Words: Gentleman's Journal
One of the best things about chartering a superyacht for a holiday is that the world is your oyster. With sea and waterways connecting all of the most spectacular countries and sights on the planet, this is your one-stop shop, your direct ticket to getting the most out of a break possible – all the time whilst relaxing in 5-star luxury aboard an Ocean Independence yacht.
But, with such an array of destinations to choose from, how will you possibly make a decision? Worry not, for Gentleman’s Journal and My First Superyacht are on hand to guide you where you need to go – and stop you from spinning a globe and letting fate do the job for you. So tease your adventurous spirit, and take a look at three of the best locations to sail your superyacht.
Scandinavia is somewhat of a wild card suggestion for a superyacht odyssey, but bear with us. Overall, the seas of the north offer some of the greatest sailing grounds in the entire world, and Norway – with its rugged peaks, icy turquoise seas, majestic fjords and heroic heritage – exemplifies the best that this entire clump of countries has to offer.
Summer brings seemingly endless sunlight to Scandinavia, and when you’re not standing out on deck with a warming cup of coffee admiring the panoramas, you can get a shot of adrenaline by filling your hours with myriad outdoor activities. Fishing, hiking, Nordic skiing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing are just a few of the thrilling pursuits that will sail your holiday even further from the predictable Scandinavian break of clean living and flat-pack furniture.
But, if you are looking to lounge amongst the lingonberries rather than throw yourself into the extreme, you can find true solace by peace-cruising Norways fjords. Creatures including whales, eagles, Artic foxes, reindeer and seal will make an appearance, and – if you dare head north during the colder months – you may even catch a glimpse of the spectacular phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis. Truly a polar paradise.
If you’re a fan of the beaten track – and we’ve got nothing against it when it’s this glamorous – then you should chart a course to the French Riviera. With a winding coastline of charmingly chic towns, there is no end to the variety of destinations and diversions on the coast, and no better way to explore these coves and cities than by shining superyacht.
The original millionaire’s playground, the Côte d’Azur is the only place to be if you’re hoping to be spotted rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. With wealth, style and cultural finesse, the most sophisticated men and women in the world descend on these coastal towns every summer for events that get ever more exciting throughout the season. From St Tropez to Monaco, a cachet of casinos, restaurants of the finest dining, galleries and picture-perfect beaches will have you dropping anchor all summer.
And, if the high life isn’t for you, that doesn’t meant that the Riviera isn’t. Head away from the bustling cities and you will fine more timeless treasures than you have time to explore. From natural wonders to traditional hillside villages, there’s a rich history and beauty in the Mediterranean – and one best appreciated by boat.
If you’ve got a thing for islands, then this is the destination for you. Each with their own distinct character and often unpronounceable name, whether your first view of the Saronic islands is the twinkling Aegean Sea or the iconic Acropolis, you’ll soon realise that Greece is one of the best and most classic cruising grounds in the world for good reason.
Create your own odyssey across the water – and relish in the rich history Greece has to offer you. A veritable treasure trove for aficionados of myths and legend, these isles of ancient culture will lure you in like the sirens said to live there and spark your imagination. The food, similarly, will spark your tastebuds, with some of the finest local delicacies in Europe available to savour aboard your superyacht.
Whitewashed taverns will be waiting for you down the gangway, and friendly locals exude an easygoing atmosphere across the entire island, entertaining you with everything from live music and the rustic local fare to some strong ouzo that’ll give you sea legs on land. The open landscapes are perfect for hikes, and the pathways that wind through olive groves, over rocky hillsides and through pine-strewn shores will have you wishing you didn’t have to return to the water – that is, until you see how crisp, sparkling and inviting the Aegean is…
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