The Best Spots for Yachting Around the World
While the classic yachting routes still have their charm, you might want to try something different. As new yachting hubs emerge, it’s time to break away from the familiar. Whether you’re moored in the Med or crossing oceans, a carefully planned route can reveal experiences the usual charts leave behind.
Before you depart
Before casting off, take the time to check your yacht. This isn’t just routine; it can make or break your trip.
Start with your navigation and weather systems. If you’re exploring unfamiliar seas, ensure your equipment is fully updated and correctly calibrated. Satellite systems like Inmarsat or Iridium can provide reliable forecasts in remote areas, where mobile reception vanishes fast.
Examine your route closely, too. Work out the realistic distances between refuelling and resupply points and give a conservative calculation for your fuel usage. You don’t want to discover you’re low on diesel halfway between atolls.
Check your water tanks, power reserves and all critical systems. For longer legs, consider things like the filters, taking medicine and any spare parts. Regardless of the journey, you might also want to consider boat insurance as it can give you the peace of mind that you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Another key consideration is where you’ll go. Ready to dive into some stunning destination inspiration?
Discover hidden Mediterranean havens
For a new take on the Med, sail west from Corfu and you’ll find the Ionian Islands. These scattered idylls feel worlds away from the crowds. Lefkada’s southern bays, for example, offer shelter and silence.
Alternatively, head up the Dalmatian coast in Croatia and explore beyond Split. Near Šibenik, Mandalina Marina has grown into a favourite for superyacht crews thanks to its excellent service and direct access to Krka National Park.
Venture into the South Pacific and beyond
For true seclusion, go to the South Pacific. The Maldives’ atolls are picture-perfect above and below the waterline, with clear passes through the reefs. French Polynesia’s Tuamotu archipelago is home to blue lagoons untouched by tourism. Plan your arrival carefully as passes into these atolls require precise timing and experience.
Explore untapped UK and European locations
You don’t need to cross oceans to find new waters. In recent years, more superyachts have set a course for Britain’s lesser-sailed marinas. Southampton’s Ocean Village has transformed into a luxury base with modern facilities and direct access to the Solent and beyond. It’s a great jumping-off point for Channel crossings or tours along the Jurassic Coast.
Further south, Gibraltar’s expanded Marina Bay offers strategic access to both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. You’ll find tax benefits, duty-free fuel and new moorings aimed squarely at larger yachts. France’s Port Vauban in Antibes is also undergoing major investment, poised to become Europe’s next big yachting hotspot.
Wherever you sail, don’t just follow the old routes. The best journeys often begin where the well-trodden ones end.
