Do you know what happens when stable and strong enough trade winds meet face to face with hundreds of scattered islands and bays? Surface water is driven away from the shores and deep waters, rich in nutrients, rise, a typical upwelling. Every sailor who has ever visited this picturesque place confirms - the British Virgin Islands (BVI) can rightfully be called the land of sailing fantasy.
So, the Virgin Islands are a group of more than 40 islands and hundreds of islets that are within sight of each other. This island necklace is considered one of the safest waters in the world for yachting. More than a third of all yachtsmen, from beginners to experienced ones, come to see them…
British Virgin Islands
Do you know what happens when stable and strong enough trade winds meet hundreds of scattered islands and bays? Surface water is driven away from the shores and deep waters, rich in nutrients, rise, a typical upwelling. Every sailor who has ever visited this picturesque place confirms - the British Virgin Islands (BVI) can rightfully be called the land of sailing fantasy. So, the Virgin Islands are a group of more than 40 islands and hundreds of islets located within sight of each other. This island necklace is considered one of the safest waters in the world for yachting. More than a third of all yachtsmen, from beginners to experienced ones, come to see them.
General information for the amateurs, please note: The British Virgin Islands is a self-governing British colony, but the US dollar is its main currency.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
This small island nation is visited by some of the world’s most famous yachtsmen (see America’s Cup history), and the Bay of Islands has the highest number of boats owned per capita in the world. Of course, with water like this, why not? Renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s “Subtropical North” is one of the country’s most impressive and stunning attractions, punctuated by dozens of bays and filled with clear waters that range in shades from turquoise to deep blue. Despite being a popular sailing destination, its 150 or so islands have thankfully escaped development (the villages are on the mainland). Paihia is the hub of the Bay of Islands. It’s a small town, but the population swells in the summer, so it’s important to book accommodation in advance.
Zanzibar
A trip to Zanzibar, in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, is like a trip back in time – to the ancient kingdoms of Persia, to the past of Oman with its caliphs and sultans, to the west coast of India with its sensual rhythms and magical deep aromas. Old Stone Town is one of the most memorable places in Africa, which everyone wants to see. Turquoise waters and picture-perfect beaches are considered the trademarks of the Spice Island, and aboard a traditional cruising dhow (ancient Arabic sailing vessel) is perfect for first-class exploration of the surrounding archipelago, as well as diving and snorkeling.
Croatia
Called the “new Greece”, the “new Riviera” and the “new Tuscany”, Croatia has clearly become an idyllic sailing destination. As always, the sun shines brightly on the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, which gently curves around 1,778 km of coastline and no fewer than 1,185 islands. Famous for its long coastline, there is no better way to explore it than by sailing. The most popular sailing spot is the longest island in the Croatian coastline, Hvar, but you will also enjoy hidden bays, traditional fishing villages and more remote island groups such as Kornati or Elaphite. Don’t be in a hurry to set sail. Cities such as Split and Dubrovnik have many historical and picturesque places to visit.
French Riviera
Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco - this is the famous coastline, which is saturated with rumors about the legendary bohemians and scandalous gossip of celebrities. The most elite real estate of the Cote d'Azur, which is estimated at billions of dollars - snow-white yachts, monumental luxury houses and villas, which are an undeniable indicator of the geodonism and pathos of this place. If you want to live a glamorous lifestyle, make friends with a rock star / Hollywood pop diva on the deck of their boat. Otherwise, go to Antibes or Cannes (or Marseille), where you can see many sails. Even if you have only a small boat, a refrigerator with champagne, caviar and a little imagination will diversify the routine. Take a good suit and a cocktail dress for a visit to Monaco. The second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican) with an area of 1.95 km.
The Nile River. Egypt
For thousands of years, the Nile has been Egypt's main transport corridor, and modern travelers have the unique opportunity to "sail through history." For multi-day river cruises, you can use both budget feluccas (small, traditional boats) and comfortable cruise ships. In order to fully enjoy the aesthetics of the landscape, it is preferable to use sailing yachts, on which you will have the opportunity to stop on small islands and soak up the beauty of the golden dunes along the luxurious Nile Valley, which you will simply miss when traveling on a cruise liner. The night air will energize you after a hot day, and the romance of bright stars and the sounds of the river will give you an unforgettable experience.
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Best yachting places (part 2)
Continued. Read the article from the beginning. 7. Whitsunday Islands, Australia. A fashionable postcard designer’s dream – cloudless skies, azure seas and 74 flawless islands. Most of this half-sunken mountain range has the status of a National Park. The Great Barrier Reef […]
