Chasing the Sun [In the News]

When winter hits the Côte d’Azur, set sail on a superyacht charter in the Americas.

This article was featured in Robb Report in December 2023 and was written by Rachel Ingram.

---

There are two types of travellers in the winter: those who hit the slopes and those who chase the sun. If you’re the latter, your sights are likely set on the Americas, whose beautiful islands are best explored by yacht. Whether you wish to indulge in the flavour of the Caribbean, the azure blue waters of the Bahamas, or the tranquillity of the Virgin Islands, a superyacht charter is the ultimate way to travel. And with November through April being the prime yachting season in the region, now is the time to book.

Charter guests in the Americas are spoilt for choice, so picking the right yacht and destination requires the advice of an expert such as Rose Jolis, a charter specialist at Denison Yachting, a leading, full-service brokerage headquartered out of Fort Lauderdale and supported by an office in Monaco. With winter fast approaching, Rose reveals the key questions to consider before booking a charter this season.

What is my group set-up?

The first thing we ask our clients is about the make-up of their group because this gives us an idea of cabin arrangements and the nature of the trip. Families won’t be going to the clubs all night long, for instance, so we might suggest a quieter location in the Caribbean, while a group of adults may want to be in St. Barts, where they can go out wining and dining.

What are our interests?

It’s important to then think about interests and activities the group wants to do. If someone is interested in history, we might suggest they visit Antigua at Nelson’s Dockyard, which is an incredible restored area that’s rich in English maritime history. If you’ve got a group of teenagers who love the water, we might recommend the Bahamas because of the clear, shallow waters. If we have new charterers, we might focus on certain low-lying islands that are protected from the ocean swell for easy cruising.

How do we wish to cruise–or sail?

Next, we try to narrow down the style of boat they want. Some people want more of an old-world boat, but most want something contemporary and fresh with lots of windows and light. Most people nowadays want to cruise in a motor yacht, while others want a traditional sailing experience. Once we know the kind of yacht they desire, we match this with their dates and suitable destinations to complement their group and interests, and we send them a sampling of what’s available. Flexibility is key because availability is steered by the yachts and their owners.

What are our dream destinations?

The top winter charter destinations in the Americas are the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Virgin Islands. Each has its own charms, which a seasoned broker will be able to explain. The Bahamas is very easy to get to from Europe or from the States. It’s very charter-friendly with tonnes of little islands to cruise around. It’s a brilliant area for kite surfing and scuba diving, and the Bahamians are super friendly and warm. It has beautiful, crystal clear water and you can snorkel in the Thunderball Grotto, which was featured in one of the James Bond movies. Kids love it because it’s great for just being water babies. In the Caribbean, there are so many islands with a lot of different cultures, so you can get a different flavour at each; for example, you have St. Barts and St. Maarten that are French, and Antigua and Nevis that are English. The beaches are magnificent and you can really get off the beaten track in Barbuda, which is just north of Antigua – you have less boats down in this area because it’s a little bit further to get to. It’s also wonderful sailing in the Caribbean because it’s got a consistent wind pattern. The British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands are also beautiful and every one is a little bit different. It’s very easy cruising throughout the islands. They’re just great little places to pop ashore and have a have a Rum Punch. Don’t miss the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda.

Am I open to a wild card?

If we have adventurous clients, we encourage chartering in other regions in the Americas. Alaska, for one, is incredible cruising. You can spot whales and bears, go sea kayaking, or try wild salmon fishing; you really are at the end of the Earth, but in very protected waters. We also have a boat in the Sea of Cortez, which is an incredible, untouched desert environment with lots of islands and national parks. It’s a beautiful place for hiking, fishing, diving, and beachcombing.

Am I travelling at Christmas or the New Year?

This festive period is especially busy, particularly in St. Barts. If a client wants to get into a certain restaurant, it’s not always easy – you can’t just Google it. So, you want to work with a long-term brokerage house or a broker that’s been in the industry a long time to arrange access. The right broker will have the connections to get you that reservation.

Do I have the right broker?

It’s important to think about your preferred communication style and find the right broker for you. We like to build relationships with clients – this isn’t just a one-time deal. Denison is unique because it’s been around so long. It’s a family business that goes back to Bob’s grandparents who were building boats during the war. We’re still a family-orientated firm – everyone knows Bob for his zest for life and his colourful pants and funky blazers – and I think many people come to us because of our family values of honesty and integrity, and our sense of character. As a full-service brokerage house, Denison handles yacht sales, yacht management, charter management, yacht charter and crew placement, so as our relationship progresses, we can help our clients throughout their whole yachting journey.

---

STAY SALTY

A new addition to Denison’s fleet, this 29-metre tri-deck motor yacht comfortably sleeps 10 guests in five cabins. The layout comprises two master cabins with a private owner’s apartment on the upper level and the second master on the main deck forward. Among the usual yacht favourites is a gymnasium which features three pullman berths, a sauna and steam shower.

Available to charter in the Bahamas from around €147,000 per week plus expenses.

---

SERENITY

New to the market, this 40-metre superyacht was designed by the legendary Evan K. Marshall and built by IAG Yachts. Her spacious, Zenlike interior exudes elegance through precious woods, custom furniture and Asian artwork. A highlight is the large master suite which features two balconies to port and starboard, and his-and-hers ensuite bathrooms with spa-like rain showers. Brokers can get a sneak peek of the yacht at the Caribbean Charter Show in St. Thomas (30 November-3 December).

Available to charter in the Caribbean from around €133,000 per week plus expenses.

---

OUTTA TOUCH

This 32-metre superyacht built by Intermarine accommodates eight guests in four cabins. She’s a popular charter yacht for a reason. Refit in 2022 with interior styling by Sally J Ferguson, Outta Touch is the ideal luxury yacht for kicking back and relaxing while on charter, showcasing clever use of space with an artful combination of integrated systems and luxurious features.

Available to charter in the Virgin Islands from around €51,000 per week plus expenses.

---

VIVACE

Named after the Italian musical term for a lively movement, this 31-metre motor yacht is dynamic and elegant and stands out in her class. She accommodates 10 guests who can enjoy modern interiors, spacious outdoor areas, and an array of water toys. Special features include a heated plunge pool and a large flybridge deck offering panoramic views.

Available to charter in the Bahamas from around €101,000 per week plus expenses.

---

ROMEO FOXTROT

A great choice for couples, this 35-metre motor yacht has five king-size cabins, so everybody feels equal. She’s beautiful throughout, with contemporary interiors and modern finishes. Highlight features include the sun deck with waterfall infinity-style hot tub, the glass-top bar in the sky lounge, and the beach club with steam room and hydraulic swim platform.

Available to charter in the Bahamas from around €115,000 per week plus expenses.

---

RULE NO. 1

This 40-metre superyacht comes fresh from a refit and is the ideal vessel for a Baja adventure. She sleeps 12 guests across five comfortable cabins and is packed full of amenities for intrepid sorts to explore; fishing, spearfishing, freediving, and scuba gear are all available on board.

Available to charter in Alaska and the Sea of Cortez from around €138,000 per week plus expenses.

---

Speak With a Charter Specialist: