The world’s best destinations for yachting adventures

Can anything beat the romance and adventure of yachting? Whether you’re in the latest super yacht or an old-fashioned schooner, there is something oh so exciting about exploring the seven seas by sail or motor yacht.

In Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, Ratty famously said to Mole; “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Obviously Ratty’s boat was a little rowing number on a river in the English countryside, but the sentiment remains – there are few things to rival the sheer exhilaration of powering through towering waves, wind in your hair and spray on your face. Here are the best destinations…

And what better way to explore all that this extraordinary planet has to offer than by boat? From the Norwegian Fjords to Antarctica, and from the Caribbean to the Pacific islands, boats can reach places that are virtually untouched and inaccessible to any other means of transport. Of course, yachts aren’t made simply to be practical forms of transport – the beauty of a yacht is it is so much more. Unlike private jets which are ultimately built to take you from A to B (albeit in luxury), yachts are built to be intrinsically enjoyable; a moving, adaptable home from home for the intrepid adventurer and chilled traveller alike.

Gentleman’s Journal has long been a fan of yachting, so here we explore the most exciting, up-and-coming and downright finest places to explore by boat. So batten down the hatches, hoist the sails, and prepare yourselves for the best destinations for yachting adventures that this world has to offer…

Defined by its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges, British Columbia – Canada’s westernmost province – is ripe for exploring by yacht. Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is one of the richest biological and cultural areas in North America and provides excellent wilderness cruising and exploring. You will see ancient native Haida villages, an incredible abundance of wildlife (black bears, bald eagles, puffins and humpback whales) and outstanding scenery.

James Butler, Product Manager for Canada at Audley Travel, says “British Columbia is a great destination for a yachting trip. Go ashore each day to visit old Haida villages, walk through old-growth rainforests and explore the low-tide shoreline. Be sure to visit Tanu, Burnaby Narrows, Rose Harbour, the UN World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay, Ikeda Cove, Hot Springs Island and Windswept Skedans (K’uuna).”

Best for: Bird-watching, wildlife and connecting with local cultures.

Insider tip: Meet the locals and learn about their fascinating culture and traditions.

The Yacht: Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch, launched in 1983. The boat’s design, safety and comfort make her perfect for these trips. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all types of weather. Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, and small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew.

There are many companies offering trips to Antarctica, but few can boast doing so in as much luxury as Cookson Adventures, who have partnered with the iconic Octopus for the most extraordinary Antarctic experience. Whether you have an interest in meeting Antarctica’s resident wildlife, sea kayaking between pristine icebergs or the storied history of exploring this vast wilderness, a trip to Antarctica is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

The adventure begins with a flight to King George Island from Chile, where you will be welcomed aboard Octopus. Sailing south, there will be the chance to visit penguin colonies and remote research stations, paddle alongside whales, spend a night camping on ice, take a plunge in the icy water (before warming up in the heated pool) or perhaps ski down untouched slopes.

Best for: Penguin spotting, whale watching and icy plunge baths.

Insider tip: Visit one of the scientific research centres for the full David Attenborough experience.

The Yacht: Octopus is a legendary 126-metre explorer yacht, which for the first time in her storied history is now available to charter. Having recently undergone a refit, Octopus’s credentials for serious exploration include being Ice-classed with two helipads, a basketball court, storage for up to eight tenders, space for a submarine and an impressive 55’ Delta ‘tender’. Guests can explore beneath the waves from the fully kitted-out dive centre or from the glass-bottomed observation deck and in between adventures, relax in the cinema, luxurious spa or take a dip in the heated swimming pool.

Explore a country where dense forests are filled with the calls of monkeys and exotic birdsong, iridescent butterflies and tumbling waterfalls. Cruise the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in a journey that pairs conservation and adventure through this natural playground. In 2020 the laws changed so it’s much easier for foreign flagged superyachts to access Costa Rica’s waters and stay for longer. A yacht is the best way to take in the 800 miles of pristine coastline, hopping between beach-fringed islands and plunging into the wild interior via helicopter, kayaks and waterfall hikes.

From kite surfing and deep-sea submersible dives, to helicoptering into volcanic jungles, expect unique wildlife viewing in Costa Rica’s lush jungles. Spot brightly coloured toucans and scarlet macaws, or three-toed sloths and red-eye tree frogs. Try tagging sharks with leading conservationists and swimming with spinner dolphins, or else volcanic flightseeing and ranger-led night hikes.

Best for: Kite-surfing and sloth-watching.

Insider tip: Go between December and April, when humidity levels are lower.

The Yacht: Trending was extensively refitted in 2016 and is a 50m charter yacht with extended deck spaces and an extensive water toy collection. Large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass doors ensure plenty of natural light. Not only does Trending offer a fun and varied selection of water toys, but she comes with a 37-foot Boston Whaler chase boat featuring a dive door, barbecue and its own air-conditioned cabin. In addition, her carefully selected crew of 11 includes dive and kitesurf instructors as well as a chef with Michelin-star restaurant training.

Scattered for thousands of miles across the South Pacific Ocean, the jungled archipelago of the Solomon Islands is unknown to most. The crystal-clear waters are surrounded by hundreds of World War II relics from one of the planet’s bloodiest battles. Decades later, sunken American and Japanese warships and aircraft have been reclaimed by nature. Alongside witnessing technicolour reefs unseen by human eyes, scientists use seabed mapping technology to detect previously unidentified WWII wrecks to allow the intrepid adventurer to dive among them.

Couple all the diving with beach barbecues on uninhabited islands, working with turtle conservationists and visiting remote village communities, and you’re in for a right treat.

Best for: Scuba-diving and beach BBQs.

Insider tip: Visit the Marovo master woodcarvers renowned for their skill and precision, working with some of the world’s most beautiful and rare hardwoods

The Yacht: Twizzle is a sail yacht that effortlessly combines classic looks with superb modern amenities. Built in 2010, she offers guest accommodation for up to 8 guests with a layout comprising a master suite, two double cabins and one twin cabin. Onboard, Twizzle has a large selection of toys and accessories to keep you and your guests entertained, including two Laser Pico sailboats, water-skis, scuba diving equipment, wakeboards, kayaks, windsurfers and kneeboards.

An explorer yacht is the perfect platform to explore Alaska’s untamed geography, where you can find mighty fjords to dip in and out of and dramatic island bays. You can jet ski past waterfalls, head out deep-sea fishing and kayak in search of seals. Then to cap the day off, enjoy a soak in a geothermal hot spring or by watching an iceberg calve off a glacier, enjoying a cocktail made with its ice.

Neal Bateman, Head of Yacht Projects for Cookson Adventures, says “There is so much scope for adventure here. There’s also the chance to take in the region’s human side, from visits to indigenous villages, cultural centres and art galleries to tasting tours of oyster farms and local craft breweries.”

Best for: Watersports and deep-sea fishing

Insider tip: Cookson Adventures has special access to the place that features the highest concentration of brown bears and balding eagles in the world

The Yacht: Komokwa – named after the Kwakiutl Indian culture of British Colombia for the god of sea creatures, tides and currents – is a vessel with globe-exploring pedigree. She is ideal for families with two king-bed staterooms, one queen-bed stateroom and a pair of twins for the kids, with capacious modern interiors, a gym, sauna and plenty of deck space to relax on. Kit includes a sporting craft for watersports and a tender for going ashore, with toys such as paddleboards, scuba gear, Sea-Doo and more.

Interested in buying a yacht? Here are the must see yachts at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show…

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