Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Yacht Charter Guide: 5 Reasons To Visit St Kitts And Nevis On A Luxury Yacht Charter

Located in the northern arc of the Leeward Islands, St Kitts and Nevis gained independence from the UK in 1983 following over 350 years of changing hands between the French and English.

The two-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is a relative latecomer to the luxury yachting scene but is an increasingly appealing destination. Read on to discover why you should visit this idyllic pair of Caribbean islands on a charter vacation.

Today, the federation has been touted as the next superyacht hotspot. Here are five reasons why you should visit the sister islands on your next luxury yacht charter to the Caribbean.

A World-Class Luxury Yacht Marina

Christophe Harbour in St Kitts

boardwalks at Christophe Harbour with luxury yachts
idyllic views from the development at Christophe Harbour
St Kitts and Nevis’ burgeoning reputation as the Caribbean's next premiere yachting destination is mainly down to the newly built Christophe Harbour which, with a state-of-the-art marina, caters to the needs of luxury yachts like nowhere else in the region.

Sitting on the southern tip of St Kitts, the marina opened its doors in February 2015 and currently has 24 superyacht berths. But, once construction is completed, there will be room for 250 yachts, including 50 measuring up to 76 metres.

There is more to Christophe Harbour than world-class superyacht facilities, however. The 2,500-acre development also incorporates a new marina village with a Park Hyatt hotel, a forthcoming Tom Fazio golf course, boutique shops, eateries and luxury properties.

Beautiful Beaches

St Kitts’ best beaches are on its south-eastern peninsula. Enticing views of Nevis and a line-up of restaurants and bars makes the secluded mile-long stretch of Cockleshell Bay Beach a firm favourite, while yacht-goers are likely to have the quiet, golden sands of Major’s Bay Beach to themselves.

Another off-the-beaten-track gem is Frigate Bay North. A long curve of sand on the wilder Atlantic side of St Kitts, this beach is rarely busy and has a long reef protecting swimmers from the bigger waves common on the east coast. Grey volcanic sands, meanwhile, can be found in the north.

In Nevis, three miles of superb white sand await discovery on Pinney’s Beach. With its hip eateries and bars, this is one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and draws in a star crowd. Graced with shallow waters and sunset views to St Kitts, Oualie Beach is a must-visit too.

Volcanic Hikes

Soaring to 1,156 metres above sea level in the heart of St Kitts, dormant Mt Liamuiga is the highest peak in the federation and offers some fantastic hiking opportunities. But, be aware, treks to the top are not for the unfit or faint-hearted.

Trails weave out from Belmont Estate, through swathes of misty rainforest and lush tropical savannah, up to the half-mile-wide volcanic crater. Those who reach the summit will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the neighbouring islands.

Nevis has its own cloud-swathed, 985-metre-high volcanic peak to conquer. It’s an arduous climb that’s best done with a guide. Slippery, steep and muddy, the path threads along precipitous sections that require scrambling over sheer rocks and grabbing ropes and exposed roots.

Historic Sights

Military post in Brimstone Hill Fortress, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Even if you’re not a huge history fan, the UNESCO-protected Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is likely to leave a lasting impression. Standing 240 metres above sea level, this breath-taking fortification was designed by British military engineers and built by African slaves in around 1690.

Today it houses a museum that gives a fascinating insight into what life would have been like for soldiers living in the dramatic surrounds. What’s more, from such a vantage point, there are spectacular panoramic views of the coastline, countryside and five neighbouring islands.

Other historical attractions include 300-year-old Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden, where visitors can learn about colonial life on the island, and St Kitts Scenic Railway. In the early 1900s, this transported the island’s sugar cane but, today, it takes passengers on a three-hour scenic tour.

Fascinating Dive Sites

Diver silhouette over colorful shallow St. Kitts reef highlighting a purple tube sponge, Aplysina lacunosa
Scuba divers on the reef in St Kitts and NevisOne of the best shallow shipwrecks in the Caribbean, the

River Taw in St. Kitts

Despite the gin-clear waters of St Kitts and Nevis abounding with marine life and dozens of wrecks, the dual-island nation’s outstanding dive sites still remain somewhat under the radar. This is, of course, perfect for charterers looking for peaceful and untouched diving opportunities.

Among the top reef sites in St Kitts are Green Point Reef, Monkey Shoals and Coconut Tree, while there is incredible wall diving at Black Coral and, in Nevis, stunning dives at Clyde’s Reef, the White Hole and the Ledge, which is popular for macro photography.

The best wreck to explore is the coral-encrusted 144ft freighter known as River Taw, which sank in 1981 before being split in two by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Other notable shipwrecks include HMS Solebay, Talata and Conrinthian.

St Kitts and Nevis is a relative latecomer to the luxury yachting scene but has been touted as the Caribbean's next superyacht hotspot

Scenic view from elevated overlook towards St. Kitts isthmus and Nevis Island, St. Kitts
For help planning a yachting vacation to St Kitts and Nevis, speak to your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all luxury yachts available for charter in the Caribbean.

Source: https://www.yachtcharterfleet.com/destination/article/5-reasons-to-visit-st-kitts-and-nevis-on-a-luxury-yacht-charter-13004.htm

Yacht Charter Guide: Sailing Greece Luxury Yacht Charter Guide

Whether you’re looking for a vacation saturated in the remnants of an alluring history or to island hop between the Saronic, Ionian or Cyclades islands, Greece is boundless in charter opportunities. Greece and predominantly the Greek Islands continue to attract many charter visitors every year. Greece offers an abundance of charter opportunities from the ancient cities of the mainland steeped in history and natural beauty to the myriad of islands which stretch towards the Turkish coastline.

REASONS TO VISIT
Greece

-Rich Cultural Heritage
-Bustling City Life
-White-Washed Villages
-Secluded Coves
-Exquisite Cuisine

GOOD FOR
-Snorkeling
-Nightlife
-Monuments
-Marine
-Life
-Nature
-Diving
-Shopping
-Fine
-Dining
-Anchorage

NEED ADVICE?
-Speak to your
-Charter Broker

The Greek waters encompass a plethora of islands which can be divided into six main clusters from the Sporades Islands down to the island of Crete which marks the southernmost tip of the Aegean Sea. Each group boasts its own identity and is unique in charm and appeal.

Charter Broker

Charter vacations tend to predominantly take place in three island groups which are the Ionian Islands, the Argo-Saronic Islands and the Cyclades. All of which lie within closer proximity of the country’s capital of Athens which makes for favourable cruising time and thus lower fuel costs. Although there are many stunning islands lying outside of these popular charter groups, such as Crete and Dodecanese, they tend to lie much closer to Turkey than Greece, making for lengthy cruising times which will result in less than appealing fuel bills. The Greek Islands offer endless opportunities for spectacular cruising and although marina facilities are a rarity here, this only makes for more beautiful coastlines.

Encompassing beauty, history and crystalline waters, Greece offers a profusion of delights to be had from the bustling mainland to the secluded crescents of islands and with some of them only accessible by boat, this region makes for a seductive and enthralling cruising destination. Meander between sugar-hued houses, roam amongst olive groves and vineyards and stroll amongst the ancient ruins where the haunting allures of a legendary past are almost palpable.

If you are interested in a yachting vacation in waters of the Greek Islands view all Greece Luxury Yacht Charters which are available to rent.With an extensive knowledge of the industry and first-hand experience of luxury charter yachts throughout the world, a 'yacht charter broker' is your key to a successful and unforgettable cruising vacation.

A yacht charter broker researches charter yachts, crews and the market on a daily basis and can offer you advice about every component of your charter, from the most suitable yacht to the best destinations and itineraries.

They also attend seminars about marine law, contracts and destinations so are fully informed about the entire process including contracts, insurance policies and international legal considerations, all of which even the most seasoned charterer will struggle with on their own. Retail charter brokers work directly with the yacht fleet managers and, similar to how a travel agent works on your behalf, will hold all money and protect the client’s interests throughout the process. They will also act as a buffer should, although very rare, any problems arise.

There are four main organisations that yacht charter brokers belong to, including MYBA, CYBA International, FYBA, and AYCA, although any charter broker from anywhere in the world can book any charter yacht anywhere in the world.

Many charter brokers belong to more than one organisation, but looking out for these four leading logos is an important place to start when finding the right broker for you. For further information see our full guide to Finding a Yacht Charter Broker before reading our How to Plan and Book a Yacht Charter to take the step towards your vacation of a lifetime.

Source: https://www.yachtcharterfleet.com/greece/greece-luxury-yachting-guide-672.htm

Yacht Charter Guide: 5 unique destinations best experienced by yacht

For those looking for the ultimate getaway, chartering a yacht can allow you to go one step further and discover some of the world’s most amazing landscapes in a completely unique way. In addition to allowing you to set sail and enjoy views from your own private deck, yacht charter also provides you with on-hand facilities that would rival that of a five star hotel. What’s more, you will also have a dedicated Captain, crew and chef who will ensure an unforgettable holiday for you and your closest friends and family.

Here are five destinations that are best experienced by yacht:

Cocos Island

Located around 550km off the Pacific shore of Costa Rica, Cocos Island boasts four bays, a mountainous landscape and a number of short rivers and streams. It has over 200 waterfalls throughout and boasts a tropical climate with an average temperature of around 26 degrees.

Cocos Island has breathtaking marine life and one of the world’s largest schools of Hammerhead Sharks is regularly reported there. The island, which does not allow inhabitants other than Costa Rican Park Rangers, was also named as one of the best diving spots in the world by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).

It has also been claimed that 350 tons of gold has been buried on the island!

Antarctica

If you’re looking for a holiday that will never be forgotten, a luxury expedition yacht in Antarctica provides a life-changing adventure that very few get to experience. Utilising a specialist crew and vessel, you can explore this remote landscape whilst still enjoying the luxury facilities of a private yacht.

Antarctica offers an abundance of wildlife and untouched natural scenery that cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you would like to undertake a nature trek or go ice diving with a specialist instructor, there really is no other place in the world like Antarctica.

Central and South America

Whether you’re looking to experience the vibrant Brazil, the stunning wildlife of the Galapagos Islands or the remote Patagonia, a yacht charter to Central or South America offers something for everyone.

These areas are often thought of as very hard to reach, however many of the World’s best yachts are now located here making an adventure in Central or South America easier than ever before.

Virgin Islands

Notoriously hard to get to without a yacht, the Virgin Islands provides an array of beaches, natural seawater pools and coral islands that have to be seen to be appreciated. Whether you would like to visit some of the island’s famous towns or spend the day or white beaches dotted with coconut palm trees, the Virgin Islands provides something for those of all ages.

Cuba

Renowned for its vibrant culture and picturesque beaches, Cuba’s really does live up to its reputation.

Whether you would like to visit the capital city of La Havana, renowned for its cobbled streets and vibrant colours, or visit some of Cuba’s endless sandy beaches and crystal turquoise waters, a yacht charter really does provide an unrivalled experience that will never be forgotten.

Source: https://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2017/09/05/5-unique-destinations-best-experienced-by-yacht/