Private yacht charter vacations are not your normal ‘run of the mill’ trips, here we look at some amazing places that your luxury yacht can take you to. This time we are looking Alaska, New England and Greece as destinations for your yacht charter vacation.

Alaska is an unspoilt paradise. The terrain and sea is remote, wild and unforgettable. Glaciers and wildlife can all be seen from the comfort of your yacht. Just imagine the blue glacial water set against the snow capped mountains and an enormous range of wildlife. Humpback whales, sea lions and seals and bald eagles are all there to be seen. The presence of man has caused a strange cultural melange of Indian totem poles and the domed roofs of the Orthodox churches. There was once gold in those mountains too

There was gold in these mountains, on the edge of the Tongass National Forest the Klondike legacy can be found in Wrangell. The North end of the ‘Inside Passage’ is where you will find the Glacier Bay National Park. Here sixteen active tidewater glaciers the awesome force of Mother Nature.

New England and Maine explorations can be done from the deck of your own charter yacht. There is plenty to see if you are chartering a yacht for a week or more. The glacier carved harbors, historical towns and the sea itself are there for you to lap up. From the glorious beaches of The Hamptons to the rugged coastline of Maine this is one trip you will never forget. You can explore the uniqueness of Martha’s Vineyard with your own your own yacht charter. History enthusiasts will love a yacht charter based around Boston and Cape Cod or if you want to ‘people watch’, your charter yacht can stop at Sag Harbour or Shelter Island. And yes, if you want to sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and pass by the Statue of Liberty on your own charter yacht you can.

Greece is steeped in natural beauty and ancient Greek history. If you charter a Greek yacht for a week or more you will not run out of things to see and places to go. The Ionian Islands or the Cyclades, the Dodencanese and the Sporades in the Aegean Sea are popular yacht charter playgrounds. Discovering the Aegean Islands is best done in the early summer to avoid the strong wind called the Meltemi, which can seem relentless. Immersing yourself in the culture and ‘day to day’ life in the small port villages on the Greek Islands is a traditional pastime for visitors to these sun baked islands.

Although yacht charter is really still only available to the rich and wealthy business people of the World, almost anyone can now get a taste of it. Package holiday companies now include yachting holidays as part of their brochure. The companies take out their own yacht charter and the effectively ‘sub let’ a cabin to their clients. By chartering this way they can achieve discounts for bulk buying multiple weeks from the yacht owner.

The freedom and freshness of the open waters is something that cannot be easily described. It must be experienced to get its full effects. The one way to do this is on a yachting holiday. The cost is not as high as you might think but will depend on where you are going and the level of luxury you are expecting. Many people’s expectations of yacht may be no more than a little wooden boat with some sails, but with yacht charter we are talking about something that can be very luxurious indeed. In fact if you are looking for a yacht with sails, some of the most beautiful examples are the gorgeous twin hull catamarans, which have stability beyond belief. Most yacht charters however involve the super extravagant diesel powered yachts, which are more like ships, but quicker.

We call the whole yachting deal an experience because it is so much more than just a means to get from A to B. The experience can scarcely be compared to anything else. The combination of majestic waters and your seclusion, makes this experience very unique to some and sought after by many. If you do find yourself on a luxury yacht, you are a privileged human being and don’t forget it.

To start the process of a luxury yacht charter holiday you will need to make a decision when and where you want to go and make arrangements to get time off work – unless of course it is work. You should decide that this is what you want to do and then follow through with the plan. There are plenty of avenues to consider after this first step. A good idea is look for places that you would like to see and get more information on them, even just choosing which ocean you want to be in is a good first step.

Some of the places that you can consider getting information from are travel agencies, the Internet and brochures. These will all yield excellent information that can guide you in your decision. Compare all the advantages and costs involved and decide on the one that would be the best fit for you and your pocket. For most people the ‘package holiday’ model is going to work best and if your destination is somewhere like the West Indies, there will be bargains to be had for sure.

A private yacht charter could be for you, if you are reading this, then you are obviously half way there. If you still have any reservations, just call one of the companies you can find on Google. Honestly, it really is not beyond your reach, and it could most definitely stand out as one of your best memories for years to come. Remember the first step is a decision and then the next step is to gather information. All that is left to say is “have a good trip”.

You may not get many chances to book a yacht charter in your life. For most people, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Since it’s going to be one of the most important adventures of your life, just make sure you take your time and get ready. Getting ready is even more important if you are going on the yacht charter adventure with your family or friends. So, if you want to get the most of this experience, we suggest that you follow the 5 tips given below.

Create a plan

Although this is obvious, if you work with your broker, you may get a better experience during your vacation. Keep in mind that the yacht broker’s job is to ensure you have a great time during your trip. Therefore, make sure you create a solid plan with the help of your broker.

Opt for a private chef

If you want to get a better eating experience, make sure you hire a private chef. You may not be able to have a great time if you have to keep yourself busy cooking meals for you and the people with you.

A private chef won’t cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you are going to divide the cost with the other members in your group.

Hire a nanny

Hiring a nanny is a good idea if you want to go with your family. The crew won’t be responsible for taking care of your kids as they have other much more important jobs to perform. The nanny will take care of your kids so you can enjoy yourself.

Make a list of things

Another tip to have a great charter experience is to make a list of things that you want to bring with you. It’s important to pack wisely. For this, you should discuss with your broker. They will give you the best advice about it. Since you will walk barefoot most of the time, it won’t be a good idea to take a lot of pairs of shoes.

Number of cabins

This is really important if you are with a few couples. Make sure the boat you have chosen features several cabins. You may not be able to have great time in one or two small cabins. The boat must have many cabins of proper size so you could find it easier to rest in your privacy without disturbing others.

Typically, three to four cabins will be enough for a group of 6 to 10 people. However, keep in mind that the cost of the yacht will be higher if you need more cabins. So, keep this point in mind when you make your budget.

The takeaway

So, these are a few tips that you may want to keep in mind if you are want to improve your yacht charter trip. With these tips in mind, you will be able to avoid the common mistakes most people make when traveling on a charter yacht. Hope this helps.

With the hurricane season in full sail and the damage to the US gulf states and the Caribbean from hurricanes Ike and Gustav already running into billions of dollars, Yachtline Insurance of London, one of the major providers of cover for yachts throughout Caribbean region and marine underwriters at Lloyds of London, are warning that in some places, many yacht owners are finding that they are not covered having not complied with the minimum requirements for their policy or taken out or declared the additional hurricane windstorm cover.

“We have insurance loss adjustors working round the clock, particularly on the Islands of Grenada, Jamaica and Cuba which took some of the worst damage from Ike and Gustav. In many places we have found damage to vessels that could have been avoided if the proper hurricane risk management had taken place”

Yachtline are pointing out that no matter who insures you, you should observe the requirements for hurricane yacht and boat insurance which are contained within your policy.

The Caribbean Yacht Insurance cover hurricane affected area is defined as north of 9 degrees North and south of 35 degrees North, west of 55 degrees West and east of 100 degrees West. For cover purposes this encompasses the region west from the Venezuela coast and Trinidad in the South to Cape Hatteras in the north.

The Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and all laying up conditions and procedures must be observed during this period for the yacht insurance to remain valid.

Monohull boats out of the water, should be protected in a purpose built cradle made of prefabricated steel. Heavy duty webbing should be applied to the cradle to anchor it down at at least four anchor points. All catamarans should be securely laid up ashore and anchored as above. Mast removal and storage on racks attracts cheaper yacht insurance premiums and should be observed if declared. However masts removed and properly attached to the hull is usually sufficient. All sails should be preferably stored safely, and all loose articles properly lashed down. If the boat cannot be removed from the water then stern mooring and guardianage should be arranged with the marina owners.

If boat owners take the simple precautions as laid out in their policy then the number of claims and losses disallowed will reduce. Follow the instructions given when making a yacht hurricane area policy declaration.

I’ve lived and worked on the Great Lakes all my adult life. I’ve never done an aluminum boat restoration, or any other type of boat restoration.  But I’ve admired all types of small pleasure craft from the deck of the Great Lakes Bulk Freighters I’ve worked on since I was fresh out of high school.

Though I’m a US Coast Guard Licensed Great Lakes Pilot of Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons, or more simply said;  “A ship’s pilot”…  I’ve never even been at the wheel of a small pleasure boat. But I’ve always admired the lines of motor boats, or motor yachts as they are sometimes called.

I’ve wondered, as we’ve maneuvered our large commercial ships through harbors in ports on the Great Lakes; how much work and dedication it would take to restore a fine old yacht.

Although in my boat restoration day dreams, I’ve always thought it would be incredible to restore an old wooden craft built in about the 1950’s, I’ve never made the decision to do it.

The old Cris Craft type wooden yachts I had seen throughout the Great Lakes had such nostalgic lines, and seemed like such sturdy and well designed boats after being restored by a dedicated and talented craftsman.

These old wooden boats are certainly beautiful when restored, and the thought of owning and restoring one myself seemed like a very noble thing to do…

But here is how I decided to do an aluminum boat restoration instead.

Like I said before, I’ve worked on ships all my adult life and I have a very intimate understanding of water craft. But, I have a very limited knowledge of wood working, and wood finishing, etc.

However, I do have quite a bit of  knowledge concerning steel, and the other metal alloys that go into ships.

It was just a stroke of luck or coincidence, that made me see I could have an old yacht, fully restored and like new, without knowing much about wood working at all.

Like I said; we were unloading grain at the General Mills dock in Buffalo, NY;

I spotted a boat that looked quite a bit like one of those old Chris Craft “type” wooden boats, docked at a marina across from the General Mills dock.

Even though I admired that boat for several hours while on watch that afternoon, it never occurred to me that it was built of something other than wood.

I decided right then and there, while looking at the fine lines of that 32 foot cruiser, (that I thought was built of wood), that I was going to do a boat restoration myself.

So later, after we’d finished unloading, and were out on Lake Erie headed for Detroit, I got to talking to my Wheelsman about the boat I saw at the marina in Buffalo, and about my idea of doing a boat restoration. He had seen the boat too.

My wheelsman had grown up on Harsens Island in Michigan, and had worked at a marina while he was in high school. He pointed out to me that the boat we had both seen was actually built of aluminum.

I was truly amazed. To begin with; I didn’t realize that large cabin cruisers had been built that early using aluminum. And I certainly would have never though an aluminum boat could have such fine lines.

So I started researching aluminum yachts, and specifically Marinette aluminum yachts, which my wheelsman said was the manufacturer of the yacht that we had both been admiring.

Well, one thing led to another and I began to realize that an aluminum boat restoration would be the only thing that would make sense for me.

• Aluminum boats are strong and Marinette boats are, according to their owners; “built like a tank”…

• Marinette Aluminum boats are easy to come by, and are a greater value in comparison to even a fiberglass boat of similar size.

• Aluminum retains it’s strength far longer than does wood or fiberglass, and aluminum doesn’t corrode or rot.

• The hull of an aluminum boat, irregardless of age, will almost always be in fairly good shape, with little need of repair of the hull itself.

• Aluminum power boats and cabin cruisers usually will realize better fuel economy than a wooden or fiberglass boat of the same size.

And the list of good reasons to consider an aluminum boat restoration more practical goes on and on.

So that was the day I decided to undertake an aluminum boat restoration. My decision was made within 24 hours.

At the time of writing this article it has been less than a week since I made up my mind to be the owner of a restorable old yacht built of aluminum.

But the more research I do, the more my mind’s made up…  I’m going to take an old and once beautiful aluminum boat, and make it new again.

And I’m certain I’ll be rewarded with a boat that will provide fun and excitement for myself and family for many years to come. All for a price far less than it would be for a comparable new boat.

Plus the boat restoration itself will hopefully provide many hours of pleasure and bonding for my wife, and son and I.

With Good Morning Diego Garcia: A Journey of Discovery (Journeys – Book 2), talented author Susan Joyce relates her further memoirs, which she began in The Lullaby Illusion: A Journey of Awakening (Journeys – Volume 1). The result is a fascinating book, combining the genres of memoirs and travel books, relating the author’s further adventures, when she and her husband, Charles, are invited by friends to travel in a yacht they are breaking in on its maiden voyage, and they travel to many exotic locations. Like in the first book, the author undergoes an internal journey of self-discovery as well as experiencing the journey of a lifetime places many people only dream of seeing.

Good Morning Diego Garcia begins with the narrator and Charles back in Ojai, California, after having spent a tumultuous time in Cyprus, living through the 1974 coup and war there. The couple are settling into a house they have rented, with Charles waiting on his old job to call him back and let him know work is available for him. They do not seem to be worried about financial matters very much, as Charles has money socked away in at least a couple of bank accounts for them to get by on.

A momentous letter arrives in the mail, that changes the lives of the narrator and her husband forever. The letter is from friends of theirs, Mia and Dylan, who are currently in Taiwan. Their friends are also the friends of a Swedish millionaire, who owns several yachts, and has purchased a new one. The Swedish millionaire always has the yachts broken in on their maiden voyages before he travels on them, and Mia and Dylan invite the narrator and Charles on the voyage, to “help crew the yacht from Trincormalee, Sri Lanka to the Seychelles. All the way across the Indian Ocean, and on north through the Suez Canal.”

They made plans to meet up with Dylan and Mia at the port city of Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The name of the yacht they traveled on was ZoZo.

Just to get to where the narrator and Charles eventually met up with Dylan and Mia was an adventure, in itself. They travel to Bombay, where Charles scores some hashish, and they get to stay in beautiful 5-star hotels, while they see the great disparity between the rich and the poor in Bombay and India, when they have a hotel located near the Taj Mahal.

The narrator notes in several places in Good Morning Diego Garcia that she was keeping a journal of her travels. She must have been thorough as the descriptions of the people they meet and the sights that they see are wonderfully described, making the narrator’s adventures become very real for readers of her books.

Though the narrator and her husband have never crewed a yacht before, they are thrilled, at first, about the prospect of traveling on a yacht to various destinations around the Indian Ocean. However, they discover that the voyage will be occurring during the monsoon season, and their journey will not be quite as pleasant as they had anticipated it would be.

Along with their journeys, the narrator recounts her fascination with the books of Edgar Cayce, and the importance of dreams to him and to herself. She also asks philosophical questions, at times, for instance, wondering why cows in India are considered to be sacred, but not humans.

That’s all before they even meet up with Dylan and Mia, and start on a journey that will take them the destinations like the Seychelles and the island Diego Garcia, a volcanic atoll in the Indian Ocean that is the largest of the 60 small islands comprising the Chagos Archipelago, before they return eventually to India and then head on to Brussels, Belguim, in 1976.

Good Morning Diego Garcia: A Journey of Discovery (Journeys – Book 2), is an extremely well- written account about the narrator’s travels to exotic locales, as well as being a story of her emotional and spiritual growth as a person. It is a Must Read for anyone who loves reading captivating and engrossing travel memoirs, and especially for fans of the author’s first book in the series, The Lullaby Illusion: A Journey of Awakening (Journeys – Volume 1).

ForbesLife travel magazine recently designated the SeaDream Yacht as the best luxury level small cabin ship cruise line of 2015.

The year has hardly begun, and this little cruise company has already stolen the prize. It’s smaller size is a comfort to many travelers, and the company doesn’t sell you short on your experience.With upgrades and an exceptionally-professional crew, she looks to take and keep the prize for years to come.

We suppose that there were many contenders and that there are many other top-quality small cruise lines operating out there, but here are five good reasons why the SeaDream Yacht is one of the very best.

1. SeaDream Takes You Places Bigger Cruise Ships Can’t Go.

A Sleek Cabin Ship Cruise

For SeaDream’s Caribbean trips, you fly into the much-used airport on St. Thomas and take off from there. You visit popular spots like Anguilla and Virgin Gorda, but you also get a taste of some smaller ports that are only accessible to smaller vessels.This makes the experience more unique, and you will be surprised at how much those less-traveled ports have to offer.

You will anchor in quaint little coves that none of the larger cruise ships would be able to safely approach.You will visit small bays and tiny isles that few ever lay their eyes on. It almost has the feel of a private tour.

No wonder SeaDream’s motto is: “It’s not cruising, it’s yachting.” On the SeaDream, you will dream good dreams at night – and live them out the following day.

2. The On-Board Cuisine Ranks as Truly Gourmet.

Some cruise ships make you wait in long buffet lines only to watch as the shrimp supply, which wasn’t that special to begin with, was finished off by the person just ahead of you in line.

No need to fret, however; there are plenty more delectable dishes from which to choose. Truly, the SeaDream Yacht gives you a totally different experience. Each morning begins with the friendly wait staff bringing you your coffee and greeting you by name.You’ll get to know them well during the trip – or not, if you prefer to keep to yourself.

The menu is like that of a gourmet restaurant, and the presentation is done with flair. Lobster, steak, and a long list of delicacies is offered every day. One aspect of SeaDream’s eating experience is “top-end” in another sense as well.Topside Restaurant – the actual name – is located on the ship’s roof. From there, you can get a wonderful view of your surroundings, or even dine under the starlight sky.

3. The On-Board Bar Is Second to None

A full-service bar, including fine wines and cocktails, is part of the ship’s infrastructure. The barroom is as exquisitely designed as it is well-stocked, and no one will be disappointed. The ship also has a number of other amenities, like a mini casino, health spa, library, etc.

4. SeaDream’s Staff Literally Waits on You Hand and Foot.

With 95 crew members waiting on only 56 couples, a nearly a one-on-one ratio, you get a lot more attention from the staff than on most cruise ships. They are always ready to assist you. They even will take you on shore for sightseeing, dining, shopping, or other excursions.

They also organize the traditional beach party on White Bay at Jost Van Dyke. There you will be able to swim in the warm Caribbean waters, barbecue, feast, play water sports, kayak, and more. On the other hand, you just opt to relax in your hammock under a shady palm tree.

5. The SeaDream Is Smaller and More Intimate Than Most Cruise Ships

Most cruise ships are utterly packed with passengers, incredibly noisy, and far too “public.” With SeaDream, everything is smaller-scale, making it easier to learn the names of fellow passengers and actually make some friends.

While the cruise ship cabins are not extremely large, they are cozy and quite adequate.You may not want to stay all day in these small rooms, but that gives all the more reason to get out and enjoy the ship and its surroundings. And that is, after all, why you came on this cruise to begin with.

1. The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands boast that they have more yachts there than anyone else in the world, reminding everyone that this destination is the perfect place to charter a yacht. With luxury waterfront resorts, pristine white sands, chic boutique shopping and outstanding restaurants, the British Virgin Islands have it all as a true sailing fantasy land with more than 40 islands and hundreds of anchorages, all within sight of each other. The ideal blend of easy deep water island hops is perfect for the whole family. Combine all of this with crystal clear turquoise waters with an average temperature of 26°C all year round, picture perfect beaches, breathtaking rock formations, abundance of on-shore activities and a great selection of dining options, and you can see why so many people love to sail here.

2. The Seychelles

The breathtaking Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, boasts some of the most brilliant flora and fauna on earth, just 4 degrees south of the equator. The outer islands are low-laying, mostly coral atolls and sailing is done mainly within the inner islands, all close together which make for easy island hopping. The Seychelles Islands can best be described as paradise on earth with towering granite rocks, swaying palm trees and turquoise inlets that are framed with sparkling white sand beaches. Mahe is the largest island and since it is surrounded by other islands, its beaches are relatively calm and safe. Mahe is a mountainous island with peaks approaching 1000 meters and tropical forests that are laced with hiking trails. The gorgeous tropical scenery, white beaches and shimmering aquamarine waters make Seychelles a perfect sailing holiday destination.

3. The Greek Islands

Sailing is really the best way to experience these breathtaking islands, setting your own island-hopping itinerary, finding secluded spots or dining on Greek cuisine. Greece has 6,000 islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 are inhabited. The Greek Islands are home to some of the greatest sunsets on earth and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year making this one of the best places on earth to charter a yacht. Each of these islands has their own unique character making every port visit unique. The continuous sunshine, traditional whitewashed villages, ancient archeology, stunning natural landscapes and rich culture draws sailors from all over the world.

4. Croatia

Called the ‘new Greece’, the ‘new Riviera’ and the ‘new Tuscany’, Croatia has become an increasingly must-go destination for all types of travelers, but there is really no better way to experience it than sailing the Adriatic, where the sun is almost always shining. Croatia has reshaped its infrastructure during the past decade to make it a popular destination for anyone seeking terrific cruising, historic settings and remote beaches. Croatia is one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems, with 1,185 islands and 1778km of coastline, it is truly a sailor’s paradise. The Dalmatian Islands are wild, rugged and mostly uninhabited and offer some of the best sailing in the area. The rolling coastline is speckled with pristine beaches, lush green slopes and ancient villages steeped in history.

5. French Polynesia

Roughly halfway between Australia and California, French Polynesia’s 118 islands are scattered over an expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching more than 2000 sq km. French Polynesia is made up of five main groups of islands, including Tahiti, a landscape of jagged volcanic peaks dotted with lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls. The islands offer an alluring mix of beautiful lagoons, traditional culture and exotic marine life, with lots to explore on land as well as at sea. The wide lagoons around Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora offer plenty of protected flat-water sailing, and outside the reefs, the long Pacific swells will give you a taste of ocean sailing at its best.

6. The French Riviera, France

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more romantic spot to sail than the French Riviera. The Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France offers more contrasts than probably anywhere else in the world and there’s no disputing the sheer glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country (after the Vatican) squeezed into 1.95 sq km. The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is the world’s most fabled places to charter a yacht full of breathtaking beaches and stunning scenery. Some of the largest, newest and most impressive superyachts from around the world gather here, with cruising itineraries that can include St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Antibes. This is the heart of the world’s superyacht culture, with vibrant nightlife and exceptional cuisine and special events including the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. The French Riviera manages to combine both the historical architecture, unspoilt islands, small marinas, rugged landscapes and white sandy beaches with the large cosmopolitan resorts of Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo.

7. The Amalfi Coast, Italy

From Naples to Positano and the storied island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast of Italy is a storied region filled with picturesque harbors and historic sites. This is a more remote section of Italy, far from the tourists of Rome and the packed marinas along the Riviera, a place where charter guests can cruise in comfort and with a good deal of privacy. This region also offers some fantastic Southern Italian cuisine, with Michelin-rated restaurants within short distance of some beautiful anchorages. Dine aboard or ashore, for lunch and dinner alike, and you will not be disappointed. While the french may have their Riviera, it’s nothing compared to the endless beauty of Italy’s coastline. Often overlooked because of it’s proximity to the likes of Monaco, Italy’s coastline is no less beautiful and is arguably less spoilt by the progress of building developments. But for the ultimate sailing trip in Italy I recommend starting at the Amalfi coast and working your way around to Naples and over to the islands of Procida and Capri. The sparkling seas here and beautiful italian coastline are the perfect vista to compliment a highly cultural region. You’ll see ancient ruins, clean sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and some of the best seafood you’re ever likely to eat.

8. Minorca, Spain

Though it may be the smaller and lesser known of the Balearic Islands, Minorca is scattered with more spectacular beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined. The rolling landscape of Minorca offers charming villages with traditional, colourful houses and cobblestone streets, beaches with secluded coves along with a climate ideal for sailing, making it a true sailing paradise. Recent changes in Spain’s tax laws mean the charter scene has changed as owners of brand-new superyachts can now offer their yachts for charter without having to pay taxes that used to make the practice prohibitive.

9. Turkey’s Southern Coast

The southwest coast of Turkey has long been a popular destination for yacht charters, with itineraries running from Bodrum up to Fethiye. Sailing in Turkey is amongst the best in the world due to the steady winds, crystal clear blue waters and the abundance of beautiful beaches, secluded anchorages, coves, inlets and marinas. Throughout its history, Turkey has been a crossroads of religions, where East meets West with a mixture of cultures and cuisines. Turkey has over 8,300 kilometers of mountainous coastline with small fishing villages and historic sites. The charter yacht of choice here is the Gulet, a local style of motorsailer. The quality of Gulets has improved tremendously and many are as luxurious as motor yachts. They use sail and wind power and offer the best of both worlds and is one of the most enjoyable charter vacations you can enjoy with family and friends.

10. Montenegro

Montenegro has become the new super-yacht hotspot of the Mediterranean over the last few years due to the major investments from posh waterfront restaurants to luxury accommodations to lure yachting enthusiasts. The outside EU tax benefits (0% VAT) and rapidly growing infrastructure has made Porto Montenegro an advantageous yacht charter base to explore the thousands of islands from Greece to Croatia. The serene, deep blue waters of Kotor and Tivat Bay provide the perfect place for a great holiday. The mountains include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe with a picturesque coast 295km long, with 72km of beaches and many ancient towns. Swimming in clean, sheltered waters with magnificent backdrops or just enjoy the amazing feeling of gliding through the water under sail.

11. St Martin

St. Martin has to be one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world and it’s no wonder why as this island is overflowing with beauty. The island is ruled by both French and the Netherlands and you truly get to experience two cultures in one place when you visit. When you charter a yacht here there are plenty of other islands to explore including St Barths, Anguilla and Saba. Expect beautiful deserted beaches full of silky white sand, exceptional waterfront restaurants and exceptional shopping. Explore the waters and learn why Saba is a diver and snorkelers paradise. The enchanting tropical scenery combined with enough nightlife, world-famous beaches and other islands to explore make this the number one Caribbean escape.

12. The Grenadines

White sand beaches and tropical waters make this area a haven for sailing enthusiasts. The “Spice Islands,” as the Grenadines are sometimes referred to, are a chain of 32 picturesque islands sprinkled across 60 miles of the southern Caribbean in the West Indies, offering a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, culture, abundant marine life, friendly people and unspoiled white sand beaches. Known as some of the world’s greatest sailing waters, you’ll find the ideal sailing conditions and lack of crowds make it one of the best spots for a vacation on the water.

Okay, I admit it. I love boats. Sailboats, powerboats, dinghies even canoes. I do not even know why. They all cost unreasonable amounts of money and require a large commitment of time and money for maintenance and repair. And of course there is always that hopefully remote possibility of drowning while using them.

None of that matters of course when you are out there on a glorious summer afternoon enjoying all that boating has to offer. The boat slicing through the water, sails trimmed to perfection a cold beverage (non alcoholic of course) at the ready surrounded by your loved ones. Life does not get any better than this. Pictures are taken. Sunscreen is applied. And plans are made for future boating adventures.

Back at the dock reality begin to invade your thoughts. If we are going to continue having fun with this boat then I better start getting a few things fixed or upgraded. Maybe it's time for a new mainsail? What about the engine? Should I think about fixing that starting problem? And what about that smell that seems to be emanating from the holding tank?

The to do list for the boat owner is something that is always there. It is both the wish list of upgrades and the nasty reality of cleaning, sanding, varnishing, fixing and general maintenance that can drive you to wonder what in heavens name that you were thinking when you thought that boat ownership was something you wanted in your already busy life. Even the dog is looking at you like you're crazy when you load your sander with a fresh sheet of paper. But then as you finish putting on that new coat of varnish and you see how wonderful your yacht looks (and now it's a yacht) and you stand back and admire your prowess with the brush it all looks worth it. Boats are beautiful. All of them. Something about that symbiotic relationship of form and function that just makes the heart pound a little faster.

When the job is done it's time to take a stroll around the docks. Very dangerous. The eye can not help but fall on those larger and even more beautiful floating perils. This is where twofootitis can be contracted. It is highly contagious and can hit the boat owner at any time but never more than when that to do list is being addressed. With thoughts of a new boat that list just fades away. Of course that new dreamboat will be perfect and ready to go with just a wink and a nod right? Of course the reality is that new boat comes complete with its own to do list. Electronics need to be installed, additional sails bought, maybe a new dodger added, the list can be very long.

Maybe a brand new boat is still worth consideration. Something 4 feet longer sure would be nice. Bigger is better right? Those sexy ads in the glossy boating magazines look so sweet. They make the mind wander to places of untold wealth and leisure time. I know I'm hooked. I've already picked my ride just as soon as I pull in that big lottery win. Forty odd feet of teak and fiberglass, with all the bells and whistles. All the luxuries too, washer / dryer, counter blender, hot and cold running everything. The works. Of course she'll also be a performer the likes of which not seen before. I'm thinking close reaching at 7 knots in a 6-knot breeze. It's a dream remember.

Of course you have to wake up promptly and face the fact that you will not likely win that lottery and you already have a boat that get you out on the water. Be thankful for what you have. So the head stinks a bit and you have to bleed the fuel line every time before starting the engine. At least you're getting out on the water. Is not that the point after all?

When touring a destination with beautiful waterways, renting a boat can be one of the best things you do to make sure that you get to see and experience the best of the destination. Apart from enjoying some of the most breathtaking sunsets from your vessel, you can explore bays and islands and enjoy marine ecosystems complete with sea creatures you may only have heard of. Hiring a yacht gives you a chance to experience all these in utmost luxury. But the truth is that your experience will also largely depend on how prepared you are for the boat sail and therefore there are things you ought to remember.

Decide whether you want to share the boat or not

If you are looking for a romantic sail, then renting a boat exclusively may be the way to go. It could of course be expensive, but it will give you the kind of privacy you might require. Smaller boats can accommodate at least five people, whereas the bigger ones can accommodate up to 15 passengers. If you don’t mind sharing then you could end up paying less to enjoy the yacht with other passengers. In case you are tagging friends or family members along, then make sure that you get a boat that is sizeable for all of you.

Weather changes are inevitable sometimes

You may have selected the perfect destination for a yacht trip and the weather promises to be beautiful and enjoyable. However, you do not want to be caught by surprise by unexpected weather changes. The waters could end up being a little rougher than you expected or you may encounter drizzles when you least expect. It is therefore of importance to be prepared for anything, no matter how good the weather conditions appear to be. Pack medication in case you become seasick, jumpers and raincoat for instances when the weather changes.

The rental agreement holds lots of important information

It is among the things you should never ignore to read and understand as it can make or break your trip. When renting a boat, pay attention to the liability provisions of the rental agreement so you know what you will be held responsible for in case of damage. This is especially important if you will be the one in charge of the boat. Coverage policy and deposit related clauses should also be checked on the agreement. The rule of thumb should be to read through the agreement, however unpleasant the print may be.

Know your boat

If possible, inspect the boat you are about to hire so you are sure it matches your expectations. Check to see safety items are available and you know where they are located in the yacht. It is also important to see the condition of the vessel and what other things are provided for. This way, you will know what to pack for the trip and what is not necessary at all. Find out as many details about the boat as possible.

When a long-lost client telephoned me from Washington a couple of years ago I was delighted. He had been reading Boat International magazine on a flight and noticed that I had left my previous brokerage to start working for Camper & Nicholsons. When the global recession began he had instructed me to sell his small fleet of yachts from 88 'to 112' as quickly as possible, recognizing that assets such as these would quickly lose value and that by liquidating them he would be in a strong position to survive and even prosper during the turbulent times ahead. Now, he told me, he was back in the market and would like me to help him find his next yacht.

There was a small hitch though. As a result of massive growth in his business he had decided to employ somebody to deal with all of his acquisitions; property, planes, businesses, and yes – boats.

This "somebody" was an accountant.

Now I have nothing against accountants. They serve a useful purpose by doing a job that most of us find tedious and dull. A good accountant can save a company substantial amounts of money through wise tax planning and up to the minute advice. There are certain decisions that an accountant should NOT be involved with though, and buying a yacht is one of them.

Quite honestly I would no sooner invite my accountant to a Boat Show than invite my Mother to a strip club, or ask an accountant to help assist in a yacht purchase than ask my Mother to assist in finding me a girlfriend. Fundamental hits such as a curvaceous body, a sexy smile and how much fun she is on a date would be totally overlooked in favor of other less important attributes such as reliability, longevity, and … ahem … a two year warrantee. A mother will make a decision based on thought and logic, a man on the other hand will base his decision upon feelings and passion. A friend of mine once told me that his mother burst into tears when he introduced her to his girlfriend simply because she did not like her. Strange – that's exactly the same reaction that my client's accountant had when I told him what the running costs of a 46 meter yacht are!

And this raises the rather interesting question of "why do financially successful people buy yachts?" How is it that a man who has spent years developing an enviable ability to create profit and to avoid losing money will suddenly purchase an object that will do the exact opposite?

I discussed this topic with a yacht owner over a decade ago when I worked as Sales Manager of the Ferretti Custom Line shipyard. The client had an insatiable appetite to negotiate the price of every change order and clearly felt that controlling costs was every bit as important as pursuing profit. One evening over dinner the client spoke about how hard he had worked to attain his wealth and said that as a result he did not spend money without giving due consideration to every purchase, both small and big. I ventured to ask what "due consideration" had led him to purchase a superyacht, knowing that the annual running costs alone would fund a small military coup?

Not very diplomatic of me I know … but I just had to ask.

A grin spread across the client's face. "David", he said, "you just can not imagine." "Everything you do on a yacht is so much better. I eat on a yacht and the food tastes better, I go to bed on a yacht and I sleep better, and David" he said as the grin spread further "Sex. Is so much better. On a yacht ".

Just a year or so after that conversation I was able to put these comments to the test when, in a moment of exceptional generosity, another client invited me on board his 100 'yacht for a week long vacation. Just for clarity, and in the knowledge that my wife will probably read this article, I should add "Yes. This was the week that we went to Mallorca together."

People talk about spending "quality time" with their partners, as opposed I imagine to the "poor quality time" that can be passed in front of the television too exhausted to converse after a day of fighting fires in the work place and, if you have young children, possibly in the living room too. If the quality of time can be measured in the same way that we measure the quality of food and beverage then "yacht time" is an acorn fed Iberic Pata Negra, it is shavings of Italian white truffle from Alba on a plate of the finest pasta , it is a dish of Danish oysters washed down with a chilled bottle of Chablis, an experience so intensely enjoyable that for the few brief moments that you are partaking of its pleasure nothing else matters, no problems come to mind, no difficulties exist. You are there, in the moment, together, and happy.

Another yacht owner expressed it well when he spoke of his Grandfather, a remarkable man who had started his business in a garden shed and built it to a commercial empire employing over 50,000 people. The family possessed peculiar properties throughout the world and stayed regularly in the finest hotels that this planet has to offer, and yet, he said "the only time I ever see my Grandfather relaxed is on his yacht".

This is a common theme when talking to the families of highly driven CEOs and business owners. They just never completely unplug from their business, not at their city home, not in their country residence, not in their Malibu beach house, not even in a penthouse suite in the Burj Al Arab. But they do relax on their yacht. It may take a week to resist answering their cellphone, and another week to stop checking their emails, but by the third week they have finally synchronized to "yacht time". Stress levels return to normal, priorities come back into focus, food tastes better, sleep is deaf, and life's most intense pleasures are magnified to unforgivable proportions.

And herein lies the secret that unlocks the disciplined hold that many high net worth individuals keep on their spending power. Business success and financial rewards are exhilarating and leave a legacy that may benefit generation after generation of offspring as well as providing work for an army of illuminated accountants. The frantic intensity of this lifestyle needs a balance though, a pressure valve that brings life's PSI back to a safe level. A yacht is not a luxury for these men and women, but a necessity – albeit expensive – to enrich their lives in a way that is not quantifiable on a balance sheet, to receive a return on investment that is not measured in currency or share values .

My advice to the world's UHNWIs who may be reading this and thinking of attending the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show this year is simple.

Leave your accountant behind.