become one of southern Thailand’s favorite tourist destinations. The most developed island, Phi Phi Don, is surrounded by astonishingly clear water. Stunning anchorages suitable for overnight stays and lunchtime stops abound. Many of the islands in this region are ringed with multi-colored coral reefs, which are rich in marine life so varied and vibrant, you will be tempted to spend all of your time in the water.

The Similan Islands are located about 54 nm northwest of Phuket. Just as towering limestone monoliths are a distinguishing geographical feature of southern Thailand, this group of nine islands (they have both names and numbers but are usually referred to by their number), are distinctive because they are made of granite covered by dense tropical jungle.

In 1982, Thailand created a marine reserve called the Mu Koh Similan National Park to protect the region’s natural resources. This group of islands is recognized internationally as one of the finest diving locations in the world. The same volcanic eruptions that created such dramatic island landscapes eons ago, also created equally dramatic underwater seascapes. Divers have even given the best sites colorful names such as, East Of Eden, Donald Duck Bay, Chinese Wall, Boulder City and Deep Six.

A Dream Yacht Charter sailing vacation offers a multitude of scenic and secure anchorages, pristine white-sand beaches, rugged uninhabited islands, and lively nightlife and resorts. The warm, hospitable people of Thailand enhance the enjoyment of a Phuket yacht charter, making the sailing adventure even more memorable in a nation often called the Land of Smiles.

Mediterranean Destinations Turkey

Turkey

Fethiye

The Republic of Turkey is truly at a crossroads of history, culture, geography and religion. This vast peninsula is surrounded on three sides by water, and links Asia and Europe. With more than 4,400 miles of coastline, it is no wonder Turkey is a sailor's paradise.

Chains of rugged mountains north, west, south and east frame a central plateau. The western range slopes gently to the sea. Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak at 16,946 feet is said to be the place where Noah's Ark came to rest after the flood. Because of its geography, Turkey features a wide range of climate variation. A temperate climate characterizes the Black Sea region, while the southern coast and the Aegean features warm Mediterranean weather. In contrast, the central plateau is arid, while in the east, a harsh mountain climate exist. As a result, the variety of animal and plant life in Turkey is some of the richest found in Europe and the Middle East.

Turkey's culture and history is as diverse as it's geography and climate. The Odyssey is set in Turkey and the Trojan wars were fought there. Constantine established Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, as a center for Eastern Christians. When Rome fell, Constantinople became the center of the Byzantine Empire, which later fell to Muslims. Seljuk Turks ruled for nearly 200 years until Mongols invaded. However, a small group of Seljuks later rose to power and created the Ottoman Empire, which lasted into the early 20th Century. The Ottomans were swept away at the conclusion of World War I, and modern Turkey was born in 1922.

Dream Yacht Charter's Turkish base and cruising ground is at Fethiye (pronounced Fet-hee-ya), a region known as both the Turkish Riviera and Turquoise Coast. In ancient times, it was known as Telmessos, named for the son of Apollo. Modern Fethiye is built on the ruins of the old city. One of the activities you can do while in port is visit the large and beautiful Tomb of Amyntas, built by the Lycians in 350 B.C. The tomb is striking because of its carvings and massive size. One reward from your climb is an amazing view of Fethiye and the entire bay below.

Also be sure to visit the Oludenia Blue Lagoon, other nearby beaches and the Fethiye market while our staff outfits your incomparable yacht for what we know will be an unforgettable and delightful cruise through the Mediterranean.

Our sailing itineraries can take you to Marmaris, where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. The city is on a natural harbor surrounded by pine forests that stretch down to the waterfront. Marmaris is one of Turkey's premier vacation resorts, built around a sweeping natural bay at the foot of a steep mountain slope. The old town is a maze of twisting little streets with whitewashed houses amid an excellent shopping bazaar. Many restaurants are located on the waterfront, where you can relax and take in the spectacular view. Marmaris is a stylish and cosmopolitan resort. The traffic-free promenade stretching from the marina all the way round the bay to Icmeler has a sophisticated 'Riviera' feel to it, that is reminiscent of St.Tropez.

Not far away is Ciftlik (ancient Phalarus), a beach village set in a striking mountain cul-de-sac, that is a nice port of call when cruising though this region. Also nearby is Bozukkale, which in ancient times was the city of Loryma. Entering the bay on the western side is the city's citadel walls and is a truly magnificent sight. The harbor was in use during Roman and Byzantine times, and the Knights of Rhodes used it as well.

Ensconced among the green mountains of the Datca Peninsula, Bozburun is a charming little harbor at the end of some wonderful sheltered bays. This splendid area is thickly forested with pine trees and the sweet smell of frankincense lingers in the air. While it is possible to swim, there is no official beach here. One of the fascinations of Bozburun is watching skilled craftsmen on the waterfront assembling wooden boat frames in the shadows of towering cliffs.

The next largest village along this section of coast after Bozburun is Datca. This picturesque village is largely untouched by tourists, and is good provisioning stop. People in the region make their living by growing and selling olives, almonds, honey, garden fruits and vegetables. The almonds of Datca are particularly prized.

Serce Limani is located on the southern side of the Bozburun Peninsula opposite Rhodes. The harbor has a magnificent gate carved from stone, and is a safe haven for boats. An underwater survey of the harbor's pristine waters revealed a shipwreck dating to the 11th century. The ship was carrying a cargo of glass. Many of these artifacts have been recovered and sent to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

These are just some of the delights a sailing vacation with Dream Yacht Charter will unveil in Turkey, a country with a long and proud history and invigorating culture.

Mediterranean Destinations Greece

Greece

Is it too grand a statement to say that Greece is the cradle of Western Civilization, that politics, philosophy, history, the arts, medicine, trade and sportsmanship all had their origins in this gentle island nation? We don’t think so.

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Greek villages dotted with white houses are set against turquoise water that shimmers under eternally blue skies. Here, anyone’s desire for a dream sailing vacation can be fulfilled. And with 10 bases in Greece, Dream Yacht Charter can deliver an unforgettable holiday filled with ideal sailing, beauty, culture and history. All you have to do is imagine.

Athens Athens, the Greek capital, is built in the Attic Basin surrounded by a series of hills. Our base, in the Alimos Marina, is an ideal spot to begin sailing in the region. Along with magnificent coastal swimming and regional beaches, you can visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Acropolis, with the Parthenon, and the Daphni Monastery. Walk through the National Gardens of Athens or spend a day in the National Archaeological Museum. Find glorious shopping in the afternoons and fine dining and nightlife in the evenings. Come visit the birthplace Democracy. The friendly people are just the beginning.

Lavrion The ancient silver mines of the port city of Lavrion helped to enrich the Athenian fleets. Our base here opens the door to ancient ruins of these old mines. In addition, there are beautiful beaches and local culture.

Ionian Islands The golden beaches and turquoise waters of the Ionian Islands, which lie at 38 degrees 30 minutes north latitude and 20 degrees 30 minutes east longitude, show signs of habitation as early as the Bronze Age. Of the seven major and 30 minor islands in the group, Dream Yacht Charter has bases on two of them: at the Gouvia Marina on Corfu, and on Lefkas, at the Lefkas Marina. From both locations convenient day sails can be made to the other Ionian Islands, including Paxos and Ithaca.

Corfu Corfu is an island of multicultural beauty; its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located off the coast of Albania, the islands’ two mountain chains divide it into three districts. Visit the old citadel and the Palaio Frourio or the Achilleion palace and gardens. The beaches of Gouvia offer relaxation and water sports. While there, be sure to sample some of the famous Sofritos in one of the bistros or restaurants of Spianada.

Lefkas Lefkas is said to be the model for Homer’s Ithaca; at its cape the poet Sapphos jumped to her death. Its beach at Vassiliki is a haven for windsurfing. Dramatic high cliffs back the west coast beaches, such as Porto Katsiki and Egremnoi, which make them the perfect spot for some creative photography. Or, if quiet and solitude is what you desire, Nidri beach will suit nicely.

The Sporades Four major and 24 minor islands make up the Sporades in the Aegean Sea. Our base is on the island of Skiathos, which lies at 39 degrees, 10 minutes north latitude and 23 degrees, 29 minutes east longitude. Skiathos is known for its castles; its rocks damaged King Xerxes’ ship in the Persian Wars. It is a forested island, with many inlets and beaches and is the home habitat of the Mediterranean Monk seal. Enjoy the beach at Koukounadies or, for the daring, the famous nudist Banana beach.

Northeastern Aegean These islands are located from the Thracian Sea through the north Aegean. In the north, there is Samothrace, famous for its sculpture of the “Winged Victory” Also well worth a visit are Lesbos, in the eastern Cyclades, and Samos in the south off the coast of Turkey. Our regional base is at the Samos Marina. This is the part of Greece where the first triremes, warships with three banks of oars on each side, were first used. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagaras and Aesop; it is the site of the early engineering project (6th century BC) the Eupalinian aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Samos is also famous for its vineyards and Samian wine.

The Cyclades Southeast of mainland Greece at 37 degrees, 0 minutes north latitude and 25 degrees, 10 minutes east longitude are the Cyclades, a part the Aegean archipelago that borders the Sea of Crete. The Cyclades is made up of 220 islands. Twenty-one are considered major islands, including Paros, Syros, Sifnos, Delos, Mykonos and Santorini. Our bases are on Paros, at Paroika Port, and on Syros, at the Foinikas Marina. Paros was originally known for its pure white marble and its well-known windmill at Paroika. There you will find golden beaches, antiquities, historical ruins, and the traditional narrow streets with white washed houses on each side. The city of Ermoupoli on Syros is the regional capital. A natural amphitheatre also known as the “City of Hermes,” Ermoupoli is known for its shipbuilding, silk trading, and early copper work. There are numerous churches on the island, including in the medieval town of Ano Syros. Early Minoans farmed many of the Cycladic islands. Visit Santorini’s volcanic caldera and the location of the legendary city of Atlantis; on Mykonos you will find vibrant nightlife. Delos is the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. No matter where you stop in the Cyclades, expect clear blue waters, breathtaking vistas and friendly people.

Dodecanese Islands The name for the Dodecanese Islands comes from the Greek word for “twelve,” because there are 12 major and 120 minor islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, off the Turkish coast. Occupied by Minoans and Dorians by 1100 BC, two of these Islands, Kos and Rhodes, were thriving centers of commerce by the 6th century BC. Dream Yacht Charter has bases on both islands. At the Kos Marina, a 14th century fortress guards the harbor entrance. Kos was the location of Hippocrates’ medical school and the largest marketplace in the ancient world. Relax at Paradise beach.

The island of Rhodes, shaped like the head of a spear at one time was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Colossus of Rhodes – until an earthquake in 226 BC brought down these great symbols of wealth. Now, en-route to our base, in the Mandraki Port of Rhodes, you can see a pair of modern bronze deer where the great Colossus stood. The island is well known for its fallow deer. In addition, in the Petaludes Valley, there are rare butterflies and the Rhoda hibiscus.

St. Paul visited Rhodes in the first century BC, and St. John was exiled on nearby Patmos. He is credited with converting the islands to Christianity. Rhodes was the home of the Knights of St. John until the mid 16th century brought Suleiman, when they fled to Malta. Byzantine churches abound and you can visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes today. Another highlight is the Temple of Apollo in the Acropolis of Rhodes.

No matter where you go in Greece or in the Greek Islands, you will find majestic culture and abundant natural beauty. Experience the sailing vacation of a lifetime with a little help from Dream Yacht Charters.

Mediterranean Destinations Croatia

Croatia

More than 1,200 islands dot the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia, easily making it one of the most delightful sailing locations in all Europe. Croatia’s intricate coastline and its offshore islands were created by a dramatic rise in the sea level 13,000 years ago. Shear cliffs and dramatic reefs, protected inlets and anchorages abound. But people do not. Out of all those islands, only about 50 are inhabited.

Known as the Republic of Croatia today, the history of this southeastern European nation reaches back into antiquity. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I when Croats, Serbs and Slovenes formed a kingdom known as Yugoslavia. After World War II, a communist country was established. Croatia broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991, an event that led to a four-year war of independence. In April 2009, however, the country joined NATO, and is currently a candidate to join the European Union.

There are three prime sailing regions in Croatia: Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia. Our base is centrally located along the Adriatic in the city of Sibenik, which lies at 43 degrees 43 minutes north latitude and 15 degrees 54 minutes east longitude. Established in the 10th century close to a deep bay, Sibenik was the capital of Croatia for a short time. The historical center of the ancient city, with its narrow streets and the fortress of Saint Anne above it, is one of the city’s key attractions. Another is the St. Jacques cathedral built between 1431 and 1535 by Italian and Dalmatian craftsmen. Because of its unique style and architectural harmony, the cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Patrimony. Istria

Istria is Croatia’s largest peninsula. The Adriatic’s deep azure contrasts with lush green landscape and white stone one sees on land. This is a multicultural region with hospitable towns, clean ports and lively fishing communities. Narrow stone streets conjure Mediterranean charm, while medieval towns nestled on hilltops remind us of Tuscany or Provence. Kvarner

The coastal landscape of Kvarner with its gentle Mediterranean climate rises almost immediately to meet the inland mountains and forests of Gorski Kotar and its much harsher environment. Because it offers travelers the sea on one side and mountains on the other, Kvarner has been a popular tourist resort for more than 150 years. Opatija, for example, is a trendy place with lush parks, elegant villas and a seaside promenade more than seven miles long. Dalmatia

Zadar in the northern part of Dalmatia is a region of historical importance, richness, and beautiful natural landscapes. Here, as in Istria, vivid colors are what visitors first note. The iridescent blue sea contrasts with the deep green of pine trees and olive groves that stretch to the shoreline. The brilliant white Dalmatian stone, which forms beaches in slabs or tiny pebbles, is itself a tourist attraction. Zadar is 3,000 years old; it is particularly known for its Romanesque churches, and claims the smallest cathedral in the world. The Church of the Holy Cross is said to measure only 36 paces across.

Farther down the cost, Split is known for its olives and aromatic plants. The city is historically important as well; Roman Emperor Diocletian built a home there because the islands of the Split archipelago are protected by the sea on one side and by high mountains on the landward side.

Dubrovnik, in Dalmatia’s southernmost region, is an ancient walled city sometimes called the “pearl of the Adriatic.” Historically, the city’s economy has been based on maritime trade, but tourism has played an important role in its success as well. It was discovered by celebrities in the 19th century and was long considered a place to be seen. English writer George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” The city’s climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Visitors can find groves of lemon, orange and tangerine trees beside palms and agaves. In addition, they can stroll through renaissance parks, flower gardens and medieval stone palaces.

Although Croatia and the Adriatic may not be well known by North American sailors, the country offers true sailing adventures, and Dream Yacht Charter can make those sailing dreams become reality.

Mediterranean Destinations Corsica

Corsica

The French island of Corsica lies southeast of the mainland in the Mediterranean Sea at 41 degrees 55 minutes north latitude and 8 degrees 44 minutes east longitude. Created by violent volcanic eruptions, Corsica is the most mountainous region of the Mediterranean; and is nicknamed the scented island because of the intoxicating perfumes that fill its maquis, or bush lands.

Sometimes called a mini-continent, Corsica has 620km (385 miles) of coastline, more than 200 fine beaches, nature reserves and mountain retreats. A gentle Mediterranean climate has promoted rich forests of evergreen oak, and protects a wide variety of bird species. The Scandola Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several endangered animals thrive in the southern alpine mountains of small, snow capped glaciers including the mouflon (a mountain sheep), and the Corsican red deer. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Corsica is filled with history.

Near the Dream Yacht Charter base at Macinaggio Marina, you can find 16th century architecture from its Genovese rule. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the capital of Ajaccio, where his boyhood home is open to the public. Genoa ceded the island to France in 1768 and, except for a brief period of British occupation in 1814, it has remained French ever since. Corsicans have their own language, which is more Italian than French, and they certainly have a life style that is all their own.

With one of Europe's finest hiking trails, 40 varieties of orchids, rare lichens and mosses, and wonderful cuisine, visitors to Corsica may be tempted to stay on land. But there is a vital water culture as well. Whale and dolphin sanctuaries surround the islands. Explore the sea caves near Bonifacio or take in some sea fishing. River and lake fishing for local trout is also a local pastime. Swimming, diving and paragliding are just a few of the activities to draw you to the spot that the Greeks called “Kalliste” – the Beautiful Island.

Mediterranean Destinations Cote d’Azur

Cote d'Azur

If paradise means sailing in clear blue water, sunning on glorious beaches rimmed with palm trees, romantic island hideaways, first class cuisine and shopping, all surrounded by some of the best natural, cultural and historical sites in Europe, then let Dream Yacht Charter take you to a playground of kings and queens—the French Riviera.

Cote d'Azur, or the Azure Coast, takes its name from Mediterranean Sea, which laps the coastline of southeast France. The region stretches 560 miles from the Italian border in the east, to Saint Tropez in the west.

From our base in St. Mandrier sur Mer, Port Pin Rolland, on the western end of the Azure coast, you will experience awe-inspiring sailing along some of the earliest western trades routes. From Marseille to St. Tropez, the Iles d'Or (Hyeres) to the Calanques, there are resplendent beaches, majestic flora, and protected aquatic life.

To the east, embark on a voyage to St. Tropez, Toulon or Hyeres, and explore the Iles d'Or: Porquerolles, Port Cros and Levant. St. Tropez has long been a favorite destination of artists, writers and celebrities. An early wine and cork trading port frequented by Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, St. Tropez became a fashionable “resort” in the 18th century, for its long, golden beaches and nearby Provencal landscapes. And it still aims to please, with fine French cuisine and designer shopping. The region is famous for its shipyards, and is the home of the “tan” and Brigitte Bardot.

Toulon is known for its fountains and opera house. There are sheltered, sandy beaches in Mourillon and a cable car that runs up Mt. Faron. You can visit the Museum of the French Navy, and when hunger strikes, you can sample the famous cade toulonnaise and chichi fregi (a type of donut).

Hyeres was a favorite spot of Queen Victoria; and Edith Wharton wrote “The Age of Innocence” there. A short distance inland is the oldest resort on the French Riviera. Known as Hyeres les Palmiers for its lush pine trees, this resort can be an enchanting interlude to your sailing vacation.

A must on any western Cote d'Azur cruise are the Iles d' Or, also known as the Iles of Hyeres. Porquerolles is the largest of the three islands, with eucalyptus forests and parasol pines in its nature reserve. You will find protected anchorages, the beaches of Notre Dame, La Courtade and Plague d'Argent, and an 1837 lighthouse. The ile features snorkeling and bike rentals. Port Cros, a national park, is named for its cross-shaped harbor and is surrounded by a coastal maritime zone. Its beach, La Palud, is perfect for lounging and snorkeling. And you can find botanical trails and two old forts to explore. The smallest of the iles, Ile Levant, is a long, narrow rocky ridge; only the western tip is open to the public. From its port, Port Ayguade, follow its jasmine hedges to the village of Arbousiers. More daring visitors can spend some time at the naturist center in Heliopolis.

From Port Pin Rolland, set sail west to visit the haunting Calanques, enroute to Marseille.

Marseille is France's second city, and a port, so it is a vibrant mix of diverse cultures. It is where bouillibase was born and has a lively urban appeal with museums and theatres. A variety of cuisines are offered in its many fine restaurants, and a sophisticated nightlife will entice you away from the Sea, if only temporarily.

About 12 nautical miles east of Marseille, navigate your way to the Calanque Cassis. The Calanques are often called the Fjords of the Mediterranean. They have deep valleys with steep, sheer sides of rock, from which grow an incredible variety of plants. Anchor between them and enjoy an onboard gourmet meal in one of the world's most dramatic locations. Except in mid-summer, when they are closed to visitors, the Calanques are a fascinating stop in a stunning Mediterranean cruise of western Cote D'Azur.

Caribbean Destinations Martinique

Martinique

Martinique is one of the shining jewels of the French Caribbean. Centrally located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, at 14 degrees 30 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 0 minutes west longitude, Martinique is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.

Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his first voyage in 1493, but didn't land there until his fourth expedition in 1502. Martinique officially became part of France in 1815. It became a Department of France in 1946, and was named a Region of France in 1974, and that remains its status.

Martinique's capital, Fort de France, celebrates every aspect of French culture with style and panache – from the excellence of its cuisine to the chic sophistication of its fine resorts and hotels. Shops sell the latest French merchandise; art galleries, theaters and museums all pay homage that heritage. Old men play Boules in the squares, while crowds sit at sidewalk cafés. Yet, an enticing West Indian warmth and friendliness, a special spice in its music, dance, local food and cultural roots, combine with everything French, to create a unique way of life.

Martinique offers the classic Caribbean package of flawless beaches-white sand on the south coast, black sand on the north coast. There are secluded coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling, reefs, unspoiled fishing villages, hot springs, lush rainforests, rugged peaks and exotic flowers and fruit everywhere.

The Dream Yacht Charter base at Le Marin is just a short ride from the airport. The marina is set at the end of a beautiful lagoon and includes all the facilities any sailor could need: well-stocked chandleries, a supermarket and restaurants.

The marina at Le Marin is one of the largest in the Caribbean that caters specifically to pleasure boats, and is a day sail from the Grenadines.

Caribbean Destinations Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe lies at 16 degrees 15 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 34 minutes west longitude, and is part of the Leeward Islands. The island is geographically distinctive because of its butterfly shape. The eastern wing is Grand-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre, the island's biggest city, is in the southeastern corner and is the center of tourism.

The western wing is Basse-Terre, which is less developed and dominated by a national park. A narrow channel called the Salt River separates the two halves of the island. There are rolling fields of sugarcane, but amazing rainforests as well, which many rare and colorful species of birds and animals call home.

Snorkelers and divers will be captivated by the variety of marine and coral life in the pristine, azure waters that surround the islands that make up Guadeloupe. Foodies will delight in the delicious and distinctive cuisine, which is a blend of French and Creole influences.

On the quieter, nearby islands, many of the inhabitants still wear traditional Creole dress and the mix of African, European and East Indian cultures makes for a melting pot of great charm and excitement.

A Dream Yacht Charter bareboat sailing vacation on Guadeloupe is the ideal family, or romantic getaway. Make sure you don't miss the beautiful Crayfish waterfall. Afterward, you can linger for swim in its refreshing pools. For a more dramatic sight head to the south of Basse Terre and visit the famous 350-foot Carbet Waterfalls.

From our base at Pointe-à-Pitre, sailors can head south, plotting a course through untouched islands with amazing rainforests. If you're more interested in sailing than sightseeing, head north for more challenging blue water cruising.

The Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve in the waters close to Pigeon Island features an abundance of colorful coral forests and marine life. The undersea park is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.

Caribbean Destinations St. Martin

St. Martin

Located in the Leeward Islands at 18 degrees 3 minutes, north latitude and 63 degrees 4 minutes west longitude, Christopher Columbus sighted St. Martin in 1493 and claimed it for Spain. However, the Dutch first occupied St. Martin in 1631 drawn by the island's salt deposits. Spain eventually relinquished its claim, and the French and Dutch divided the island among themselves. And so it remains today. The island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent countries. The northern part is a French overseas collectivity, while the Dutch side is an independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is officially called Saint Martin.

Because of its French and Dutch sides, an interesting duel cultural personality exists on St. Martin where sophistication and a relaxed, easygoing style are woven into the fabric of daily life on the island. The melding of both Caribbean and European food, culture and cuisine comes together like no other place in the island chain. With world class restaurants, casual beach bars, legendary and sometimes infamous beaches, live music and a fascinating colonial history, St. Martin gives you a taste of the delightful charms of this part of the world.

In fact, St. Martin is second only to the British Virgin Islands as our most popular sailing area in the Caribbean. Chartering here allows you to explore some of the beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean, as well as enjoy spectacular diving and snorkeling on some of the most unspoiled reefs in the world.

Because of the prevailing conditions in the area surrounding St. Martin, Dream Yacht Charter requires sailors to have an intermediate or higher level of experience. However, there is just the right mix of island hopping and exciting blue water sailing to keep a smile on everyone's face.

Caribbean Destinations Antigua

The Antigua Base Opens October 1, 2013. Bookings are being accepted now.

Come join us in exploring Antigua’s winding coastline and seemingly limitless secluded powdery soft beaches. Navigate the same waters as Nelson, scuba dive and snorkel from the decks of our yachts on the same coral reefs that were once the bane of marauding enemy ships.

Antigua and its sister Island, Barbuda, lie at 17 degrees 5 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 48 minutes west longitude. Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. To the south are the islands of Montserrat; and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. Barbuda, about 30 miles due north of Antigua, is a largely uninhabited flat coral island. The tiny island of Redonda, a nature preserve is also part of the nation.

Like most islands of the Caribbean, Antigua benefits from a warm climate moderated by steady trade winds that make the region one of the most desirable of the world’s great sailing destinations. Because of its complex coastline, an abundance of safe harbors, and a protective nearly unbroken coral reef, one of Great Britain’s most famous admirals, Horatio Nelson, made Antigua the Royal Navy’s most important Caribbean base in 1784.

Now, more than 200 years later, the same characteristics that attracted Nelson have drawn Dream Yacht Charter this island paradise. Our base is the legendary Jolly Harbor, a full service marina that features restaurants, a supermarket, boutique shopping and more. The Dream Yacht staff will acquaint you with the island’s natural and historical landmarks. Natives like to say there are 365 distinct beaches, one for every day of the year on Antigua. We don’t know if that’s literally true, but one of the great adventures for our sailing friends would be to try and visit them all.

The capital of Antigua and its largest city is St. John’s. The baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral dominate the city’s landscape. With a new cruise ship dock and several hotels, the capital is a lively hub for shopping and dining.

If you are interested in the early history of the island, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the colonial Court House. You will find Arawak and colonial artifacts recovered archaeological digs on the island on display.

The heart of Antigua’s historic district is the 15 square miles that of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. During the great age of sale, this area served as British Navy’s base and headquarters of the fleet of the Leeward Islands during the late 18th century. Greatly expanded during the time Horatio Nelson commanded, it was gradually abandoned during in the nineteenth century and was closed in 1889. Now completely restored, Nelson’s Dockyard is the only Georgian dockyard in the world.

Caribbean Destinations British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are made up of more than 60 islands and islets at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada are the major islands of this storied archipelago.

Rich in pirate folklore, and made famous by the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, the BVI offer some of the best sailing to be had anywhere on the planet. The smaller islands, many perfect for daytime snorkeling trips as well as overnight stays, add to the mix of tropical delights, where you can be as relaxed or as active as you like.

Set sail on a BVI yacht charter from our base at Hodges Creek Marina, centrally located on Tortola. After slipping away from the dock, you will be perfectly positioned in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the gateway to Paradise.

We will transport you to a place where tranquil turquoise waters lap softly against the hull of your yacht while giant swaths of tropical fish dart just below the surface. Everywhere are white-sand beaches fringed with towering palm trees and picturesque ramshackle beach bars. Other islands remain uninhabited and are just waiting to be explored.

Crystal clear waters, picture-perfect beaches, scenic anchorages and well-equipped marinas make the British Virgin Islands an ideal sailing destination for every sailor. Easy island hops, consistent trade winds, line-of-sight navigation and numerous safe anchorages and mooring fields make this a sailors' dream vacation.

Caribbean Destinations Cuba

Cuba Located between Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean at 21 degrees, 30 minutes, north latitude and 80 degrees, 00 minutes, west longitude, Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean. The western most island of the Greater Antilles, Cuba is located just 90 miles from Key West, Florida. When Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1492, he said: “This is the most beautiful land one has ever seen.”

Cuba’s location and beauty led to several centuries of development as a Spanish Colony, which lasted until the Spanish-American War of 1898. The archipelago is composed of a principal island, and multiple “Cayos” and rocky islets. Cuba’s stunning variety of landscapes, mixing mountains, agricultural valleys and endless sandy beaches, make it a fascinating destination for sailors and other visitors.

Cuban cities such as Trinidad, and particularly its capital, Havana, are renowned for their colonial architectural richness. UNESCO declared them both a “Patrimony of the Humanity” in 1982, to preserve their architecture and historical inheritance.

With its favorably warm climate year round, steady winds, unique natural beauty and open-minded, friendly people, Cuba goes beyond any sailor’s dreams. The island also has a reliable nautical infrastructure, which is receiving well-aimed support from the government. About 20 marinas and nautical centers all around Cuba gladly welcome yachts under all flags and offer all conceivable services. To the sailor, the whole coast and off-lying islands are fully accessible with one exception. That area is Playa Giron, or Bay of Pigs, scene of the ill-fated 1961 invasion to overthrow Fidel Castro.

Cienfuegos is one of Cuba’s largest and most prosperous cities, which is where the Dream Yacht Charter base is located. Filled with entertainment venues and eateries, the city is a hub of activity for shopping and soaking up Cuban culture. From the base at Cienfuegos, there are two main island groups to explore along the southern shore of Cuba.

Bahamas Destinations Abaco

Abaco With 29 islands, 661 cays and nearly 2,400 islets, The Bahamas is a true sailor's paradise steeped in both history and lore. The island group lies at 25 degrees 5 minutes north latitude and 77 degrees 21 minutes west longitude. This is where Italian explorer Christopher Columbus first made landfall in the New World on October 12, 1492, where pirates built a haven in the 1600s, and where many British loyalists made new homes following the American Revolution. Dream Yacht Charter's Bahamian base is located on Great Abaco Island at Marsh Harbor, and serves as our gateway to the stellar sailing grounds the islands offer. The Abacos chain is formed in a boomerang shape and stretches nearly 130 miles from Walkers Cay in the north, to Hole-in-the-Wall in the south. The islands lie roughly 175 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida, and 106 miles north of Nassau. The outer cays and islands create naturally protected waters commonly referred to as the Sea of Abaco. Abaco is the second largest island in the Bahamas, and generally cooler than the other islands. Summer temperatures average 26.5°C/80°F to 29.4°C/85°F. During winter, the temperature rarely dips below 10°C/50°F. More than 200 species of birds, including the Green Bahamian Parrot, are found in the islands, along with lush vegetation such as Pines, Madeira, and Coppish, as well as astonishing ferns, vines and varieties of wildflowers like Oleander and Stalked Orchids. The five inhabited cays of major importance are Walkers Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guanna, Man-O-War and Elbow Cay. Green Turtle Bay has an uneven coastline with deep bays, sounds and delightful beaches at Gillam Bay and Coco Bay. The island is three miles long and half as wide. The community is diverse, and captures the quaint and harmonious atmosphere found throughout the islands. Hope Town is known for its boat building and was founded by British loyalists in 1785. It boasts many fine examples of British colonial architecture, such as Toad Hall, which was built in 1880 and restored in the mid-1970s, and Butterfly House. The British Imperial Lighthouse Service sought to build one of its signature “candy stripe” lighthouses here to mark the Elbow Cay Reef in the 1860s. Local residents opposed the lighthouse, however, because they viewed it as a direct threat to their salvage trade. The lighthouse was built despite this opposition, and began operation in 1863. Now, it remains one of only two manned beacons, and local residents have undertaken vigorous efforts to keep it so, going to extraordinary lengths to secure spare parts for the light apparatus, most of which are no longer made. A tribe of Arawaks, the peaceful Lucayans, first inhabited the Bahamas, arriving there in the early 9th century to escape the warlike Caribs. Columbus, searching for a shorter trade route to India, first made landfall in the Bahamas on an island he called San Salvador in honor of his patrons, the king and queen of Spain. In the mid-1660s, Pirates such as Henry Jennings and “Blackbeard,” or Edward Teach made the town of New Providence a sanctuary when they weren't plundering ships on the high seas. Britain finally took firm control in 1718 and created a new motto for the Bahamas: Expulsis Piratis – Restituta Commercia, Latin for Pirates Expelled – Commerce Restored. When Loyalist refugees began arriving after the American Revolution, they infused the Bahamas with both wealth and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives to this day. During the American Civil War, the islands served as a safe harbor for blockade-runners and privateers exchanging Southern cotton for weapons and supplies. And during Prohibition, Americans flocked to Nassau where they could drink legally and gamble at casinos. More than 300 years of British rule ended in July 1973 when the Bahamas officially became a new nation, the Independent Commonwealth of the Bahamas. - See more at: http://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/english/destinations/bahamas/bahamas/#sthash.VMgeEPx2.dpuf

Grenada Yacht Charter

Grenada has beaches, a colonial port town, a volcano, and provides easy access to the Grenadines. The best time of year for yacht chartering in Grenada is from November to April.

The beaches are a big draw in Grenada. One of the best is Grand Anse, nearly two miles of sparkling white sand bordering a wide, sheltered bay. Snorkeling is superb in various spots around the island, there are wrecks for scuba divers to explore along the reefs, and in the winter, there is always a chance of a whale sighting. Inland, Grand Etang National Park and Forest Preserve is a popular day trip, offering rainforest hikes around the rim of an extinct volcano.
These are sailing waters; the bareboat sailing fleets located here, including Horizon Yacht Charters, recommend itineraries north through the Grenadines. In addition, the huge Grenada Sailing Festival brings two weekends of racing and partying to the island each year in late January.

How to Get Off the Couch and Go Sailing

Are you an armchair sailor, dreaming that someday you’ll take off on far away bareboat yacht charters? Do you wish you could add sailing to your weekend activities and family fun? Does the voice in your head keep saying someday instead of today?

If you want to make your dreams into a reality it’s all about taking one step at a time. It’s not that hard to begin sailing, and before you know it you’ll be ready for that amazing bareboat sailing charter you envision. There are a wide variety of ways to start learning; formal or informal, small boats or big boats, with or without a certificate of course completion—sailing is all around you if you’re willing to look. In the world of Google, there are no excuses.
Take a Class
Sailing classes exist at all levels of expense and expertise. Many options offer easy-to-learn classes through local organizations, and some may include certifications from nationally accredited organizations.
American Sailing Association (ASA) and US Sailing are the two largest nationally recognized organizations offering instruction and certification by experienced instructors that adhere to national guidelines and curriculum. Instructors with these credentials can be found from small to large operations—but they aren't a must in order to learn to sail.
Local Sailing Schools
If you live anywhere near water it’s fairly easy to find a local sailing school. You can find schools that teach the basics and advanced sailing. Some schools offer instruction by the hour, or they may have formally set classes meeting several times a week during evenings and weekends, to accommodate work schedules. These classes may even be accredited and can help you gain certifications.
Local Recreation Centers and Sailing Centers
Sometimes local sailing centers are affiliated with recreation centers in your area. Take a look at your local recreation center schedules and you may find offerings for adult and children’s sailing programs. These courses are all designed to get you out on the water and may be more economical than taking a formal sailing school program. Weigh your options and see what offerings may be available, so you can choose the best course of action to get out sailing.
Go Racing with Sailing Clubs
Local sailing clubs may be affiliated with yacht clubs, recreation centers, or standalone clubs that get together at varying levels of organization to race and socialize. If you’re interested in learning informal sailing and racing basics, you can contact local sailing clubs and see what their policies are on newbies coming out to go for a sail. Often this may be a free option, but with no experience you’ll likely start out as rail-meat—novices used as ballast on the windward rail, to keep the boat from capsizing.
Yacht Clubs
Yacht clubs have a variety of offerings from junior sailing programs to formal racing schedules. Often times you don’t need to be a member in order to partake of organized lessons or join in on the racing and learn a few tips as you go.
Sailing Vacations
This may be a more expensive option, but it may also be a more enjoyable route to take. There are many groups and companies out there that offer sailing vacations with a sail-and-learn element as part of the trip. Some even offer certifications. This is a great way to immerse your self in the sailing experience, while enjoying a vacation in an assortment of locations.
Rent a Sailboat
Once you get your feet wet, both figuratively and literally, it’s time to up the ante and get some practice on your own. But buying a boat is a big financial commitment, so you may want to consider the pros and cons of renting a boat to gain more experience.
Whether you go the informal route of a couple of hours sitting on the rail during a race, look at more formal instruction, or dive into a sail-and-learn vacation, you’ll find a fun easy way to ease yourself into sailing—and right off the couch.
Leah Kaiz, a former sailboat captain, is also a PADI dive instructor and an avid traveler. She has sailed all over the Caribbean on education vessels and worked in charter, and also traveled around the world on various adventures. She currently runs her own marketing company on land, Blue Gypsy Inc., and writes on a variety of topics for her diverse clientele. Future plans include buying a catamaran and sailing around the world.

Bring Your Dog on a Charter Yacht

I think it was the Tai Ping carpeting that made me shake my head in disbelief. Sure, I’ve heard of dogs going boating. A lot of dogs love it, and my own dog Blue happens to be a fan. But on this particular occasion, when the crew told me that I was on a “dog-friendly charter boat,” I happened to be standing aboard the 196-foot CRN Darlings Danama. More specifically, I was standing in her main salon with my bare feet buried in the super-thick, unearthly soft, wall-to-wall Tai Ping silk carpeting. This stuff can go for about $200 per square yard, which is, I figured, about the size of an area that a dog might find suitable for having an accident on any given day.

“We don’t worry about that,” the purser aboard Darlings Danama told me. “We just rip it up and have more installed.”
Since Darlings Danama brings in a base rate of $420,000 for every one-week charter she does in the Caribbean, I suppose the owner has that option (the yacht is for charter through Camper and Nicholsons International). But the more I asked around, the more luxury crewed charter yachts I found out there that are dog-friendly these days.
The 93-foot Argo sailing yacht Taza Mas, which takes four to eight guests at a base rate of $27,000 to $29,000, not only welcomes dogs as part of the charter party but even has a chef who regularly fills their water bowls with ice cubes to help them keep cool. That yacht is for charter through Nicholson Yachts. There’s also the 95-foot Feadship Zazu, which welcomes small dogs onboard for charters with their families. (Great Danes need not apply.) Her weekly base rate is $29,500 through Churchill Yacht Partners.
Before you get too excited about bringing Fido along on your next crewed yacht charter, remember that (depending on where you are cruising) you may have to provide not only his rabies and other certifications, but also an import license that some countries, like the Bahamas, require. A good charter broker will be able to help you determine any extra paperwork that you’ll need up front, and the documentation likely will be written into your charter contract—along with an extra security deposit, no doubt.

You’ll also have to make sure Fido can handle the ride, which makes some dogs seasick if they’re not used to the motion of being on the water. I've heard of charter clients bringing Piddle Pads and turf-like “grass patches” onboard so the dog has a place to relieve himself under way, but also think about things like Nature’s Miracle clean-up solution and other rug-friendly items that charter yachts may not carry in their usual stash of cleaning supplies.
That is, of course, if those yachts have standard rugs that don’t easily stain. I’m not sure how the stuff in my pantry would affect Tai Ping handwoven silk, so I probably wouldn't offer it up. Then again, I’d also probably look for a boat that had all teak decks, inside and out. And maybe a few easily replaceable throw rugs from the Home Depot or Ikea.

San Juan Islands: Photo Tour

The San Juan Islands lie between Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, Canada. Uniquely beautiful, they are best visited by boat between the months of May and September.

Family boating is easy in the pastoral San Juan Islands of Washington, with Mount Baker in the background.

Looking east over Orcas Island shows the many nooks and crannies of the San Juans—all perfect for gunkholing.

The sailing is idyllic in deep waters and cool summer breezes off Haro Strait, where resident orcas are seen frequently and bald eagles dot the tree tops.

A Nordic Tug sits in front of majestic Mount Baker, in a cluster of tiny islands within the San Juan archipelago.

Classic Benetti Motoryacht Dune: a Study in Yacht Charter Value

Finding a crewed motoryacht for charter on the French Riviera with five guest staterooms is easy. They’re lined up in marinas by the fistful each summer, charging anywhere from about $100,000 to about $500,000 for a week’s vacation onboard.
Finding an affordable crewed motoryacht for charter on the French Riviera with five guest staterooms, however, is an entirely different story. Finding such a yacht on the open market, in good condition, with solid crew, going for less than $30,000 a week, would be like finding the Hope Diamond on sale in a display case at a jewelry store in the mall.

Yet that’s exactly the picture that management company Neo Yachting is painting about the 85-foot Benetti Dune, which it is marketing as “probably offering the best value for money on a five-cabin yacht in the South of France.” At a lowest weekly base rate of €22,000, or about $28,650, Dune costs literally one-third of what even the least-expensive 10-guest charter yachts are asking.

Why? Because of her build year, which is 1974. Notice, though, that I didn't say “because of her age.” That would be inappropriate, given the major refits that Dune has undergone to keep her interior looking great and all of her mechanical systems fully modern.

Dune has a classic blue hull and a traditional, teak interior décor. She looks nothing like the modern-day, go-fast express cruisers in her size range that seem to have evolved from a Star Wars speeder, nor does she look as extravagant as some newer and better-known Benneti builds, like the Diamonds are Forever. But she also does not look, well, old. Instead, she looks modest in the best sense of the word. Admittedly, she’s not going to turn heads in every port—but I think that’s a quality that anyone seeking a little privacy on the Côte d’Azur will see as a benefit.

The refit that Dune is currently undergoing is her third, and her first big one since 2003. The owners are painting her superstructure, installing two new generators, giving the air-conditioning system a full overhaul, installing new carpeting in guest areas, and more. That project list is significant, because it tells you that the owners are investing as much in what charter clients don’t see as they are in things like furniture and fabrics. Anybody can rehab a nearly 40-year-old motoryacht to look good to the naked eye, but keeping systems and machinery in top condition is an entirely different story. Dune’s owners don’t want any breakdowns, and they’re putting their money into the boat to ensure that charter clients don’t experience any, either.

Dune also offers amenities that you would expect to find aboard new builds, including WiFi throughout the guest areas, iPod docking stations, and water toys for fun in the sun. To me, Dune represents not just a noteworthy charter option in the Mediterranean, but also a mode of thinking that it’s nice to see in the world of yachting. A charter yacht doesn't have to be the newest or the sexiest in order to be among the best values out there. She just has to be herself—and appreciated for all that she offers.

Yacht Charter Destination: Monaco

Monaco is a must-visit destination during any yacht charter itinerary that includes the French Riviera, the charter heart of the western Mediterranean. Start in St. Tropez and then cruise east along the mainland coast of France to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Villefranche, ending at Monaco’s Port Hercules—the gateway to one of the finest cities not only on the Côte d’Azur, but anywhere in the world. Monaco is a sovereign state less than a single square mile in size, smaller only than Vatican City among all recognized independent nations around the globe. Monaco’s lack of income tax, superb banking facilities, high-end real estate, and superyacht marina infrastructure make it a haven for millionaires and billionaires, who, on a per-capita basis, are more prevalent in Monaco than in anywhere else on the planet.

As your charter yacht pulls in, you may recognize the port area from films like the James Bond thriller GoldenEye and the action-packed Iron Man II, both of which show off the breathtaking scenery of the superyacht-packed marina. Iron Man II, actually, takes place during Monaco’s Historic Grand Prix, an annual event that sees classic racecars zipping through the streets two weeks before the modern Formula One speedsters arrive for the Monaco Grand Prix. Both events usher in the Mediterranean charter season each spring, luring the newest and most spectacular megayachts that money can buy.
Given Monaco’s size, it is an eminently walkable destination. The Casino de Monte Carlo is the first place that you should visit. It originally opened in 1858 and is still operating in the same breathtaking building with stunning fountains leading to the entrance. The casino looks like a palace both inside and out, and, interestingly, is open only to tourists. Residents of Monaco are stopped at the door and forbidden from gambling. (Not that they have much to complain about, since the lucrative casino business is what led to Monaco eliminating its income tax more than a century ago.)
The Monte Carlo Opera House is also an architectural stunner, originally built in the late 1800s and most recently renovated in 2005. Classics by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini can sometimes be found on the seasonal calendar of performances, if you are interested in taking in a show. The opera house is worth a visit even if the stage is dark, too, simply for a chance to appreciate the building’s beauty.
Larvotto Beach is popular with residents and tourists alike, with many of the locals accustomed to the option of sunbathing topless. Other beaches along the French Riviera have more sand than the pebble-filled Larvotto, but this beach is easy to reach from town and fun for an afternoon of playing in the water and people-watching.
On not-so-sunny days, options in Monaco include visiting the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, touring the Prince’s Palace and Napoleon Museum, observing a moment of silence at the grave of Grace Kelly at Monaco Cathedral, or touring the Museum of Antique Automobiles that was created by Prince Rainier III. Whichever of these options appeal to you, one thing is for sure: Monaco is a destination that's not to be missed.

Portofino: Perfect Port on the Italian Riviera

There's a reason why Portofino makes most lists of perfect charter getaways. This Italian Riviera port has it all: a moonshaped harbor, lots of boat traffic, and historic architecture including a 16th century castle.

Portofino, one of the most charming ports in the entire Mediterranean, is a half moon shaped seaside village lined with pastel houses.

No matter the size of visiting yacht, there is always room for tenders and small fishing boats on the gentle sloping sands of the harbor.

Narrow stone-lined streets and twisting cobble paths burst with flowers, and hanging plants. Small shops and outside dining verandas just a shout from the harbor give the town a personal, intimate feeling.

Lush hillsides host an array of hotels and restaurants with a simple village ambiance, while the moorings and stern-to dockage make it one of the most desirable ports on the Italian Riviera.

Lagoon 52: Four Cabin Charter Catamaran

The Catamaran Company, which both sells and charters sailing catamarans, has a new flagship that will be sailing out of their base at Hodges Creek Marina on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The 2013 Lagoon 52 has a four-cabin and four-head layout, and will be available for charter in October.

The newly-introduced model, designed by naval architects Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost (VPLP), has quite a few innovative features including comfort and performance elements we’ve not seen before—but which certainly make sense. The mast has been set farther aft, like on racing cats, which has multiple advantages including less pitching, a smaller and therefore more manageable mainsail that’s easier to reef, and more room on the foredeck which now includes a second cockpit.

The shorter boom creates a higher aspect ratio main which is less susceptible to the effects of “dirty” or disturbed air from the headsail. It also allows for more versatile headsail configurations that now include a self-tacking jib or genoa, a Code 0, and a large spinnaker for blasting downwind even in light air. With the weight of the rig moved farther aft, the design of the hulls has changed as well, making them fuller in the aft sections but finer in the entry so the boat slices through chop and will theoretically point higher. Long fixed keels and elliptical rudders help the boat track well. According to Lagoon, a 20-percent increase in performance is expected over the 52’s predecessor, the Lagoon 500.

Control of the big cat is relatively intuitive from the helm station on the fly bridge, which is accessed on one side from the cockpit and on the other side from the deck. All lines are led to three winches positioned just aft of the mast. Because the winches are close to the mast, the lines are short, thereby reducing friction. A unique tilting pedestal swings the wheel right or left of center by about a foot and presumably affords the helmsman the choice to steer more from leeward or windward. However, the boat is wide and the visibility from the raised station is already good so it remains to be seen if this feature will be useful or just interesting.
What is very useful up here are the cushions that form the large settee behind the helm. Their Velcro attachments can be reconfigured so the backrests may be moved around for different lounging options. Even the cabin hatches serve a comfort purpose: when raised, each forms the back of an aft-facing chaise.

The cockpit is level with the salon and includes a fridge, an ice maker and a dinette, where the table can be either full sized or a cocktail sized and is exchangeable with the table at the interior dinette. Inside, the galley is to port and has plenty of countertop space and an island for better traffic flow and easier participation by multiple cooks. There are two additional refrigerators and freezers inside; one in the galley and one in the starboard hull. All the cabins have double beds and ensuite heads with separate stall showers. The port aft cabin is the master with a large desk and a separate entrance from the cockpit.

The price of a charter-equipped version of the 52 is $1.4 million but if you don’t have that kind of cash, you can go play on this model starting at just $16,400 per week during the high season. Requirements for bareboat charter on this model include having previous experience on a cat of at least 44 feet and bringing along a competent first mate to help.

5 Tips For Self-Provisioning Bareboat Charters

If you've elected to do a bareboat yacht charter or a captain-only charter, this usually means you'll be in charge of stocking the boat with the food and drink yourself. Some companies offer provisioning services, but even then you must pick and choose the specific types and quantities of items you want stocked aboard. Here are some tips that I've picked up, after a dozen years of provisioning for yacht charters.

1. Be organized. First, sit down and do a detailed daily menu plan for the meals you intend to eat onboard – breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner (including herbs and spices) plus snacks and beverages. Try to estimate quantities you'll consume each day, and use this to estimate your consumption for the week. Using this menu and snack/drinks plan, make a shopping list of all the food and beverage items you’ll need for the duration of your charter. It doesn't matter if you stick to the order of the meals on your menu once you're aboard; the object is to have all the supplies you'll need on the boat, at hand, when you're miles away from the nearest mini-market or grocery store.
2. Don't forget the staples. Assume that nothing – even salt and pepper – will be on a boat without crew when you board. On a separate sheet of paper, write down what you think you'll need for basics such as salt, pepper, and sugar, as well as supplies like garbage bags, paper towels, napkins, dish sponges, dishwashing liquid, bath soap, Kleenex, and toilet paper.
3. Keep your destination in mind as you plan meals. If you're headed for a foreign country, remember that all of the products you may take for granted at home simply may not be available abroad. In many places, certain fresh fruits and vegetables are only available seasonally, or may even be unfamiliar to you. If you can, do some research about the local diet and the types of foods that are eaten and are available in your destination locale. Try to plan meals using basic ingredients that can be found almost anywhere, and avoid menus that rely on specialty items or even items such as canned soup or canned beans, which may not be widely available in some places outside the United States.
4. Don't send the whole group to the grocery store. An all-too-frequent mistake bareboat clients make is to visit the grocery store en masse before their charter – with no plan, no list, and no consensus on what's needed and what's not. This always results in chaos, buying more than is actually needed, and taking far more time than it should. When this happens, ultimately there's lots of food and drink left on the boat at charter's end, and long-distance travelers can't take that food home with them. Sometimes it goes to charter-company clean-up crews; sometimes it's simply thrown out. A better option is to designate one or two people in your group to be in charge of provisioning. They should poll the rest of the crew about food and beverage likes and dislikes, plan the menus, make the lists, and do the shopping for the charter. Ultimately, this saves time and money – not to mention avoiding mid-aisle group debates about what and how much to buy.
5. Ask your company or broker about the availability of supplies in the places on your sailing itinerary. Are there small markets en route, where you'll be able to top off the supplies if need be? Even if the answer is yes, be aware that prices on small islands or other remote locales are often drastically higher than they are in chartering hubs.
Bonus Tip: Have a "joker" day. If, for example, you plan to eat seven lunches aboard during a week-long charter, make a menu plan for only six days. On your last day of sailing, create a smorgasbord using all the items that would otherwise have been left over or thrown out. Whether it's a delicious minestrone or a simple pasta dish and assorted salads, you'll be amazed at the last-day feasts you can create using what you have left in the fridge and lockers.
Self-provisioning for a bareboat yacht charter doesn't have to be a task to be dreaded. With a bit of foresight, planning, and organization, it can be a fun part of your vacation – and a wonderful chance to explore the culinary delights offered in markets around the world.

How to Book a Wheelchair-Friendly Charter Yacht

The 113-foot Codecasa Mimu surprised me. As I stepped from her aft deck through the glass doors and into her main salon, I expected my bare feet to go from feeling teak decking to being atop plush carpeting. That’s what most motoryachts have in their salons, after all.

Instead, I felt the cool chill of tile beneath my toes, and I looked up to see an entire room of the crisp, white stuff. The tile wasn't there as a design element, nor as a mini-foyer of any kind. It ran clear through the salon to the formal dining room and the master cabin all the way forward on the main deck. While many motoryachts have marble or granite in their companionways on this deck, I think Mimu is the first I've seen in some thirteen years of touring boats that has an entire deck covered in the smooth surface.

Of course, the design element immediately made sense—and it got me to thinking about charter yachts that are advertised as “wheelchair friendly.” There used to be maybe one or two out there on the water with, shall we call it, decent accessibility. But today, more and more yacht owners are installing features that allow for the comfort of all types of charter guests, including those who use wheelchairs.

The 190-foot Trinity Mi Sueno has a wheelchair-sized elevator and an entire guest cabin built for accessibility, including over-sized entry doors to the cabin and to the bathroom, where the shower has a large handrail. The 148-foot CRN Stella Bella has onboard furniture sized and arranged to let a wheelchair maneuver around it, as well as a small elevator on the aft deck that carries a person in a wheelchair down to the swim platform. The 116-foot Lazzara Serenity has wheelchair-friendly features including a chair lift that helps guests navigate the rounded staircase from the main deck to the staterooms one level below.
What’s especially noteworthy about all of these examples is that the yachts span the bulk of the size range for charter yachts overall, and that they are available in lots of popular destinations. It used to be that only the largest megayachts were making space for features even remotely like these; today, these features and more can be found aboard charter motoryachts barely longer than 100 feet.

Wheelchair accessibility is not only becoming available on more and more yachts, but it’s also becoming available in more and more price ranges and places—making the charter experience itself accessible to an even wider range of people. And that, of course, is a really great thing.

Hargrave Gigi II: Superyacht Space in a Megayacht Package

A brand-new launch from the award-winning builder Hargrave Custom Yachts, Gigi II is the second yacht built for an experienced charter-yacht owner—and he put a lot of thought into making his new boat as charter-friendly as she can be.

For starters, instead of jamming five or six guest cabins inside the boat, he stopped at four. He also made them nearly equal in size, so that any couples chartering together could split the weekly base rate and feel like they got the same experience for their money. Two of the cabins have stationary, walkaround king-size beds, while the other two have twin beds that convert to walkaround kings. That makes Gigi II even more flexible for charter, depending on whether adult couples or kids are part of any given party.
The fact that Gigi II has just four guest cabins also means that they seem huge when compared with cabins aboard other yachts in the same size range. It’s not only the length and width of each cabin, but also the height.
Most yachts in this size range have 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom, Hargrave Yachts CEO Michael Joyce told me. “This boat is 7-6,” he says. “And on the aft deck, it’s 7-10. It just feels bigger. It’s the impact of cubic space. That plus a king-size cabin, and you have the feeling that it’s huge.”
Gigi II is also earning high praise for her contemporary interior décor, as well as her fit and finish inside and out. “When I walked through Gigi II, I felt like I was aboard a much bigger motoryacht,” charter broker Gina Robertson of Yachtstore said, after her tour. Several other longtime charter brokers offered the same opinion, always quickly adding that the décor was as stylish as what they are seeing aboard much larger yachts coming out of the shipyards today.
Neptune Group Yachting managed Gigi II for charter just after her launch, at an introductory weekly base rate of $85,000. As of this writing, the yacht has been moved from the charter market to the brokerage sales market, and it is hoped that Gigi II will again have charter availability soon. If she follows the same cruising pattern as the first Hargrave Gigi, then Gigi II should be seen during winters in Florida and the Bahamas, and during summers in New England.

Yacht Charter in the Marshall Islands

Anytime I see the words “island nation,” I wonder if there is a yacht charter with my name on it. Unfortunately, in the case of the Marshall Islands, the answer has long been "no." These twenty-nine atolls and five islands, all part of greater Micronesia, are more than 2,000 miles to the northeast of Australia. Basically, if you look at a map of the Pacific Ocean and squint just north of the equator, you might be able to make them out.

I recently took a newfound interest in the Marshall Islands when Nicholson Yachts  announced that one of the boats in its charter fleet was going to base there. The 80-foot Radford Ke Ama II (read 80 Foot Sailing Yacht Joins Respected Charter Fleet) is calling the Marshalls home, occasionally venturing farther afield to destinations such as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, taking six guests at a weekly base rate of $25,000. Nicholsons tells me that Ke Ama II plans to return regularly to the Marshalls, which means they are now officially a destination where international-caliber crewed yacht charter exists.
Heck yes, sign me up—especially now that I’ve learned more about all that the Marshalls have to offer.
They’re officially known as a constitutional republic in free association with the United States, which basically means that American tax dollars pay for a good bit of life on the islands. The United States has “full authority and responsibility for security and defense of the Marshall Islands,” according to the U.S. Department of State, and invests in infrastructure, health, and social programs. The U.S. government also has a deal that’s good through 2066 (with an option to extend through 2086) for use of a U.S. Army missile test range at Kwajalein Atoll. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, and the two official languages in the islands are Marshallese and English.
Now, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention a little trouble in this paradise. A 2011 report on human rights practices said the Marshall Islands are facing challenges, including poor prison conditions, government corruption, violence toward women, child abuse, and lack of worker protections. None of that, of course, sounds good—but similar reports have been written about other far-flung destinations where charter yachts visit, including Fiji in the South Pacific. I've visited Fiji twice in the past 10 years or so, and the charter-yacht captains knew exactly where to cruise to keep me safe and happy, much like captains in the Caribbean know how to avoid the islands there where crime becomes a problem from time to time.

What I take from all of the above is that a yacht like Ke Ama II, run by a crew with extensive local knowledge and backed by a strong American charter company, should be able to offer a pretty awesome charter experience in the Marshall Islands. It’s a remote destination, to be sure, and general safety precautions for travel would apply, but the language is English, the currency is the U.S. dollar, and the U.S. military is keeping the region safe. Those are a lot of check marks that many other island nations can’t even begin to claim.
The Marshall Islands also offer something that you can’t find anywhere else in the world: a more than 770,000-square-mile swath of ocean that is reserved as a shark sanctuary. It’s earth’s biggest, at least on paper. How they patrol it I have no idea, but I love the idea of a remote destination that is eco-friendly in its thinking.
Year-round in the Marshall Islands, the water temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit—warmer than a lot of swimming pools. Air temperatures fluctuate between the mid-70s and the low 90s from January straight through December. The dry season is from December through April, and the biggest rainfalls tend to occur between July and October. Typhoons are possible from July through November, though they usually stay to the west of the Marshall Islands region in Micronesia. Climate change is threatening the lowest-lying atolls, so those weather patterns may adjust in the coming years.
We all so often say that we wish we could have visited our favorite destinations before they became crowded or spoiled. Ke Ama II is the first charter yacht I've heard about in the Marshall Islands in recent years, and it may be many more years before a second one comes along. It seems to me like a vacation option well worth considering, a best-of-both-worlds scenario with a professional yacht in a developing region.

Great Lakes Yacht Charters

There are thousands of miles of coastline between Canada and the United States along the shores of the five Great Lakes, from Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior, to the Thousand Islands at the eastern end of Lake Ontario at the entrance of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The lakes are interconnected, at gradually reduced elevations as you work your way east. Along the way, one of the prime cruising grounds for yacht charters can be found in the North Channel and Georgian Bay on the Canadian side of Lake Huron.
On these five simply amazing bodies of water (six if you count Lake St. Claire, which is 24 by 26 miles), you can bareboat charter for a week or even a summer, and never visit the same anchorage twice. Due to the enormous distances, you don’t charter “in the Great Lakes” but in a small portion of one of the lakes. Here are four areas to explore—but keep in mind, there are dozens more.

Wisconsin
Starting in the west, Wisconsin has an active boating culture especially on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which consists of 21 islands and nearly 70,000 acres. This boating sanctuary is on the northern tip of Wisconsin on Lake Superior and has lots of protected bays and pristine beaches with hundreds of scenic caves to explore by kayak.
The area has plentiful fish including salmon and lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings like white-tailed deer. If lighthouses are your passion, you’ll enjoy seeing eight historic towers on six islands. For shopping and restaurants, the town of La Pointe on Madeline Island should do nicely.
The area is known as one of the coldest in the U.S., so the season is short; in winter, your only option to get there may be via an ice road.
Michigan
Next door, the state of Michigan has 3,000 miles of shoreline. Think about that. If you stretched Michigan out, it would reach from Los Angeles to New York with 500 miles to spare. No wonder it’s considered a boating destination with a plethora of harbors, lighthouses and beaches. Scuba divers can explore underwater shipwrecks and maritime heritage buffs will have no shortage of museums to enjoy. Because Michigan borders the lakes of Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and St. Claire, there are numerous boat charter options including bareboat, crewed, fishing and sailing school choices.

Travers City in northern Michigan was named by National Geographic as a top 10 summer destination, a claim supported by the 500,000 or so visitors the area receives annually. The city is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World” and many of the town’s 150 events center on that theme. Whether you’re up for a vigorous hike or a cold glass of white wine at a waterfront restaurant, you’re likely to find something ashore to fit your mood and budget.

Lake Erie
Moving eastward, we come to Lake Erie and scenic Put-in Bay on South Bass Island, Ohio. The tiny island is only two miles by four miles. With the nickname “Key West of the North” the small but hopping town of fewer than 150 residents hosts two million visitors a year and produces fishing and historic events that draw crowds. Dock at one of the many public facilities and rent a bike to explore the numerous cottages and historic homes. Pick up a mooring in Put-in or head around the island to visit South Bass Island State Park.

1000 Islands
On the extreme eastern end of Lake Ontario, you’ll find the region of 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River, with short sails between Canada and upstate New York. The communities on both sides of the border offer dozens of festivals, historic celebrations and events throughout the activity-packed summers. Brockville, Cornwall and Kingston on the Canadian side offer mansion visits, biking paths and dozens of scuba sites, while U.S. destinations like Alexandria Bay, Cape Vincent and Sackets Harbor provide quaint marinas, historic battlefields, and museums. This portion of the seaway stretches for approximately 50 miles but with all the places to visit, you could get lost for a summer. Navigation is tricky and the water can get shallow so extra caution is advised, and remember to bring your passport if you plan to travel across the U.S./Canada border.
Chartering in the Great Lakes is varied and at times challenging but most definitely worthwhile. Best of all, you can go back year after year and always find something new.

How to Charter a J Class Yacht

It was late March, with damp that felt like snow still lingering in the air, when the photos began to pour in from the St. Barth's Bucket Regatta, where five J Class Yachts competed together for the first time since 1937.

Like most sailors, I hold a special place in my heart for these America's Cup beauties, and seeing five of them pounding through glistening Caribbean waves made me wonder: How could I possibly get onboard one?
It didn't take much research to discover that Shamrock V (who wasn't part of the St. Barth's fleet this year) is actively advertised for charter—with options for signing on as part of a race team. So if you're looking for me, check the crew list for the next J Class regatta... and in the meantime, here's a bit of info on several other Js as well. Some of the others may be available for charter at times; contact info is supplied below.
Shamrock
Shamrock V was commissioned in 1929 for Sir Thomas Lipton, in his fifth, final, fruitless attempt to win the America's Cup. She was rebuilt in the late 1980s and is currently based in the Mediterranean, available as a cruising or racing charter. As the Shamrock V charter page states, "Few experiences can compare with pushing a J-Class yacht to her limits with a experienced and professional race crew. After a full day of racing you and your guests can sit quayside for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, chatting with race crew and planning the next day’s assault on the fleet."
Lionheart
At 142 feet overall, Lionheart is the largest J-class yacht. (Read Lionheart, the new J-Class Yacht on YachtWorld.) She was built in 2010 from original designs for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, set up for both racing and luxurious cruising. Her owner even commissioned a private owner's cockpit.
Velsheda
Velsheda was built in 1933, and after winning more than 40 races she was laid up in 1937 in a "mud berth." Fortunately she survived until 1984, when she was refit for charter work.
Rainbow
The building of the original Rainbow took only 100 days in 1934 at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. She eventually won the 1934 America's Cup against Endeavour. Rainbow JH-2 was launched in 2012 of modern materials. (Read Rainbow, Newest J-Class Sailing Yacht on YachtWorld.)
Hanuman 
Another replica of Endeavour II, Hanuman was built in 2009, the first of the "new" Js. She was the winner of the 2013 St. Barth's Bucket, helmed by professional sailor Ken Read.
Ranger
The current Ranger is a replica of the original yacht that won the 1937 America's Cup. She's competed in several Caribbean events since her debut in 2003.

Bareboat Chartering Outlook: Hot Catamarans and Exotic Destinations

 Bareboat Chartering Outlook: Hot Catamarans and Exotic Destinations

A 4.2% increase doesn't sound like much, but when it’s the first sign of growth in global revenues in eight years, it’s reason to celebrate. Which is what the bareboat charter market is set to do in 2013. The Sailing Company’s annual Sailing Industry Study has found evidence of the first rays of sunshine in what has been a gloomy chartering market.

Not only are more people ready to vacation on a boat, but worldwide charter fleets grew some 16% in 2012 with catamarans leading the way. Nearly one in four (24%) bareboats chartered today is a multihull and for good reason. Catamaran yacht charters offer some distinct benefits like more living space, less potential for seasickness and a shallower draft for skinny water exploration.Sailing catamarans have led the way, but power cats are increasingly more visible as well.  (Read Yacht Charter, Which is better: Catamaran or Monohull?)
It seems people are also willing to travel farther to what are perceived as more “exotic” destinations. Most overseas bases have grown significantly with the Caribbean and the Bahamas leading the way at 10% growth in charter weeks, 2012 over 2011. Hot spots like the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands have gained ground. Other areas showing promise are Mexico, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific including Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia.
Domestically, charter companies have had a rougher ride with a 15 percent decrease in charter weeks overall. North American destinations along the New England, mid-Atlantic and Florida coasts are clearly still suffering. The good news has come from the West where business has declined at only half the national rate. Due to the unique geography of the Pacific Northwest (which include the popular San Juan Islands), people travel from far away to get a glimpse of orcas, dolphins and sea lions up close.
Mike Lovell of Anacortes Yacht Charters in Washington state recognizes the value of uniqueness. “We have a short season so we need to pack in as much as possible,” he says. “We are lucky to have a destination that can’t be duplicated anywhere in the country or the world so we draw from far away. Our traffic is by far, not just locals.”
In California, that seems to be a bit different. Although many people choose to charter for longer getaways to places like Catalina Island and the Channel Islands, most like to get out for only a day. Chris Jester, owner of Newport Beach Sailing and Sailtime in Southern California, sees growth with his closer-to-home clientele. “Eighty to ninety per cent of our customers just want to go out for a four-hour afternoon daysail so we have to be open to every kind of charter,” he says. “We've also gotten creative and promoted sailing for corporate events. We’re about to host a six-boat team-building exercise for Volkswagen which introduces many non-boaters to the sport and some are bound to end up chartering for their vacation.”
So what does all this relatively good market news mean to anyone thinking of chartering? North American destinations are likely to be offering deals to attract customers, and foreign bases are adding boats so there should be good availability. Even better, more catamarans translates to comfortable accommodations for cat-converts and the opportunity to try something new for monohull purists. Overall, chartering is ticking up, and it’s time to get out on the water.