Set Sail at the Best Yachting Destinations in the World

 

There are few modes of travel that can measure up to the leisure and luxury of a yacht with the ocean breeze giving an added touch to your journey. The freedom you’ll experience out on the open water is unparalleled, and the designs and features that many yachts incorporate are second to none. Unlike cruise lines that set destinations for you, a private vessel gives you free rein when it comes to choosing where to drop anchor. If you’re itching to feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the sea on your face this summer, consider taking your journey to some of the world’s best yachting destinations.

The steady winds, naturally deep Charlotte Amalie Harbour, and calm winds make St. Thomas the perfect place to visit on your next yachting trip. The island’s topography becomes immediately apparent when you arrive, and visitors can expect to find fine dining and lavish shopping. The island paradise also serves as a haven for those seeking world-class snorkeling, kitesurfing and other enjoyable water activities.

Monaco, which is synonymous with luxury and fine dining, creates a flawless environment to dock your yacht the next time you’re sailing the seven seas. World-class nightlife and the Monaco Grand Prix, which happens in May, add to the overall experience of extravagance that guests can expect when visiting the small, independent French city-state.

As one of the most glamorous destinations in all of Europe, the French Riviera has it all. Consider a yachting vacation visiting the white sand beaches of Nice, the indescribable nightlife of Monte-Carlo, or the peaceful island of Porquerolles off the western coastline of Saint-Tropez. There are special events hosted year-round in the French Riviera, such as the Cannes Film Festival, that make it the perfect area to stop in and rest up before your next adventure.

Located off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia serves as an isolated getaway for those in search of peace and quiet. Amazing hiking trails and nuraghi stones make the island a wondrous place to explore, and the beautiful beaches are a great spot for catching a tan.

Local culture and leisure lifestyle abound at St. George’s Parish, a town on the Bermudian island of St. George. Every year, between the months of March and November, the world’s most elite sailing teams congregate at St. George’s Parish to compete in regattas that are hosted by Bermuda’s multitude of sailing clubs. Along with the races, the local culture and luxurious dining and shopping options make for the perfect area for relaxing on your private yacht.

In an area that’s surrounded by multiple seas that are dotted with thousands of islands, Greece has served as a haven for luxury mariners for centuries. The natural beauty that flows from the whole country, as well as the cosmopolitan nightlife and globally-renowned dining and shopping, make Greece one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. Visit Crete, Greece’s largest island, Athens, a city that overflows with history and culture, or Mykonos, an area known around the world for marvelous nightlife and leisure.

Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod sits the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. The picture-perfect New England colony is best known for its windswept beaches, quaint but luxurious cottages, and protected inlets. Nantucket originally made its fortune from the whaling trade, as made popular by the novel Moby Dick. Today, whaling ships have been replaced by luxurious superyachts as the world’s elite come together to experience the ultimate vacation destination.