YAC H T I N G
“Details matter. A good tender, inter-
net connection, comfortable outdoor
space and quality tableware also count.”
A luxury yacht charter is the
equivalent of staying on a private island,
but with more privacy and far greater
variation. It allows you to unpack your
bags only once, but visit a different port
of call every day.
During the UK winter months,
yachting hotspots including the
Caribbean, British Virgin Islands
and Pacific islands such as Tahiti or
Polynesia. During the summer months
the South of France, Croatia, Sardinia
and other areas of the Mediterranean
are the places to be; but don’t limit your
horizons to exploring new territory.
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“Even if you know these areas well,
seeing them from the sea is a completely
different experience — whether it’s
swimming with dolphins or BBQs on
empty beaches, your captain and crew
will know bays and coves that to half the
world don’t exist, and a tender [small
launch] to take you there,” explains
Mr Duncan.
When you charter a yacht, the owner’s
own crew — including a chef and even
PADI -qualified Divemaster if required
— will be provided; all experienced
in providing top-end service in this
environment. You will be able to
stipulate what food you’d like onboard,
and how you’d like the wine cellar
stocked as well as where you want to go.
G UA R D S P O LO C LU B
You might decide to stop off to explore
a city or go sight-seeing, play a game of
golf, or join a polo tournament — the
itinerary should be flexible and will be
organised entirely around you.
“One can charter a yacht in the
Caribbean and cruise to the area of the
island where the infamous Casa de Campo
holds polo matches — some call it the polo
capital of the Caribbean,” says London-
based charter broker Natalya Manoukian
with Fraser Yachts. “Alternatively cruise
around Barbados area and incorporate
Apes Hill Polo Club.”
Chartering doesn’t have to mean a
sailing yacht; you can choose between
motor or sail, both are equally luxurious
and both offer the opportunity for an
unbeatably exclusive and secluded
experience. Sailing provides a “back
to nature” experience and a quieter
trip than a motor yacht, as well as the
chance to get involved in physical tasks.
The crew will be well able to manage
the boat alone so guests can dip in or
dip out — though the captain remains
in charge. A motor boat might be more
spacious as well as faster.
Don’t worry about buying specialised
sailing kit, either — this is a holiday,
not a race. London-based charter
broker Natalya Manoukian says guests
should simply wear whatever they feel
comfortable in.
“For a luxury chartered sailing yacht
you can wear whatever suits you and
what you feel most comfortable in,