Cruising Guide - Summer Into Fall
As September and October become the new July and August, Navigator takes a look at late summer’s coolest hot spots and the yachts to take you there.
For decades, the most popular summer cruising grounds have been those offering warm temperatures and clear blue skies. But, with several Mediterranean destinations seeing blisteringly hot temperatures in recent summers, the shoulder season months have seen a rise in demand for yacht charters, while the demand for cooler summer vacations without the heat or crowds has cruising grounds such as Norway or Antarctica surging in popularity.
For those tempted by the allure of a late summer charter, the Eastern Mediterranean has plenty to offer, not only in terms of idyllic anchorages and crystal-clear waters, but in historical splendor and culture as well. Alternatively, the shallow waters of the sun-drenched Bahamas offer amazing beaches and water sports opportunities year-round, while New England’s coastline is like a dot-to-dot map of cultural highlights, with gorgeous scenery and charm in abundance. Wherever you choose to charter, you can expect less crowded anchorages and low-season rates – for now, that is.
As the summer season winds down in the West Mediterranean, late summer offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy a yacht charter in the beautiful Greek islands. Unlike the scorching heat of July and August, September offers those coveted “just right” temperatures, which hover around 77°F in the daytime with balmy evenings for alfresco dining. Even better, the Aegean Sea reaps the rewards from the summer heat and is at its warmest in September, when the Meltemi winds have also subsided. The last few years have also seen resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants keep their doors open well into the Fall to meet increased demand from visitors, and, without the crowds, the atmosphere is more laid back.
Where to charter
From the crystal-clear waters of the Cyclades to the impossibly blue seas of the Ionian, the Gods chose Greece for a reason. The twin islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca in the Ionian Sea epitomize authentic Greece. Visit the stunning stalactites in Drogarati Cave while cruising Kefalonia, or learn about Odysseus’ homeland with a stroll around the harbor town of Vathy on the pint-sized Ithaca. Discover the archaeological wonder of Olympia (home of the ancient Olympic games) while cruising the Peloponnese, or, while circling the Cyclades, take the opportunity to visit stunning Santorini without the crowds.
With more than 1,400 islands and 3,600 miles of coastline, the Dalmatian region was seemingly made for the waterborne, and as such has become one of the more popular summer cruising grounds in the Eastern Mediterranean. With such an incredibly varied array of coastal landscapes, Croatia has something to suit every type of yacht charter. Whether you want beach clubs for parties, cocktail bars and restaurants for evening adventure, or remote anchorages and Tolkienesque landscapes, not to mention history and culture, rest assured that a late-season charter will not disappoint.
There are plenty of hidden coves and beautiful beaches that remain quiet even during the peak season, however, the historical sites ashore can be overcrowded during the height of summer. Soak up everything Croatia has to offer as the crowds ebb away, the summer heat turns down, and the sea is at its warmest, stepping ashore to discover no less than ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with fifteen more on the tentative list. The old town of Dubrovnik is one of these UNESCO sites, its fortifications, vaults, towers, and slave quarters playing host to bustling cafés and restaurants that welcome visitors year-round.
Over on the main islands, glamorous beach clubs carry on attracting the superyacht set to enjoy the lively atmosphere until early October, while the water remains warm enough to enjoy all manner of water sports. The popular Hvar is home to the famous Carpe Diem beach club, while the main town is built around a Baroque-style harbor lined with restaurants. One of the largest islands in the archipelago, Brač, is best known for its picturesque villages built from local stone, and further toward Italy, the island of Vis bares easy comparison to the Italian island of Capri, complete with its own blue grotto.
The 114’ (35m) HEED is available in the Adriatic this summer season. Sleeping up to 10 guests in five staterooms, for prices from €125,000, plus expenses, per week.
With new water toys, including a chase tender, jet skis, and Seabobs, the 116’ (35.36m) NOROADER is the perfect yacht for enjoying the warm waters of the Adriatic. Sleeping 10 guests for prices from €140,000 per week, plus expenses, she is available in the East Mediterranean throughout the long summer season.
The 96’ (29.5m) VIVALDI is heading to the East Mediterranean this summer. Available for up to 10 guests for prices from €90,000, plus expenses, per week.
Rather than making their annual spring Atlantic crossing to the Mediterranean, a number of the charter fleet are staying Stateside and spending their summer in New England. Fondly considered to be America’s historic home of yachting, this quintessential cruising ground beauty has long been associated with glamorous figures like John F. Kennedy and J.D. Rockefeller, who spent their summers sailing here. Offering something for everyone, including culture and stunning scenery, the yachting season continues well into the Fall, when the vibrant foliage begins to change its colors and the still warm waters host playful seals and migrating whales nursing their calves.
New England’s coastline is a veritable mecca of cultural highlights. From the Newport Mansions on the mainland to the wild beaches and old-school glamor of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, New England has been a summer getaway of choice for politicians and celebrities for over a century. With so much packed into its 26-by-nine-mile surface area, you could spend quite a few days cruising around Martha’s Vineyard. Boasting a rich history and a burgeoning culinary scene, the island provides the perfect blend of downtime and diversion. Lying 30 miles out at sea, Nantucket is the place to head for barefoot relaxation. Known as the “little grey lady”, the island has 80 miles of coastline to explore, with plenty to attract the waterborne ashore.
The 152’ (46.33m) AMICA MEA has a superb layout for families looking to charter in New England this summer season. Sleeping 11 guests, she is available for prices from $175,000 per week, plus expenses.
With a flawless blend of American pedigree, the 157’ (47.85m) NICOLE EVELYN is perfectly suited to the cruising grounds of New England, where she will be available for charter this summer for prices from $165,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 11 guests.
The Bahamas are a year-round cruising destination with temperatures lingering between 70°F and 80°F, thanks to the constant warm trade winds. Winter and early spring are the most popular cruising seasons, while June marks the beginning of hurricane season, however, a handful of the charter fleet are based in The Bahamas and Florida (just a short hop away) year-round and provide ample opportunities for charterers to enjoy the warm temperatures and sun-filled days, where the occasional tropical rainstorm is usually short-lived. Whether you’re an avid diver, a fishing enthusiast, or simply want to enjoy the water toys, with warm waters that rarely dip below 72°F, there is never really a bad time to visit.
With more than 700 islands and uninhabited cays in the Bahamas to choose from, the opportunities for cruising are varied. From the cosmopolitan New Providence Island and Nassau, to the popular Exumas and the scalloped bays of the Abacos, the cruising possibilities are seemingly endless. Depending on the length of your charter, you could choose to combine the Exumas and Abacos in a two-week itinerary, or either archipelago as a stand-alone week-long charter. While exploring the Exumas, for example, spend a week cruising from Warderick Wells Cay to Highbourne Cay, fishing, diving, and simply relaxing on the miles of pristine, unspoiled beaches. If you are looking for a cruising ground that feels off the beaten path, the Abacos are for you. To really experience the islands, you need to venture beyond the well-known Great Abaco and Little Abaco to discover tiny islets, uninhabited cays, turquoise flats, and, of course, jump in the water to discover the stunning underwater world that lies beneath the surface.
Enjoy cruising the Exumas aboard the tri-deck 154’ (46.94m) STAR DIAMOND, sleeping up to 10 guests for prices from $150,000 per week, plus expenses.
The 87’1” (26.78m) MAREA LA NAUTICA is available in The Bahamas, along with her 28’ Boston Whaler and plenty of fishing equipment, including offshore and spearfishing. Sleeping up to 10 guests for prices from $80,000 per week, plus expenses.
Identifying “coolcationing” as a new trend, a number of the fleet are eschewing traditional sunny destinations for those with lower temperatures. Northern Europe has seen a rise in the number of yachts available for charter throughout the summer season, with the Norwegian fjords being the most popular Baltic cruising grounds from early May until late August. Springtime sees the snowline retreat to the mountaintops, leaving a landscape of waterfalls and streams that flow into the magnificent fjords. From mid-June to mid-July, the near-continuous daylight illuminates the untrammeled landscape, with meadows and forests coming to life. Although it may not be the place to head if sunbathing is your focus – the climate and weather is very much influenced by Atlantic weather disturbances – the best place to be is on deck to view the wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the glittering fjords.
From the southern fjords to the Lofoten Islands in the north, the land of the midnight sun makes for an awe-inspiring “coolcation” cruising ground. The most popular itinerary through the Norwegian fjords begins in the city of Bergen, through the famed Hardangerfjord to the south and on to Stavanger, or north to Sognefjord and north to the Lofoten Islands. They may be part of the Arctic Circle, but due to the warm Gulf Stream, the climate is milder than other parts of the world on the same latitude.
Fresh from an interior refit, the 118’ (36.2m) METSUYAN IV is cruising the Mediterranean this summer and is ready to head to Northern Europe for
charters. Sleeping 10 guests, she is available for prices from €112,000 per week, plus expenses.
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