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Yacht Charter Seasons

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By Editorial Team   24 January 2023

Whether you’re looking to escape the brisk winds of winter or the humid climates of summer, it is important to understand charter seasons and how they may affect the planning of your luxury yacht charter . 

In this article:

• Types of yacht charter seasons

Shoulder seasons

Charter seasons in popular destinations, weather and charter seasons, extreme weather, a yacht for all seasons, all weather cruising, major sporting & social events, need more advice.

A charter season can refer to the weather pattern of a destination or the peak times when demand for charter yachts is at its highest. Read on to discover everything there is to know about charter seasons and the best times to travel.

What are yacht charter seasons?

In terms of yachting, there are two main types of charter seasons in the year – summer & winter and high & low season;

• When referring to a charter season in terms of weather and climate, the seasons are broken into summer and winter.
• When speaking in terms of peak times in the yachting calendar, the seasons are high and low (sometimes referred to as peak and off-peak), where high season is the busiest and low season is the quietest.

These are the months that straddle either side of the seasons, in other words: April & May and September & October, and can be a great time to charter a yacht. Here are some of the reasons why;

• Demand for yachts is generally lower
• Charter fees are often in-line with low/off-peak season rates
• More berths and anchorages are available
• Popular destinations tend to be less crowded
• The weather is still reasonably warm
• The seas are at their warmest at the end of summer

Throughout the world different regions will have different peak seasons for yacht charters, for example the Caribbean yacht charter season generally runs from December through to March, with its peak season occuring during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

For the Mediterranean , the charter season runs from May till late September, with July & August representing the busiest peak months. 

Some regions claim year-round cruising, especially equatorial destinations offering consistent balmy temperatures such as  Thailand  or  the Maldives . However, these yacht charter regions also experience peak times around their respective monsoon seasons (see below).

Charter seasons are not just affected by the temperatures, they are also dictated by the overall weather and sea conditions.

Weather plays a crucial role in any yachting vacation, and bad weather can not only mar the enjoyment and comfort of a yacht charter, but also hugely impact on any planned itinerary. 

Obviously, inclement weather can occur at any time of the year, however most destinations will have optimum times to visit largely dictated by their own annual weather patterns, such as the monsoon seasons in Asia and the Pacific , which occur roughly between May and October. Or, the Meltemi winds in Greece , which blow a strong yet fairly predictable wind across the Aegean, mainly around the Cyclades Islands , throughout July and August – although these winds can prove ideal for sailing yacht enthusiasts!

Some inclement weather conditions for yacht charters can occur at any time, like the mistral winds of the Mediterranean, particularly around Corsica and Sardinia , and so it is always wise to factor in some flexibility into your planned itinerary to contend with any unexpected bad weather.

Some popular yacht charter destinations can experience extreme weather conditions, such as tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean or huge bushfires in Australia which can affect the air quality even out to sea, however these tend to be rare events.

An obvious example of predictable extreme weather is the annual hurricane season which occurs around the celebrated charter destination of the Caribbean, and some southern US states, roughly between June to mid-October.

Most charterers avoid booking during this period for obvious reasons, however with reduced charter rates and a wider selection of yachts at your disposal you may be tempted to take the risk. 

Hurricane addendum

Happily, there is a standard addendum that can be added to a basic charter contract that allows you to reshedule your yacht charter in the event of a hurricane hurtling towards your chosen destination!

Your yacht charter broker will also likely advise the purchase of additional cancellation insurance for peace of mind if you are planning a yacht charter during the hurricane season.

In general, seasonal weather will affect the location of most crewed yachts, which tend to move from one region to another in line with the charter seasons.

Therefore, when choosing a charter destination it is best to establish the optimum cruising months as there will generally be a wider selection of yachts to choose from, subject to demand. For instance if you’re looking to charter in Alaska , be aware that come winter season there are very few marinas open.

The majority of charter yachts are built around demand for predominantly warmer climates such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, and are therefore far less likely to have heating installed.

There are of course a number of charter yachts that cater for all seasons, in particular expedition yachts which are specially designed to handle all weathers, no matter how extreme. If you are keen on exploring far-flung corners of the globe, from the arctic poles to the sultry heat of the tropics, these types of yachts are ideal.

Important events in the yachting calendar, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival , are considered high season events, whether or not they actually occur in high or low season. This is because charter yachts are in greater demand during these times, with a marked increase in charter rates as a result of their limited availability.

Whether you're looking to charter in the summer, winter or all year round, take a look at our comprehensive destination guides which offer lots of useful information, including optimum times to charter a yacht around your chosen destination. 

For more advice about yacht charter seasons, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker .

For any further information about booking or chartering a luxury yacht, please take a look at our comprehensive advice guides .

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How Long is a Yacht Charter Season?

With two main chartering seasons per year, discover the best time to hire a private yacht.

By Kim Ayling

Chartering a luxury yacht is one of the most immersive vacations one can take. Unflappable service, ultimate privacy and the beauty of the open sea in a dreamy location; no wonder the industry is seeing a huge rise in interest. After unprecedented demand in both 2020 and 2021, this coming yacht charter season is once again set to be busier than ever, so understanding the yachting industry jargon is essential – especially for first-time charterers.

To help you secure the perfect charter yacht in the perfect place, Elite Traveler breaks down exactly how long each yacht charter season lasts, the difference between high and low season and what industry insiders mean by ‘shoulder season’, as well as the best places to travel are during different times of the year.

[See also: Octopus: On Board the Original Explorer Superyacht]

Yacht charter seasons explained

If you’ve never chartered a yacht before, deciphering the seasons can be tricky. There are actually two primary types of ‘season’: winter vs summer, and high vs low. Winter/summer seasons each last around six months and refer to both location and time of the year; summer yacht charter season spans from around April/May through October, while the winter season starts in November and runs through April.

The summer/winter seasons are dictated by the weather and water conditions, with areas such as Northern Europe and the Mediterranean most popular during the summer season, while destinations in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Florida dominate the winter yacht charter season.

[See also: How to Charter a Superyacht]

How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?

How to Charter a Superyacht

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Home is only available for cruising in the Mediterranean during the summer season and in the Caribbean during winter / ©Jeff Brown

High/low season (also known as peak/off-peak season), on the other hand, refers to the busier and quieter times the yachting calendar, with peaks in both the summer and winter seasons. During the winter, Christmas and New Year are the peak yacht charter periods, with July and August being the busiest in the summer season. During these times yacht availability tends to be more limited and prices are often higher.

Peak vs off-peak yacht charter costs

As with any vacation, booking a yacht charter during peak season will inevitably be more expensive. For example, the ultra-luxe Secret superyacht (who features a swimming pool, separate Jacuzzi, cinema room and fully equipped gym) is available to charter for €840,000 (approximately $990,000) during low season, whereas during both the winter and summer high seasons weekly costs begin at €875,000 ($1.29m).

You’ll also find that local events, such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, will impact yacht availability and weekly chartering costs throughout both high and low seasons.

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Can you charter a yacht out of season.

Given that different parts of the world have different peak seasons, you’ll find that at pretty much any given time of the year, you will be able to charter a luxury yacht. However, bear in mind that the summer/winter seasons are primarily in place due to weather; while many luxury yachts are impressively durable, with explorer yachts designed to handle all weathers, yachting is generally best enjoyed in warmer climates and calmer seas.

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

The ultra-luxe Secret superyacht features a swimming pool, separate Jacuzzi, cinema room and fully equipped gym / ©Burgess

So, while it may be possible to charter a yacht in Northern Europe during winter, you may be disappointed to find significantly higher rainfall and lower temperatures. Equally, while the Caribbean and Florida are both known for enjoying generally good weather all year round, don’t disregard the threat of hurricane season, which tends to be from June to November.

You may also find that your preferred yacht is only available in certain destinations at certain times of the year. For example, leading yacht charter company Burgess only offers the hybrid yacht Home for cruising in the Mediterranean during the summer season and in the Caribbean during winter. Ultimately individual yacht availability is dictated by her owner; if they want to enjoy their vessel for themselves during certain months of the year, she won’t be available to charter.

The best way to secure both your desired vessel and ensure a smooth, comfortable cruising experience is to enlist the help of a yacht broker, who will be able to advise you on the best time of year to visit certain destinations as well as use their industry connections to find the best yacht for your needs.

[See more: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Shoulder seasons

When looking into chartering a yacht you will also hear of shoulder seasons, which refer to the periods that sit either side of the peak seasons, running from April – May, and September – October. For many, the shoulder seasons are the most preferable time to book a yacht charter: demand for boats, berths and anchorages tends to be far lower and crowds onshore will be smaller. For many, the weather is also more agreeable during shoulder seasons with a light breeze cutting through the heat of the sun.

Home can be chartered from $245,000 per week / ©Burgess

How long is an individual charter?

In addition to understanding the length and meaning of different yacht charter seasons, you should also consider how long you want to be on board. Most charter companies tend to operate in week-long blocks, but the average is about ten days – again, a yacht broker will be able to negotiate your desired charter length.

[See also: The Maltese Falcon: A Timeless Icon of the Yacht Industry]

However, while most people tend to charter for one or two weeks, those with time on their hands sometimes opt to charter for extended periods, with some even staying on board for an entire season. On larger vessels, onboard amenities will typically include office spaces (if not full conference rooms) and WiFi connections allowing for business to continue as usual during long-term yacht charters.

When to book a yacht charter

According to yacht charter company Northrop & Johnson , if you want to vacation during the peak seasons you should reach out to a broker no later than ten months in advance to ensure your first choice of boat and berths, with many yachts booked up a year in advance. However, three to six months ahead of time will usually be suitable for off-season yacht charters.

[See also: The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World]

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How Long Is a Yacht Charter Season?

Every charter destination has a “yacht charter season,” which refers to the months when cruising conditions are ideal and charters are most popular. For example, some destinations have a summer season like the Mediterranean, while others are winter charter season destinations (like the Caribbean).

But you might be wondering: How long is a yacht charter season?

Both summer and winter chart seasons last roughly six months. Yet, within each season there are also “high,” “low” and “shoulder” seasons. In both summer and winter, “high” or peak charter season – the time when chartering is most popular – lasts just 2-3 months.

Wondering when you might plan your next charter? We’re taking a closer look at yacht charter seasons to show you how long they are, how seasons differ by region, and when peak charter season is.

Summer Yacht Charter Season

The Mediterranean is the world’s most popular summer yacht charter destination. The region’s beautiful temperate climate offers ideal conditions during the summer months, and hotspots like Cannes and the French Riviera, Italy, and Croatia beckon charter guests from around the world.

How long is the summer charter season?

Summer charter season in the Mediterranean begins in late-April and runs through mid-September. Summer in the Mediterranean not only brings warm, sunny weather; it’s also known for its many cultural affairs, like the Cannes Film Festival, the club season in Ibiza, and food and art festivals along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Throughout the Mediterranean, peak charter season is just two months: July and August. Many yachts are fully booked during the peak season, and rates climb by about 10%.

Alternatively, New England in the U.S. is another popular summer destination, yet the season is a bit shorter: from mid-June through August, with the high season running from mid-July to mid-August.

Popular summer charter destinations:

If you’re looking for a summer charter destination, spots throughout the Mediterranean offer respite from the heat and humidity. Top destination for summer yacht charters include:

French Riviera Known for its cosmopolitan beach clubs and rustic charms, the French Riviera – including Cannes, Monaco and Corsica – offer ideal summer cruising conditions. The French charter season mirrors most of the Mediterranean, but generally starts a bit later, in mid-May and runs through September. The summer season coincides with many events popular with charter guests, including the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Italy With numerous charter regions, including Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Riviera, Italy might be the world’s most popular destination for summer charters. Italy offers a bit of everything: Excellent cuisine and wine, historic sites to explore, and plenty of culture and nightlife. Italy’s charter season runs May through October.

Croatia Croatia – and its numerous islands – make an ideal summer destination, thanks to cool breezes off the Adriatic and its warm sapphire waters. Throughout the season, Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar all beckon charter guests, who escape to Croatia’s sparkling beaches, and upscale, historic ports of call. Dubrovnik, the historic walled city, is a popular charter destination in the summer, and it hosts numerous festivals throughout the charter season.

Greece Sun-soaked Greece is home to nearly 10,000 miles of coastline, along with beautiful islands like Santorini. In the summer months, Greece offers plenty for charter guests to experience, including beautiful beaches, UNESCO sites, and excellent cuisine like moussaka and Restina wine. Greece’s charter season is a bit longer: from April through October.

Spain Spain’s Balearic Islands are a legendary summer season destination, thanks to the all-night clubs of Ibiza and the islands’ sun-soaked beaches. Spend a night clubbing in Ibiza, or explore neighboring Formentera, known for its natural landscapes and hiking trails. Majorca is another must-see island, known for its historic churches, swank beach clubs, and world-class dining.

New England From the coast of Maine, to Newport, R.I. and Martha’s Vineyard, the tranquil ports along the East Coast in the U.S. are perfect for summer charters. The destination offers it all: Cosmopolitan villages, classic lighthouses, excellent golf, windswept beaches, and National Parks to explore. Looking for another summer destination in the U.S.? Consider Alaska, which is known for its glaciers and natural beauty.

Winter Charter Season

The Caribbean is a winter charter season mecca, as many escape the cold weather to the soak up the sun in the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, and the Grenadines. The Caribbean offers ideal cruising conditions throughout the winter months, including steady breezes (a must if you fancy a sailing charter), warm weather in the 70s and 80s, and hundreds of hidden beaches to explore.

Winter charter season is about six months long, and typically beings in late October, around the unofficial season kickoff, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and runs through March. Thailand, Tahiti and the Seychelles, and the South Pacific are also popular destinations for winter charters (and have a similar season to the Caribbean).

In the Caribbean, peak charter season is in late December, during the holidays, through March. The shoulder season in November and mid-December are popular as well and offer fewer crowds and reduced prices.

Popular winter charter destinations:

Winter charter destinations offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty to do and explore. If you’re considering a winter yacht charter, you might choose to travel to:

The Virgin Islands Both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are some of the most visited islands during the winter season. Known for their laid-back island vibes, incredible sailing, snorkeling and diving, the Virgin Islands are perfect for an adventurous, island-hopping winter yacht charter.

Tahiti Tahiti has fast become one of the most popular charter destinations in the South Pacific, and it offers the ultimate in privacy and natural beauty. With islands like Bora Bora and Moorea, as well as black sand beaches, French Polynesia is the perfect destination for escaping the cold to snorkel, dive, hike and enjoy the beach.

Thailand Thailand’s beautiful islands and tropical coast offer the best in winter chartering. Thailand is perfect for snorkeling and island hopping, Full Moon parties and lazy beach days. The destination’s tropical climate, making for perfect winter charter conditions.

Turks & Caicos Upscale, yet unpretentious, Turks & Caicos – which is comprised of seven main islands, and more than 40 uninhabited cays and islets – is an ideal destination or winter snorkeling. The island’s beautiful coral reefs teem with colorful fish, rays, turtles, and sharks throughout the winter months.

Year-round Charter Destinations

Some destinations offer chartering year-round. For example, Florida is one of the most popular destinations, no matter the time of year.

The Bahamas With hundreds of islands to explore, there’s a new adventure around every corner in the Bahamas. Two of the region’s most popular charter destinations, Nassau (with its excellent golf courses, numerous beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere) and the Exumas (a stretch of beautiful islands), offer chances for R&R and adventures like swimming with pigs and sharks, cliff-diving, and snorkeling.

Miami & The Florida Keys Miami and the Florida Keys offer excellent cruising conditions throughout the year. The peak season in Florida is generally mid-December through March, yet a variety of luxury crewed charters in any month.

Want to learn more about the best charter seasons around the globe? Contact your charter broker with Worldwide Boat to learn more.

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Yacht Charter Seasons: Where Can I go and When?

14th jun 2021 by rightboat team.

The world is bursting with incredible yacht charter destinations, from the ever-popular Mediterranean and Caribbean, to the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, North America and beyond. Being presented with this dazzling array of golden beaches and picturesque coastlines makes it hard to choose where to go, but you can narrow it down by charter season. Figuring out yacht charter seasons can be a bit tricky, as they are classified not just as summer and winter, but high and low too.

Here we will take a look at the seasons and which destinations are best for a family yacht charter to help you choose your next holiday at sea. 

Yacht charter seasons defined.

Summer and winter seasons last around six months each, with the summer yacht charter season stretching from April/May through to early October, and the winter season running from November through to April. The weather is the most obvious factor in determining the best sailing or boating seasons, but low and high seasons within those periods play an important role too.

High and low seasons – also referred to as peak or off-peak seasons – focus on busier and quieter times in the yachting calendar. For example, Christmas and New Year mark high season points during winter, when demand is high, availability limited and prices sometimes higher. Likewise, the hurricane season of the Caribbean is an example of low season, when boats hunker down for a few weeks and allow the storms to pass over. In the Mediterranean, July and August are bursting at the seams, and mark the high point of the summer season. 

While smaller charter boats will usually be located in one place, and you can therefore charter them out of season if you choose, you can expect larger charter yachts such as superyachts to move from one region of the world to another as they follow the better weather. So if you have your heart set on a particular yacht, ask the broker for its annual charter itinerary. 

Shoulder Seasons

Shoulder seasons are a great way to make the most of temperate climates, fewer crowds, lower prices and more availability. They refer to the period either side of the high season, so in summer would be April and October, and in winter November and March, and offer fantastic opportunities for a budget yacht charter. As mentioned, larger yachts may have moved on to new cruising destinations by this point, but smaller boats or those who are locally-based will be able to offer less stifling weather, quiet anchorages and marinas, less demand for boats and discounted prices. 

Chartering a yacht out of season

Seasons have been long-established for a reason, but that isn’t to say you can’t charter out of season. We’ve taken a look at shoulder seasons, and your best bet is to stick as close to those as possible, but you’ll find boats at any time of the year. Keep in mind however that you’re choosing a time when the weather might not be favourable – rain or cold weather can put a downer on activities for example – or you struggle to find attractions and restaurants open. In off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Alaska, ice might hinder access to and from marinas, or strong winds such as the hurricanes which pass through the Caribbean from June to November might make cruising uncomfortable or impossible. 

Summer Season Charter Destinations

The Mediterranean is the golden girl of summer yachting destinations, with tantalizing coasts, ancient cities, beautiful islands and rich culture at every turn. From the glamour of the French Riviera and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, to the beauty of the Balearic and Croatian islands, it is the yachting capital of the world. But the Mediterranean isn’t the only summer destination worth visiting, with North America, the America’s and South Pacific on the list too. 

1. Mediterranean summer yachting destinations: Greece, Italy, Croatia, Balearic, Sardinia, French Riviera and Turkey.

2. North European summer yachting destinations: Consider northern European countries during the long summer days, where the UK, Norway, Sweden and the Baltic Sea offer up spectacular natural beauty, midnight sun, vast archipelagos and wild coasts. 

3. Alaska: Alaska’s wild lands, remote bays and bountiful wildlife make it one of the most adventure-filled destinations in the world. The summer months, with their long days and milder weather conditions, make for the best time to visit the gargantuan national parks, crashing glaciers and see once-in-a-lifetime wildlife.  

Winter Season Charter Destinations

The Caribbean is the focus of the winter yachting season, with St Barts, St Martin, the Virgin Islands and Bahamas the tip of the iceberg of what this island-spattered region has to offer. Yet think further afield too, and there are some dazzling destinations waiting for you.

1. Caribbean winter yachting destinations: Whether you opt for the pink sand beaches of the Bahamas, the perfect sailing conditions of the Leeward Islands, or the glamour of St Barts, you’ll find it in the Caribbean. From Jamaica’s legendary culture to the Dutch Antilles and Grenadines, there are corners of solitude, remote islands and lively beaches to discover. 

2. The America’s winter yachting destinations: Mexico and Florida share the same Caribbean waters but offer a completely different vibe for a yacht charter. Explore the flamboyant Florida Keys or venture along the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico in search of ancient ruins and wildlife-filled rainforests. 

3. South Pacific winter yachting destinations: There are few places dreamier than the South Pacific. Emerald-topped islands, golden atolls and fish-laden turquoise seas beg exploration, whether it’s a family holiday, romantic getaway or once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Countries such as Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea offer virtually year-round charter opportunities the winter months are the driest and offer the most favourable conditions. Try scuba diving, climb hidden waterfalls or get to know the local communities of these far-flung islands. 

4. Indian Ocean winter yachting destinations: The Seychelles and Maldives offer some of the most sublime cruising destinations on the planet, their iridescent waters teeming with marine life and their beaches powder white. Sri Lanka has a rich history and national parks filled with wildlife, while Mauritius’ underwater world is a maze of colourful coral reefs. 

When to book a yacht charter

If you’re planning on chartering a yacht in the peak season, book early! As with anything where demand is high, the sooner you get your deposit paid the better. Out of the peak times, you may be able to secure a more last-minute charter at a discounted price (see our article on How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Boat? ). As a general rule, you’ll want to allow 10-12 months in advance during peak times, and three to six months in advance for low season charters. But be sure to get in touch with us at Rightboat.com at any time of the year as we have boats all over the world waiting to be chartered and connections with all the top boat operators. We won’t leave you high and dry. 

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Written By: Rightboat Team

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• Yacht Charter
• Destinations

From the vibrant burst of vitality in spring to the sun-drenched escapades of summer, the tranquil charm of fall, and the versatile wonders of winter, each season crafts a distinctive panorama for yachting enthusiasts, promising a spectrum of experiences for charter aficionados. Join us as we navigate through top destinations, discovering the perfect retreats for every season, and unraveling the secrets of year-round yacht chartering. Ready to set sail into a world of possibilities? Let the voyage begin!

BEST CHARTER DESTINATIONS IN APRIL

Spring heralds the yacht charter season with a burst of vitality. As nature awakens, the maritime world follows suit, offering crisp breezes and moderate temperatures. Springtime chartering allows for the joy of blooming landscapes and uncrowded waters, providing a serene escape.

Embarking on the quest for the perfect spring break retreat, The Bahamas and the Caribbean reign supreme. A tapestry of numerous islands awaits exploration, adorned with scenes that evoke awe. For those yearning for a harmonious blend of relaxation and vibrant nightlife, South Florida emerges as the quintessential destination for unforgettable yacht charters. Shifting the gaze to the Mediterranean, Turkey takes the spotlight with its early warmth. Ideal for an early-season yacht charter, by May, the air temperature reaches a blissful 23°C. Enchanting with ancient ruins, coastal vistas, and a juxtaposition of lively towns and tranquil anchorages, Turkey glistens at its finest in the embrace of spring. A bespoke maritime haven beckons, promising an unparalleled experience for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Check yachts available for charter

Summer unfolds its sun-drenched invitation, luring adventurers to embark on journeys beneath the embrace of azure skies. This high season opens doors to a spectrum of vibrant destinations, from the glamorous ports of the Mediterranean to the understated luxury of New England . With extended daylight and warm evenings, summer becomes synonymous with opulent yacht charters, tailor-made for those in pursuit of a seamless blend of relaxation and excitement. 

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION

Yacht charter takes on a distinct charm with mild fall temperatures. The vibrant transformation of foliage crafts a picturesque backdrop for seafarers. Fall invites revel in the beauty of secluded coves and savour the final moments of warmth before winter's embrace. For those yearning to extend the Mediterranean summer, Turkey and Greece stand as ideal destinations. By fall, safely beyond the hurricane season, the southern hemisphere becomes again a superb luxury charter vacation. Fall also invites seafarers to uncover new charter destinations. The Seychelles showcase peak weather conditions, offering an exquisite maritime experience. In the canvas of October, opportunities for far-flung adventures abound. Whether navigating the pristine Whitsundays or immersing in the wonders of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, this month becomes a gateway to unparalleled maritime explorations! Fall stands as a prime moment to set sail into the unknown, where each journey becomes a chapter in the charterer's own maritime odyssey.

TOP WINTER CHARTER DESTINATIONS

Winter's charm lies in its versatility. While some may seek the sun-soaked delights of the Caribbean, others may opt for the snow-capped fjords of Northern Europe. Winter yacht charters offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to both sun-seekers and those enchanted by the magic of winter wonderlands. Whether it's a tropical escape or a snowy adventure, winter opens doors to a world of maritime possibilities.

Where should you go? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for.. Let your maritime odyssey unfold, one unforgettable charter at a time.  Contact us  to plan your spring yacht charter vacation!

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Charter Forecast: Top Tips For The Winter 2020 Charter Season

Image courtesy of Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina.

As this year’s winter charter season kicks off, experts from the superyacht industry share their advice and top tips for 2020/2021 charters.

A Slow Start

Unsurprisingly, brokers have noticed that travel restrictions have made clients more hesitant to book far ahead in advance for this winter season.  But this could mean greater choice for charterers eager to get out on the water. 

Senior charter manager at Ocean Independence , Daphne D’Offay, has noticed that “clients seem to be taking more time to commit” although “the current level of interest is quite high for the holidays.”

Chief commercial officer at Northrop & Johnson , Cromwell Littlejohn, has seen bookings start to roll in “a few months later than usual” but the season could still turn out considerably better than summer 2020, as brokers from Merle Wood , Burgess , YPI and Denison agree. Littlejohn also confirmed that the “shoulder seasons” in the fall and spring, as well as the Thanksgiving holiday, have seen a greater interest than previous years.

Fly Private

For optimal ease and added privacy for health and safety measures, brokers from Bluewater and Burgess propose flying private. “A good way to ensure flexibility is to fly privately where possible so adjustments can be easily made if required”, suggest Burgess experts Craig Cohen and Biance Nestor.

To further facilitate private jet travel for charter clients, Camper & Nicholsons have partnered with VistaJet airlines to launch a new Jet-to-Yacht service.  Speaking about the partnership, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons Paolo Casani commented: “Our mission is to give our clients the safest travel experience while enjoying life aboard some of the world’s most stunning yachts. We are delighted to have a partner, VistaJet, that supports our mission in creating the most exclusive and safest way of travelling, hassle free.”

Flexibility is Key

Brokers have agreed that clients should remain flexible in case restrictions cause a charter to be postponed. Although charter yachts and their crew can respond adeptly to last minute changes, Burgess' Cohen and Nestor suggest, “keeping an open mind with regards to your itinerary” as “each island has their own protocols for entry which can change anytime in response to the climate.” Agne Pavia from YPI recommends that “different scenarios are considered when signing the agreement. Should the virus prevent guests from travelling, have a plan B agreed with the yacht.”

Above all, industry experts stress that charterers should ensure a cancellation addendum is included in the contract. “We have spent a lot of time perfecting our COVID-19 addendums ensuring that our clients are not exposing themselves to potential loss due to cancellation” says Northrop & Johnson’s Littlejohn, with experts from Bluewater adding that working with a qualified charter broker from a reputable brokerage firm will ensure clients' finances are protected in case of cancellation.

As expected, Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, St. Barths and the Leeward Islands are looking to be hotspots this season as charterers and owners look to escape the cold and soak up some winter sun. However, some destinations in more remote locations have been receiving greater attention over the last few months as well. 

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CHARTER SEASONS - Yacht Charters Global

How Long Is Yacht Charter Season?

By understanding how long yacht charter season is, you can properly plan for your next yacht charter vacation. Here is everything you need to know.

Charter season is the time of year that’s best for renting a yacht for vacations. That is also when most of the charter companies in the world are operating. Typically, there are two yacht charter seasons . That includes the summer season and the winter season.

The summer season runs from the beginning of May until the end of October, while the winter one commences in November to April. However, there are a few exceptions to these time zones, depending on where you are. Some countries will have a shorter season, while others will have a longer one.

Whether you are looking for a one-off charter, a regular source of income, or something in between, signing up for a yacht charter is a great way to enjoy a fun holiday. Keep in mind the best time to sign up for a yacht charter is during the pre-season and up to a week or two before the scheduled start date.

Yacht Charter Seasons

Yacht charter seasons are usually dictated by the water and weather conditions in the area where the yacht is stationed. Many things can affect the onset and duration of a season, including natural disasters, local preferences, and even politics.

According to experts who deal in yacht charters worldwide, other factors can influence when a yacht charter season starts and ends. These include the building seasons from one year to another. Some companies will use up their existing inventory before beginning operations with new boats or newly acquired boats.

Other charter companies will decide to start the business after a particular boat has been on a lease, while others may stop because they have not found an appropriate boat for their clientele to use.

Based on all these factors, you can see how long each season can be and what best fits your needs during each season. If you are planning, it is advisable to book a vessel before it becomes fully booked. If you opt for something last-minute, you will have fewer options and may need to compromise on your choices or settle for something that is not exactly what you want or need.

What Are Shoulder Seasons In Yachting?

The middle point of a season is called the shoulder season. That consists of the time between high and low seasons and between low and high seasons. It can come during a particular season, such as early summer or late spring. It could run from September to October and April to May in some countries.

A good number of yacht charters may already be booked by then, while other companies may still have availability depending on the operators and their business goals.

However, this is also true for the other end of the season, when the peak season ends or just before it ends, with most companies trying to clear out some of their inventory. That is in order to make room for new inventory coming in for the new season.

Depending on your needs for a vessel, this could be an ideal time to book one since there are choices but not so many that you will find it difficult to choose one from among them.

That said, this shoulder season doesn’t last long; therefore, you need to plan, or you might find yourself having problems getting the ideal yacht. If you’re planning on booking a San Diego yacht charter , booking your charter in May or June will be your best bet, because as the summer continues, your choice of dates will get smaller and smaller.

Can I Charter Out Of Season?

Yes, it is possible to charter out of season. However, that will translate to fewer options for chartering a yacht than getting one during the high or peak seasons. During peak seasons, there are many more choices available for you to choose.

You might also encounter problems getting crew members for the vessel, especially if you want to make longer sea trips. In other words, book early and be aware of what kind of season this is so that it won’t take you by surprise. You don’t want to arrive at your destination and find out that no one is available to go with your group on this particular trip since they all have assignments elsewhere.

Also, keep in mind that the reason why there are seasons is because of the general weather conditions. Peak yacht charter seeason is when the weather is best, which also means demand is highest.

How Long Is A Yacht Charter?

Some companies offer week-long blocks or ten days. However, if you have the time and resources, you can charter for several weeks, a month, or even two.

The minimum number of days for a yacht charter typically varies between two and four. Most choose to book their charter for a week. The average cruise with a week-long charter will cost approximately $15,000.

Most companies charge around $15,000 per week, and the price is dependent on the type of yacht and its equipment. A luxury yacht in a premium location could cost up to almost $50,000 per week! The good news is there ar emany charter companies that charge far less than that, and you can look up different locations and yacht sizes that always show their pricing.

The Bottom Line

Understanding how long yacht charter season is in the destination of your choice is critical for planning. Booking in the middle of peak season will be more expensive and give you far fewer options than booking a few months ahead of the season.

Yachting has become extremely popular over the past decade, especially since the launch of Beelow Deck, a famous reality tv series that shows off the yacthing experience.

Our advice is to do your research in the off season and book early to give yourself the best options and pricing available in the market.

To learn even more about renting a yacht in San Diego, please visit our articles page!

Is your yacht winter-ready?

If you’re leaving your yacht for the winter season, it’s vital to ensure your yacht is prepared for the harsh winter weather. Otherwise, you could find that it’s severely damaged when you return in the spring. 

At Reinschiff, our team has decades of experience on superyachts, so we understand how to keep your yacht safe and secure over the winter.

Ask our experts to carry out a free winter check on your yacht, or find out how to do it yourself using the checklist below. 

Your pre-departure checklist

Here are some of the key checks you should make before you leave to ensure the safety of your yacht: 

Mooring Lines:

Are your ground and mooring lines in good condition? 

Are there any additional ground lines available?

If you’re using a spring, is it supported with a chain or line?

Are your fenders fully inflated? 

Are they hanging in the right position according to the neighbouring vessel?

Are they tied to railings and cleats with a clove hitch and a half hitch? 

In case your ground line breaks, do you have fenders on the dock or stern of your yacht?

Water damage prevention: 

Are all of your hatches, sea cocks and portholes closed?

Have you tested your bilge pumps and alarms?

Are all the deck and locker drains fully functioning?

Fire safety: 

Have you tested your smoke detectors?

Are your fire extinguishers easily accessible and in the locations stated on your safety plan?

If you have fire hydrants on board, are all the valves operational? Is there any sign of corrosion?

Are all of your fire extinguishers holding the right pressure?

Shore power and batteries: 

Is your shore power cable in good condition?

Is your battery charger working properly?

Emergency measures: 

Give a set of keys and a remote for the passerelle to the dockmaster for access in the event of an emergency.

Keep the breakers of your capstans on so they are operational should they be needed to tighten mooring lines. 

Maintenance:

Have you arranged for someone to regularly check your boat to ensure it stays safe and secure throughout the winter?

Not got time to carry out these checks yourself? We’re offering a free, no-obligation winter check for yachts in Southwest Mallorca - request yours today . 

Don't leave your yacht unattended

No matter how many checks you carry out before you leave, you must also ensure that you have provisions in place to protect your boat throughout the winter period.

With Reinschiff’s Guardianage service, you can rest assured that your yacht will be safe all winter under our team’s watchful, experienced eyes. We will:

Visit your yacht weekly or fortnightly, depending on your preferences  

Report back to you (with photos) every time we visit  

Carry out ongoing maintenance to keep your yacht running smoothly

To find out more about our Guardianage service, email us at [email protected] .

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New Options for Winter Yacht Charter

• By Yachting Staff
• December 13, 2023

With the winter yacht charter season about to kick into high gear in the Bahamas and Caribbean, several top management companies have welcomed notable motoryachts into their fleets.

Perhaps the largest yacht in this category is Samsara , a 290-foot Oceanco that recently joined the Y.CO charter fleet. Brokers are now accepting inquiries for winter charters in the Bahamas and Caribbean (and for summer 2024 bookings in Greenland and Iceland) at a lowest weekly base rate of $1.1 million.

Samsara is a 2015 build that most recently was refitted in 2023, with accommodations for 12 guests in seven staterooms. This yacht has a private owners’ deck, swimming pool, gymnasium, massage room and hair salon, along with an elevator for guest use. “Her seven-cabin layout is ideal for multigenerational groups or two families traveling together,” says David Price of Y.CO Charter Management. “It offers the flexibility to suit many kinds of charter groups.”

Meanwhile, over at Edmiston, two notable yachts have joined the charter fleet.

First is Wayfinder , 223-foot powercat that Astilleros Armon built in 2021. This yacht has an unusual layout, with 11 en suite staterooms (nine singles and two with twin berths) for 12 guests, along with quarters for 20 crew. It can be booked as either its own charter yacht or as a support vessel for more traditional charter yachts.

Wayfinder has an open aft deck with a helipad that doubles as a pickleball court. This yacht also has belowdecks storage for six tenders and four Sea-Doos. The lowest base rate to book a week in the Caribbean is $300,000, with inquiries also being accepted for the Mediterranean and other destinations in summer 2024.

Also new to the Edmiston charter fleet is the 164-foot Home , a 2017 Heesen that will be in the Bahamas this winter at a lowest weekly base rate of $245,000.

Home accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, and charters with nine crew. Interiors are by Cristiano Gatto—Edmiston describes them as “crisp, light-filled and Ibiza-inspired.” For outdoor fun, the complement of tenders and toys includes a 34-foot Jupiter towed tender, a 21-foot Williams jet tender that can reportedly hit 35 knots, Sea-Doos, standup paddleboards, skis, inflatables, snorkeling gear and scuba equipment.

And, last but not least, IYC has added the 162-foot Christensen Remember When to the charter fleet, with bookings available this winter in the Bahamas at a lowest weekly base rate of $230,000. It’s a 2011 build that was most recently refitted in 2020, with accommodations for 12 guests in six staterooms. An elevator services all four decks, and the full-beam main-deck master has a private office.

Is it too early to call for summer 2024 yacht charter bookings? Nope. In fact, IYC also just welcomed the 90-foot Sanlorenzo SAL to the charter fleet. It’s a brand-new build for 2023 that’s currently accepting bookings for the West Mediterranean, Croatia and Montenegro in summer 2024.

Take the next step: head over to y.co , edmiston.com or iyc.com

• More: Bahamas , Caribbean , Charter , Christensen , Cruising & Chartering , Edmiston , Heesen , Heesen Yachts , IYC , Oceanco , Y.CO
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The Sailing Seasons Around the World (with Map)

Knowing the sailing seasons around the world help you to plan your trip well. I've made a list of sailing conditions around the world, so you know where to go when.

The sailing season dates for popular destinations:

• The Caribbean: midwinter and early summer (December - January or March - June)
• The Mediterranean: April - October, although the winter is fine as well
• Australia: May - October
• UK: throughout the year
• South Pacific: mostly May - October

But there's more to sailing seasons than just a fixed date. You really have to learn to decide on a day-to-day and year-to-year basis what the best time to go is.

In this article, I'll give you the rough timeframe for the most popular destinations, and after that, I'll dive a little deeper into the different things that make up the conditions of a sailing season. Oh, and cyclone season and hurricane season are one and the same thing - read on to learn why.

On this page:

Sailing seasons for different destinations, details on the caribbean season, details on the mediterranean season, understanding sailing seasons, what's a sailing season, hurricane's and cyclones, trade winds, related questions.

How Long Does it Take to Sail Around the World?

The Mediterranean - The Mediterranean doesn't really have a storm season, although the weather is most unsettled in late summer when the water and land temperature is highest and the air temperatures drop. This causes unsettled weather. I'll go into more detail on the conditions in the Meds below.

How Long Does it Take to Cross the Mediterranean Sea by Boat?

Croatia - Croatia's sailing season can be limited by the Bora, a North Eastern wind gust coming in from Russia, which can reach hurricane strength. It is strongest in winter. The Bora is a katabatic wind, which means it's a high-pressure wind that comes crashing into the Adriatic Sea through the force of gravity.

United Kingdom - The UK doesn't really have a sailing season, but the racing season runs from Spring - Autumn. But you can sail the coast throughout the year.

Baltic Sea - The Baltic has a short sailing season of 3 months, with extra long days and smooth water. The water, however, is very cold, especially in the first month (June) of the season.

North Atlantic Ocean - The North Atlantic has an active hurricane season running from June to December, with its peak around September. Around January, trade winds are at their best. If you want to know more about the Atlantic crossing, you should definitely read my previous article here. It explains the routes and distance, and the best time to go.

It takes just 2-3 weeks to cross the Atlantic . For a map with the route and some really good tips on how to make use of the trade winds, read my article on the Atlantic crossing here (new tab).

Caribbean - The Caribbean is said to have two seasons: April and November. These are the dryest and hottest months. The peak season is however around Christmas. I'll go into more detail on the conditions in the Caribbean below.

Here's the Best Time to Sail the Caribbean (3 Tips)

British Virgin Islands (BVI) - The calmest period weather-wise is around the winter. The temperatures are moderate, and the winds are moderate. But it will probably rain a little every day - although it's rare to get a full day of rain. This is also peak time, so it's the most crowded and expensive period. Early summer is also a great period since it's a little less crowded and expensive. Temperatures are hot, with light air (less wind than in winter).

Florida - Thunderstorms with heavy winds in the hurricane season. In the summer, nice, moderate winds (5 - 10 knots) with hot and humid weather. A lot of (very big) mosquitoes on the eastern shore locations.

The Best Time of Year to Boat from Florida to Bahamas

Sea of Cortez - The Sea of Cortez sailing season is roughly from November till April, but the peak season is from January to March. Summer, from July - September, is very warm in this area, resulting in storm season at the end of summer.

San Francisco Bay - The sailing weather for the San Francisco Bay area is best around autumn. The weather is clean, with light, predictable winds. Spring is also nice, with good temperatures and visibility. The summer can provide choppy waters, with bad visibility. Fog clouds spread over the bay area, and the winds get unpredictable. There isn't a real storm season here, but there can be an occasional thunderstorm.

For tips on how to sail from California to Hawaii , read my Sailing Guide: California to Hawaii here (new tab).

Northeast Pacific - The Northeast Pacific is the stretch of ocean between Mexico and Hawaii. One of the most active areas in the hurricane season worldwide. Avoid between June - October.

What's the Best Time to Sail Across the Pacific?

Northwest Pacific - The waters surrounding Guam are more likely to be hit by storms from July - December. The Northwest Pacific has a lot of tropical storms, so I recommend to avoid these waters in the hurricane season.

South Pacific - Best time to sail in the South Pacific is from May - October when there are little storms and the weather is settled.

French Polynesia - Full cyclones rarely hit the islands of French Polynesia. The South Pacific doesn't have many strong cyclones.

Australia - The waters North of Australia are prone to cyclones in the season (November - March), from 12 - 25 degrees. There aren't many cyclones outside this area, and if there are, they are almost always well predicted. The waters South of Australia are almost entirely cyclone-free.

Sailing from Australia to New Zealand (time, route, tips)

New Zealand - Practically hurricane-free.

North Indian Ocean - This ocean doesn't have an official cyclone season, but most storms do form between May and November. 2018 was the most active season since 1992, with 7 cyclonic storms. The best sailing time is during the North East monsoon when the weather is cooler and settled, and the winds are lighter and more predictable.

South Indian Ocean - The most cyclones in the South Indian Ocean usually occur between December - March, but this region is notorious for cyclones outside the season.

Thailand - Thailand has two seasons and no real hurricane season: the dry season (North East monsoon), which runs from May - September, and the wet season (South West monsoon), which runs from October - April. In the dry season, winds are usually stable, come from the Northeast and blow at force 2 - 4. The weather is dry and hot, with an average temperature of 30° C or 85° F. During the South West monsoon, the winds are a bit stronger (roughly 7-8 knots), making for more challenging sailing. Although Thailand doesn't have an official hurricane season, the change of storms increases in the monsoon season (South West monsoon).

Planning a long cruise? I've compiled a list of the most common changes and essentials for ocean passages. Make sure to read my 41 Sailboat Cruising Essentials for Long Trips here (new tab).

Why Does the Season Matter?

You can absolutely sail outside the season, but taking the hurricane season into account will make your sailing experience just generally better. Everything gets easier. You are much less likely to encounter critical situations. Planning your trip according to the seasons will make your trip safer and more comfortable.

So I recommend not sailing outside the season, unless you know what you're doing - and are experienced as a sailor and in weather forecasting.

• General sailing season: Early summer - May 1 - July 30
• Peak season: Last week of December - First week of January
• Temperatures are mild, weather is a bit unsettled, 25-knot winds not uncommon
• Hurricane season: August - September

Best time to go

Although most people will say that the best season to visit the Caribbean is winter, I disagree. Many sailors say that early summer is a great period in the Caribbean. Also, the threat of tropical storms is very much overrated and gets overhyped by the media. Anchorages at the leeward side of the island tend to be pretty well-protected.

May to Late July seems to be a great period to sail the Caribbean. The winds are calmer, the seas smoother, and although the masses like to go to the Caribbean the week after Christmas / before New Year's Eve, it's not the best period. Wind's are known to blow 25 knots throughout the winter period, which is great fun for a day or two, but I can imagine it gets uncomfortable at anchorage pretty quickly.

It's just the best place to be for winter, compared to other sailing regions - but the Caribbean waters are better in early summer, so in my mind, that's the real sailing season.

• General sailing season: Late May - Early October
• Hurricane season: Aug - Sep
• Peak season: Mid July - Late August

The peak season is very busy in the Meds, although there's plenty of places to go and avoid the crowds. It's also the hottest: temperatures may rise to over 35 degrees Celcius (or 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The European West Meds and Adriatic become expensive and very crowded.

The sailing season is a couple of weeks shorter for northern regions. So the northern sailing season runs from Mid April - Mid September :

• France Riviera
• Northern Ionian Sea
• Adriatic Sea

Like in the Caribbean, the peak season of sailing is actually not the best time to be there. I'm not really sure why everybody gets over there in a frenzy in a six-week period. It's so crowded and very expensive. The weather is so hot it's sometimes uncomfortable. I remember one particular summer in early August when I was in Italy; mid-day, temperatures almost reached 40 degrees Celcius (or 104 degrees Fahrenheit). It was insanely hot. An Italian friend kept telling me it was the worst time of year.

Locals all seemed to agree that spring was the best time to be in and around Italy. I agree. The temperatures are mild, really comfortable. True, the waters can be quite cold then, so maybe wait until early summer to go swimming and the like.

Late spring and early summer have a couple of advantages:

• not very crowded
• actual berths available
• a lot of places are less expensive, especially the Italian, and Croatian coast and Greece
• fresh fruit available everywhere
• mild temperatures and good weather

Mediterranean hurricanes are often smaller than full-fledged hurricanes, because the water temperature is a lot cooler throughout the year, making the difference in air temperature and water temperature smaller.

Med. Hurricane's are sometimes called Medicanes. On average, they are about half the size of hurricanes. They create wind speeds of up to 40 - 80 mph (in comparison, a hurricane can easily reach up to 75+ mph.)

They are subtropical storms and not hurricane strength, although they sometimes do reach hurricane strength.

The hotspots for hurricane's in the Meds are the Western Med between Spain and Sardinia and Corsica, and the Ionian Sea, south-east of Malta.

Before you plan any trip, it's important to have a basic understanding of the sailing seasons. Luckily it isn't rocket science and if you understand some basic concepts, it gets way easier to understand weather patterns.

The sailing seasons are usually pretty reliable and don't vary a lot. Knowing the averages gives you a rough estimation and guideline for trip planning. But sometimes even these averages are way off base. The start date of the hurricane season differs every year. For example, in 1938 the North-Atlantic hurricane season started on January 3 instead of June 1.

So it's important to know your stuff and always check the forecasts. You have to be able to determine the season yourself and to do this you need to understand the different factors that make up the sailing season. Every sailor should be able to determine himself/herself when the best time to go is.

So let's dive deeper into what makes up the sailing season and how to call it.

So what exactly is a sailing season? A sailing season is a timeframe in which a certain sea is known to have the best possible conditions for sailing. In this period the water is calm, the winds are reliable, the temperatures are good, and the weather forecast is reliable. The weather is settled - and big surprises are unlikely.

There are several things that decide when the sailing season is. The most important is the number storms you can expect.

Factors that determine the sailing season:

• Winds and storms
• Temperatures
• Reliability of weather forecast in certain periods

If all of these conditions are good, you're good to go. If the weather forecast isn't reliable, it's probably not a great idea to go far out. The Meds are known for unreliable forecasts. This doesn't mean the authorities are not competent, but when the weather in the Meds is unsettled, it can simply change very rapidly. Knowing this helps you to take down a reef or find safe harbor in time.

Here's a map of the sailing seasons per region:

How do hurricanes form? Hurricanes form when the temperature difference of water between the poles and the equator is at its highest, which is in the summer. They form around the equator, where this difference is the largest. The term hurricane is only used in the Northern Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. The scientific term is a 'tropical cyclone'.

Hurricane season is (roughly speaking):

• July - October in the northern hemisphere
• December - April in the southern hemisphere

The hurricane season simply is the period where the worst and most storms will occur.

But this doesn't mean that there are no major storms outside the season. You should always be aware of weather forecasts, even in the hurricane low season.

Here's a map of the hurricanes between 1985–2005:

If you want to understand sailing seasons, it's super important to understand a little bit about how wind works. Especially with bluewater sailing, the wind is one of the most important factors that dictate when and where you'll be able to go.

The trade winds are created by the rising hot air around the equator, which then moves towards the poles, cools off, and comes down again. This permanent circulation of air creates steady and reliable winds which are called the trade winds. Near the poles, these winds are generally westerly (they blow from the west) and near the equator, they are generally easterly (they blows from the east).

Here's a map of the trade winds:

Knowing these wind directions will help you to plan ocean passages more effectively.

How long does it take to sail across Pacific? It takes between 30 - 40 days to cross the Pacific, depending on your port of departure and arrival. It's about 4,000 nautical miles, which is roughly twice as long as the Atlantic crossing. The Pacific crossing is one of the longest ocean crossings possible.

What's the difference between a cyclone and a hurricane? The difference between a cyclone and a hurricane is the location of the storm. Hurricanes' are tropical storms that occur in the Northern hemisphere, while 'cyclones' occur in the southern hemisphere. In the Northwestern Pacific, the term typhoon is also used.

hmm, you need to improve your wording and your limitations on the Australian east coast. Its not ‘south of’ or ‘north of’ Australia. In the North of Australia, 12 to 25 degrees would cover it. Cyclones have been known outside this zone, but they are both rare and well predicted.

Thanks so much for your corrections. It’s always great to get first-hand information from somebody on the ground. I’ve updated the article to reflect your suggestions.

Hi Shawn, interesting articles. On Canary Islands in the Atlantic, one can sail the whole year. The weather is always good, good wind, no humidity, no rain, no cyclones. As the wind comes mostly from NE, it just isn’t always easy to sail back from the westerly islands to the easterly ones. We’ve already spent here 9 months before sailing to Cabo Verde. s/v Silkap www.svsilkap.com

Shawn Buckles

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a nice trip! - Tenerife is one of my favorite places on Earth - I’ve spent two weeks there a couple of years ago. (Your website looks good BTW).

Yeah, Tenerife is special with its highest mountain of Spain. We hope one day (very soon) you can travel full time. There are so many young people sailing around the world, so you have no excuses ;-)

Francisco J Ballesteros Corrales

Do you have an itinerary recomendation from Sea of Cortez to Japan. Season, route? I find info to Hawaii, but not much beyond, i dont know if there is a risk or restriction i do not know about. Great site!

I am having issues reconciling the season/hurricanes between the table and the map for the northpacific.

very informational. thanks. hartelijk bedanktell

I have to move my boat (sailboat 65’) from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2021. I like to obtain all the information possible for a safe trip. This includes seasonal weather windows, areas and ports to avoid, areas and ports to favor, Best routes after Panama to Florida, yelling inside (ICW) or outside north of the East Coast, etc. Are there any books, publications recommended to consult?

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How Long is Yacht Charter Season in the Caribbean?

Having a firm understanding of when the regional yacht charter seasons occur and how many months they last is beneficial for yacht owners and yacht management companies alike. You will have a better chance at anticipating the demand for your charter vessel and knowing which dates you can reserve for yacht maintenance or extended yard periods. Yacht crew placement and yacht concierge services are also aided by answering the question: how long is the Caribbean yacht charter season?

Caribbean Winter Cruising

The Caribbean yacht charter season starts around August and September and lasts throughout the autumn and winter months. Charter guests are seeking out the warmer weather and places like the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and plenty of other tropical paradises that provide the perfect escape.

Peak season in the Caribbean begins during mid-December and the winter holidays all the way to March. The months from April to July are considered the Caribbean’s shoulder season – the time between peak and non-peak times.

The Caribbean Yacht Charter Season

August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March

Hurricane season, which lasts from July to early October in this region, doesn’t hinder the Caribbean yacht charter season at all. However, yacht crew must stay aware of weather forecasts and charter prices are typically lower during these months.

Summer Season in “The Med”

The spring and summer months see a decrease in charters to the Caribbean. This is when the yacht charter season begins in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Charter guests and the jet-set elite go across the Atlantic Ocean to this region due to its temperate summer weather. However, not everyone goes east.

Sunshine & Warm Weather Year-Round

Since the Caribbean and even its neighboring places like the Florida Keys experience warm temperatures and moderate weather for almost all the months of the year, these destinations enjoy yacht charters year-round!

When you are developing your yacht’s charter schedule, be sure to reserve some dates for regular yacht maintenance services. At Yacht Management South Florida Inc., we offer premier yacht management and maintenance services on-site or on-location at our Fort Lauderdale marina. Call (954) 941-6447 or contact us today to learn more!

For all inquiries, fill out the form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Winter sailing: how to extend your cruising season

• Rachael Sprot
• November 3, 2022

Autumn and winter sailing can often provide some truly memorable days afloat. Rachael Sprot shares how to extend your cruising season

There's more to winter sailing than a warm coat, but the extra effort is often worth it. Credit: Richard Langdon Credit: Richard Langdon

Some people sail hundreds of miles to get away from it all. But wait a few weeks after August and ‘it all’ disappears of its own accord.

The jet skis go into hibernation, the showers are a haven of solitude and the stringent berthing regimes relax: it’s just the seals and the oystercatchers for company.

In many ways, off-season cruising is less stressful: the marinas are half empty and you’re not interrupted by a fleet of racers adamant that you should give way. But it’s also a pleasure in its own right.

Winter sailing: LED navigation lights also reduce power draw, but if you’re not swapping the bulbs, the colour may not be compatible with the lens. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The infinite variety of weather creates rewarding conditions, with blustery days followed by well-earned beers.

There are undoubtedly challenges involved in autumn, winter and spring sailing, but with the right skills and equipment you can extend your sailing time by several weeks at either side of the season.

Winter sailing: The weather

Understanding the weather is an essential thing to grasp when you’re planning a stint of out-of-season sailing.

There are four challenges to contend with as sailors: frontal depressions, cold polar air, low sea temperatures and fog .

Depending on whether you’re in the autumn, winter or spring their frequency will vary, but you need to be prepared for them at any point.

A warm front will signal high pressure giving way to a depression. Credit: Theo Stocker

The seasons are created by the sun’s annual migration from 23° south in mid-winter, to 23° north in mid-summer.

It’s an extraordinary journey covering almost 3,000 miles in six months. The sun drags the weather systems with it and the patterns we experience shift dramatically, giving us our seasons.

If we’re lucky, during the summer months the British Isles lie under the protective embrace of the Azores High, which is pushed north towards us.

It creates stable, dry weather which can be rather windless unless a sea breeze kicks in.

Frontal Depressions

As the sun slips back across the equator at the time of the autumnal equinox we must fend for ourselves against the trademark weather feature of the North Atlantic: frontal depressions.

These systems are generated on the boundary between two different types of air mass: cold, dry polar air and warm, wet maritime air.

The boundary forms two distinct fronts. The warm front is the leading edge of the low and brings a grizzly, grey day of drizzle and rain.

It precedes the warm sector, which is a wedge of maritime air that has infiltrated the surrounding polar air mass.

A cold front will bring rain and strong squalls. Credit: BAE Inc/Alamy Stock Photo

Behind the warm sector is the mighty cold front. Though more compact in stature than its sprawling warmer brother, it packs quite a punch.

Towering cumulonimbus clouds bring heavy, often thundery, downpours and gusty conditions.

Although it heralds the beginning of the end of the low pressure system this is often where the strongest winds are found.

This, combined with a marked veer in direction, makes for tricky conditions on the water.

Often a secondary low is spawned on the trailing edge of a cold front, perpetuating a cycle of unsettled conditions.

Although these systems are generally well forecast these days, it pays to take heed of synoptic charts.

Simon Rowell, meteorologist for the British Olympic Sailing team, explained that ‘the autumn is particularly unstable as it’s the time of year when sea temperatures are at their highest and it’s peak hurricane season in the Caribbean . Some of them will come our way as deep lows.’

Sea temperature

One of the most under-appreciated changes through the winter is sea temperature, both on a local and global scale.

‘The temperature difference between the poles and the equator increases dramatically through the winter months,’ explains Rowell. ‘This imbalance is a key driver and one of the reasons behind stronger trade winds and more heavy weather in the winter.’

On a more local scale, the temperature differential between the land and sea which creates summer sea breezes, weakens.

A windless day in the summer can become a Force 4 by early afternoon thanks to the convection created by rising temperatures on shore, but that won’t be a feature in the winter months.

A windless day will most likely remain a windless day.

One of the biggest differences between spring and autumn/winter sailing is the sea temperature.

It’s still relatively high in October, but hits rock bottom around the end of February just as bright spring days and longer hours of daylight lure us out on our boats.

What may seem pleasant weather on land is very different offshore , and the invisible chill of the water should not be underestimated.

Prolonged easterlies mean plummeting temperatures, as was the case during the ‘Beast from the East’ in 2018. Credit: Neil Julian/Alamy Stock Photo

Cold Polar Air

In my early twenties I worked on the Fasttrack Yachtmaster Programme at UKSA which ran all year round.

One of the most senior skippers gave me a stark warning at the beginning of winter: ‘Beware the easterlies,’ he said with dread in his voice. He was right of course.

At least with a chain of depressions you get a let up at some point. But if high pressure establishes itself over Scandinavia then expect relentless, bitter winds of Force 6 and above.

It’s what caused the Beast from the East in 2018 and it’s a time for armchair sailing only.

Fog is an often-overlooked feature of winter sailing. Technically it’s visibility of less than 1,000m, although anything less than 2 miles probably requires a change in the way you’re operating on board.

As a rule of thumb if you can’t see the horizon from the cockpit of a small yacht, the visibility is 2 miles or less. It’s easy to fall into the habit of just checking the wind forecast on an app and forgetting visibility.

In the summer months, fog is less likely, but out of season the risk increases. It’s an integral part of the Shipping Forecast though, so pay attention to it.

There are two types of fog: advection, or ‘sea’ fog, and radiation or ‘land’ fog.

The ‘land’ and ‘sea’ refer to the cold surface on which the fog forms when warm, damp air drifts over it.

Land fog becomes more prevalent but should disperse quickly. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Although they look the same from the inside, it’s important to differentiate them as their impact on sailing differs.

Land fog is a local phenomenon which tends to occur in the autumn when warm land radiates heat and moisture to the air above overnight.

This causes the morning mists which gather in estuaries, rivers and other low-lying areas.

It’s a purely coastal phenomenon which usually burns off by late morning or by heading a mile or so offshore.

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You shouldn’t need to cancel a whole day of sailing for land fog, but you might want to hit the snooze button a few times.

Sea fog is much more widespread, usually in spring when sea temperatures are at their lowest.

Large areas of relatively warm, damp air drift in from the Atlantic and condense when they reach cold water.

The resulting fog is pernicious – it doesn’t disperse even with strong winds and requires a whole new air mass to arrive before clearing up.

Air density

When I’ve sailed in the high latitudes I’m always amazed by how forceful the wind is. Cold air seems to hit the sails much harder.

There isn’t a definitive explanation for this, with theories ranging from the increased density of the air to more complex hypotheses.

Whatever the cause, you’ll need to be more conservative about the sail plan.

Winter sailing skills

Boat handling.

The demands of winter weather mean that your skills need to be sharper and you need competent crew who can respond to unpredictable conditions.

Reefing needs to be second nature but it’s also important to employ more subtle controls such as halyard , outhaul and backstay tension to depower the sails .

A midships line is invaluable in strong winds and when short-handed for springing off, or holding yourself alongside

If you’re venturing out beyond your immediate cruising ground, make sure you’re familiar with fitting your storm jib in case you’re caught out.

Although there’s usually more space to play with in marinas, power handling is challenging in strong winds.

Practise using a midships line to spring on when you’re being blown off. Don’t neglect the theory either.

Being confident in your use of the yacht radar and interpretation of light sequences and fog signals will allow you to focus your energy on managing the boat and crew when things get tough.

Defensive sailing

On a warm summer’s day you might get away with chucking the lines off and seeing where you end up.

But when winter sailing, you can’t be so spontaneous.

A detailed plan is essential.

During the winter, a windless day is likely to say that way. In strong winds, explore more sheltered waters, such as up river. Credit: Theo Stocker

Simon Rowell explained that you need to sail defensively: ‘Keep a good eye on the weather and assume that you will be caught out. In the summer months, the likely worst-case scenario is that you get wet, in the winter you need to play the “What if?” game more carefully.’

Shelter: Introduce your crew to winter sailing with short days in sheltered waters. Don’t be tempted to venture offshore unless everyone is experienced in cold conditions.

Use the lee of the land to find hospitable conditions.

Plan your evolutions: Handling sails is difficult with cold, clumsy hands.

Plan your evolutions for sheltered locations to reduce the burden on the crew: even the wind shadow behind an anchored ship can be useful.

Ports of Refuge : Having a safe, all-weather harbour to divert to is essential, and ideally more than one.

Make sure you’ve planned safe harbours as bolt holes if you need to call it a day. Credit: Beata Aldridge/Alamy Stock Photo

Committing to long passages with no ports of refuge other than the one you’re bound for is a much riskier business when winter sailing and needs careful consideration.

Insurance: Check your boat insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for out of season sailing.

Some insurers make stipulations about where you can go and what kinds of moorings you use.

A quick phone call can ensure you are covered.

Look after your crew: The well-being of the crew is paramount. Cold, fatigue, hunger and seasickness can quickly incapacitate people.

Aside from putting them off sailing, it could cause an accident.

Monitor perkiness levels closely and be liberal with the tea and Hobnobs.

Keep crew warm, involved and engaged when winter sailing. Once seasickness and cold set in, it can be hard to recover. Credit: Lester McCarthy/Yachting Monthly

Watch systems are important even for short passages allowing people a chance to escape the wind.

When on deck, encourage active sailing to keep people engaged: curling up in the cockpit is a one-way street which most people fail to recover from.

Know your limits: Sailing in cold weather is most certainly a skill.

Knowing what clothing to wear, understanding how your body copes and proactively looking after yourself are things you only learn with experience.

But recognising the limits of your boat, your crew and yourself is the most important part of skippering at any time of year.

Use sheltered water for sail handling. Even anchored ships can provide a useful lee to set or hand sails. Credit: Nature Picture Library/Alamy Stock Photo

To me, the best thing about sailing out of season is that it’s all a bonus.

You’ve already had the summer so there’s no pressure to justify the boat ownership, develop your skills or explore a new port.

After September every bright, beautiful day on the water is a pleasure you didn’t expect to have. Enjoy it!

Enjoyed reading Winter sailing: how to extend your cruising season?

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Winter Yacht Maintenance

Winter Yacht Maintenance – Our Recommended List Of Works

It is all to easy to forget you have a yacht only to find in the spring that the boat and sails are covered in green algae and equipment ceases to work.

Below is a recommended list of winter works that we typically carry out to all the vessels we look after.

We adapt this list to suit the your vessel and your requirements, identifying any works that we feel need attention

• Detailed interior clean
• Detailed exterior clean including teak
• Remove all sails and covers and send away for cleaning and servicing
• Inflate dinghy, wash out and dry before stowing below
• Go through yacht and all equipment, note down any defects or broken equipment
• Check any equipment that has a time expiry date
• Carryout a detailed inspection of the mast
• Place below all deck safety equipment
• Send away any safety equipment that requires annual servicing
• Empty cockpit / deck lockers and clean
• Wash all blocks, jammers, furling gear with fresh water to remove salt deposits
• Rinse out all ropes, halyards and lines with fresh water
• Pull all halyards out from coachroof and hang at mast (alternatively mouse out completely and wash before placing below)
• Release topping lift and lower boom to deck level
• Drain down the fresh water system
• Take apart transom shower tap
• Top up fuel tank
• Set up heaters and dehumidifiers
• Clean battery terminals and coat with vaseline
• Ensure batteries are on charge
• Lift all mattresses and cushions to allow flow of air around the interior of the vessel
• Wedge open doors and cupboards to provide good ventilation
• Empty holding tanks and flush through with fresh water / tank cleaner
• Clean toilets through with fresh water and dismantle pump to prevent freezing

Once Ashore

• Service engine and winterise
• Service gearbox / sail drive
• Check to ensure that vessel is secure in its cradle and / or been chocked correctly by the yard
• Remove all fenders and mooring warps, wash and place below
• Wash down decks and hull to remove any salt deposits
• Plug into shore power and check heaters and dehumidifiers running correctly

Antifouling

• Prepare hull for antifouling
• Remove loose paint
• Sand back hull using orbital sanders
• Wash down hull and remove dust prior to painting
• Apply primer to any bare patches of GRP as required
• Apply two coats of your preferred antifoul
• Paint sail drive

Hull Polishing

• If required machine cut hull to remove minor marks and scratches
• Deeper marks may required more specialised attention
• Remove any yellow staining to hull
• Machine polish hull
• Replace anodes as required
• Service sea cocks
• Check rudder bearings
• Check hull to keel joint
• Lower anchor to ground and check chain and fixings
• Clean hatch seals and apply vaseline
• Service winches and jammers
• Check cutlass bearing, propeller and shaft
• Clean and polish propeller
• Recommission engine
• Oversee launch
• Check all skin fittings
• Bleed stern gland (if deep sea seal type)

Re Commissioning

• Refit all deck safety equipment
• Refit boom and run halyards
• Refit sails and covers
• Refit transom shower head, recommission fresh water system
• Run up and test all systems
• Recommission toilet systems
• Detailed exterior clean including any teak

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The Mediterranean Yachting Season: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you are a Yacht crew member, sailor or yacht owner, the Mediterranean Yachting Season is an alluring destination.

Idyllic coastlines flanked with picture-perfect beaches, delicious food, wine, and a host of cultural experiences make the Mediterranean a hotspot for the Yachting elite.

Unlike in the Caribbean and USA, yachting in the Mediterranean has a very specific time frame in which it operates, May to October. In order to increase your chances of finding a job, it is important to know where to be and when.

Here we will explore everything you need to know about the Mediterranean Yacht Season. From crew agents, marinas, accommodation, timing, transport, and key events to look out for.

When is the Mediterranean Yachting Season?

The Mediterranean Yachting Season runs from May to October. This is known as the Summer season (in the Northern Hemisphere), and these are the best months for cruising around the Mediterranean.

The Best Locations for you to Join the Mediterranean Yachting Season

There are a few locations where you can choose to position yourself if you are trying to find a job on a yacht.

Antibes (France) – The Best Location for Green Crew Entering the Yachting Industry

Antibes is one of the main yachting hubs in the Mediterranean.

Here you will find an abundance of crew housing options and an amazing network of crew agents located in the famous Port Vauban.

You also have access to the train which will take you down to Cannes or up as far as Genoa. So if any job opportunities or interviews come up, you can be there easily within hours. This is one of the main attractions of Antibes for job seekers.

It is a great idea to head out to some of the smaller marinas in Antibes as well as along the French Riviera while seeking work. Some of these marinas don’t have as strict security as you will find in Antibes.

Marinas in the French Riviera to Visit while Seeking Work for the Mediterranean Yachting Season

• Port Vauban: the main marina right off the Old Town of Antibes
• Antibes Marina
• Port Gallice (Juan-Les-Pins): walking distance from the Old Town
• Port Pierre Canto: home to the Cannes Film Festival
• Port de Cannes Marina (Cannes)
• Port Hercule (Monaco): one of the most famous marinas in the world
• Fontveille Marina (Monaco)
• Port de Cap d’Ail (Cap d’Ail): Located between Monaco and Nice, this is a popular Super Yacht location
• Marina La Ciotat (Port Vieux)
• Port de Beaulieu-sur-Mer (Beaulieu-sur-Mer)

Antibes itself is in fact a small town, however the Yachts pack up in the marinas at the start of the season so there will be a lot of other crew seeking work.

If you choose to head to Antibes before the season starts, you will need to book your accommodation far in advance!

If you are new to dock walking and feeling uncertain, check out my post on Dock Walking – 9 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job .

Antibes Crew Houses

Crew houses are a fantastic way for Crew to network with other Crew members, as well as a cheaper option for accommodation while seeking work.

A few of your best Antibes Crew houses are:

• The Crew Grapevine
• Debbie’s Crew House
• The Crew House
• The Glamorgan
• Amma’s Crew House

For more detailed information on each of these crew houses with rates and booking information, check out my post on the 7 Best Antibes Crew Houses: Where to stay for first-timers.

Antibes Crew Agents

One of your best entries into the Mediterranean Yachting Season is through Yacht Crew Agents. These recruitment agencies are dedicated to placing crew on Yachts.

Once you have gone through the process of signing up online, it is a great idea to arrange an interview so they can meet you face-to-face.

A few of my favorite Yacht Crew Agencies in Antibes are:

• Luxury Yacht Group
• Hill Robinson Crew
• The Crew Network
• Northrop and Johnson
• Blue Water Crew

Getting around Antibes

If you are located in Old Town Antibes, you can easily walk around the port. However, you may want to get yourself a bike or e-scooter to save your energy while walking between all the marinas.

Uber is an easy way to get around however it is not cheap if you are on a budget.

If you are looking to travel around the French Riviera, the train is a fantastic and easy option.

The Gare d’Antibes Train station is only a 15-minute walk from the old town. The most common train service on this route is operated by TER (Transport Express Régional) and connects Antibes to Monaco. The journey involves one transfer at Nice so be sure to check your destination.

Prices vary but you can expect to spend €6-€20 for a ticket depending on your destination.

Gare d’Antibes can be found at: 11 Avenue Robert Soleau, 06600 Antibes, France

Events to look out for near Antibes

If a Yacht is involved in a big event, the crew will always need extra assistance. So be sure to head over to these Marinas before these events and hand out your CV!

• Cannes Film Festival: End of May
• Monaco Grand Prix: End of May
• Cannes Yacht Festival: Early September
• Monaco Yacht Show: End of September

Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – Home to the Start of the Mediterranean Yachting Season

Palma is a Spanish island in the Balearics and a very popular destination for Yachts and crew alike. In fact, it is so popular that many yacht crew choose to call it home when they leave the yachting industry.

Palma is known to have a wide range of Yachts including both motor and sailing vessels.

Marinas in Palma de Mallorca

The best locations for dock walking in Palma are the various marinas in the Bay of Palma, Puerto Portals and Port Adriano.

Marinas in the bay of Palma to name a few include:

• Club de Mar
• Marina Moll Vell – Home to the International Yacht show
• La Lonja Marina Charter
• Marina Port de Mallorca
• Puerto Palma

I must point out however that it is not easy to dock walk in Palma. The marinas are gated and security is tight. If you walk over with confidence and look the part, you may just get in.

Ideally, you want to know a Yacht or crew member in the marina. Network, network, network!

Crew Houses in Palma

If you are going to seek work in Palma, then your ideal locations to stay are Santa Catalina, La Lonja, or the Old town.

As with any popular Yachting destination, you will need to book your accommodation well in advance.

Some popular crew housing options in Palma are:

• Crew Guest House Palma
• The Boathouse Palma
• Caimari Crew Accommodation
• Hostal Apuntadores (A hostel option if the crew houses are booked)
• Monzly Rentals (A great option for short to medium-term rentals)

Palma Crew Agents

Given that dock walking in Palma can be a little tricky, you want to emphasise getting signed up to the crew agencies. Take your time and try to get a face-to-face interview if possible.

Some of you may have already signed up with these agencies. Remember to log in regularly, and change your location if you moved since your last login!

• Sovren Crew
• Van Allen Crew Agency
• Global Crew Services
• Hill Robinson
• A-Z Yachting

Getting Around Palma de Mallorca

Getting around Palma couldn’t be easier. The good old Bus. It is easy, cheap, and efficient.

You will want to use the EMT bus as there are an abundance of bus stops and they travel all through the city.

The fare for the EMT bus is €2, and they take CASH ONLY.

Please note that in the summer months, these buses get very busy, and sometimes they will pass bus stops if they are too full. If you have an interview or job lined up, be sure to head out early to allow for delays.

Palmas Big Events during the Mediterranean Yachting Season

The Palma International Boat Show is known to inaugurate the Mediterranean Yachting Season. This 4-day event hosts spectacular yachts both for sale and for charter.

The Yacht show usually happens at the end of April and marks the start of the Mediterranean Season.

You can expect to see over 250 boats on display during the show so the month leading up to this time would be an excellent opportunity for day work.

Timing for the Mediterranean

If you are looking for work in the Mediterranean, you can head over as early as February/March! There will be 2 categories of vessels to look out for:

The Yachts that Spent the Winter Season in the Yard

When the Winter season hits in the Mediterranean, it becomes bitterly cold and rainy. Some owners choose to leave their vessels in the Yard during the winter months.

Most yacht crew choose to leave these programs in the winter and these boats will run on skeleton crew.

Therefore, in February/March, these boats will start hiring crew again in order to start getting the boat operating and ready for the upcoming season.

Yachts that Head Over from the Caribbean

These vessels went to the Caribbean for the Winter and now they are crossing the Atlantic and making their way back to the Mediterranean to start a new season.

As these vessels arrive in March/April, they will need a lot of extra help getting cleaned and organized after the big ocean crossing they just did.

These vessels may also see crew changes as they head into a new season.

My advice here is to get onto Marine Traffic . Depending on where you have located yourself, you will be able to see as vessels are entering the harbor. You should make a point of being available to offer help as they arrive.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Caribbean, check out my post on The Caribbean Yachting Season: Ultimate Guide.

Visas and Passports Required for the Mediterranean Yachting Season

If you are not a European citizen, it is important to understand how you can get into Europe and how much time you can stay there. Your visa requirements will depend on your personal home country and passport.

For more detailed information on your personal requirements, go to the Schengen Visa Website.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area, per stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes (Usually 90 days within 180 days).

Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most of the European countries.

Currently, there are three types of Schengen visas that apply to non-EU seafarers:

• Transit (Type B) Schengen visa
• Short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa
• Long-stay (Type D) Schengen visa

Seafarers are likely to be issued with the Short-stay visa. This allows you 90 days within the Schengen area, at which point you would need to leave for 90 days.

Additionally, you also need to try to get yourself a multi-entry visa . This allows you to travel between the different European countries.

DO NOT OVERSTAY YOUR VISA! Keep a close eye on your days. If you overstay, you could be banned from coming back for 3 years or more.

My Favourite Hangouts during the Mediterranean Yachting Season

Over the course of my 10 years in the industry, there are a few spots in the Mediterranean that have really stood out for me. The options are endless but below is a list of a few of my favorite places to check out:

• Drive the winding roads of Sa Colabra
• Take a dip at Illetes Beach
• Take the old train to Soller
• Eat delicious local tapas at Ca n Toni in the Old Town

This hilltop village offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts beautiful gardens like the Jardin Exotique d’Eze.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

This town on the coast is truly charming, with a beautiful harbor and an Old Town rich in history.

The Amalfi Coast

Rent a Scooter and drive along the coastline anywhere from Naples through Positano and into Amalfi. Stroll through the bougainvillea-lined streets and have lunch down near the port.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

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The caribbean yachting season: ultimate guide.

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• Aug 17, 2022

What is winter season in yachting?

The Med season runs from April to October. The Winter season refers to the period between October/November and March/April. Yachts are either single season, which means they spend winter in the pretty ports of Europe, or dual season , which means they head off further afield for the Winter season.

One of the questions I am asked most often at this time of year is “When is the best time to start looking for a dual season yacht to join?”. The short answer is September/October. If you would like to know why this is, when the Winter season actually starts, and whether a B1 is really essential, as well as my top advice for green crew looking to break into the industry as this time of year, please read on!

When does the winter season start?

As a rule of thumb, most yachts end their Med season between early and late October. Some dual season yachts may cross the ocean earlier, for example in late September to attend the Fort Lauderdale Boats Show (or FLIBS) in October. Most dual season yachts crossing to other places tend to go in late October or November. Many of these may be heading for the Antigua Yacht Show in early December, or to other locations I will mention shortly.

Don’t panic — there is no need to leave a position a month before the Med season ends, as you won’t be missing out. In fact, you could potentially damage what was a great summer season and reference by walking away weeks before the end.

Do I need a B1 visa to find a job for the winter yachting season?

Whether or not you need a B1 (a visa for non-US workers allowing them to be in US waters) depends on your destination. Only those dual season yachts heading to US waters will require a B1 visa for the Winter season. There are also many dual season yachts that head straight to the Caribbean Islands, such as Antigua, which don’t require the visa.

No B1 is required for travel to the UAE, where yachts can be based out of Dubai and the other emirates. There are also many that cross to the Indian Ocean, for example the Maldives and Seychelles, or even further afield like Thailand and even Antarctica!

Not having a B1 is definitely not a dealbreaker for the Winter season.

When should I start to look for a job?

Recruitment for the two yachting seasons is very different. At the start of the Med season, many single season yachts are coming out of either shipyard or 'skeleton crew' periods and so there is more time to focus on recruitment before the season starts.

At the start of the Winter season however, the yacht itself will be busy up until late September/early October time. At this point, the crew onboard will start to give their notice and the Chief Stew will become aware of who is leaving and what positions they need to fill.

Beforehand they will have no idea who is planning to leave. Even if a Stew did hand in their notice in July for the end of the season, a Chief Stew would simply not have the time to look at replacements as they will be too busy with guests. It is also difficult to recruit in the middle of the Med season because the yachts are all out and have guests on.

The best time for crew to start looking for jobs is when positions become available. The best time for a yacht to start looking for crew is when candidates become available. For both, this is therefore late September to early October.

Tips for junior crew

It is possible for green candidates to be offered positions on single or dual season yachts at this time. However, with a surplus of experienced crew who have just finished their first season, it can be more difficult for junior crew to get a position for the winter season on a yacht that is travelling.

Single season yachts go down to skeleton crew and tend to retain the senior staff, so there aren’t as many positions opening as there would be for the start of the Med season. Dual season yachts will always prefer to take candidates who have some yachting experience, as it reduces the amount of training they have to do onboard. It is less of a gamble in other ways too, for example potential sea sickness during the longer crossing, or new staff deciding the industry isn’t for them.

It may be more productive for greener crew to look for positions on yachts that are staying in Europe. This gets you a solid winter season and a good reference, and you can do some networking. It is just one season and it is not forever — it is a great starting point for next year!

Europe is beautiful during the winter with many ports offering proximity to great day trips, such as skiing. You can explore Europe in your down time both by train and plane at this time of year as there are plenty of cheap flights, and of course you can visit the beautiful Christmas markets!

Friendly crew communities develop and socialise around the ports too. Another great option if you aren’t successful this season is to gain a land-based position in a relevant industry, such as in housekeeping or service. You could also take some interest courses such as floristry or cocktails. You will then return for the Med season with even more experience and money in your pocket to see you through until you land your first job.

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• Our Process
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• Current Name: Moonstruck
• Length: 49' 4"
• Power: Quad 600 Mercury Verados

Hull W34 is a 2022 Winter Custom Yacht build with breathtaking details start to finish. Construction began in 2020 with many drawings between Tim Winters and the client to build a different breed of boat that has never been seen on the water before. This client had many features to bring to the table such as the functionality for fishing but also family cruising on the coasts of New Jersey and south Florida. Winters made this possible by building a custom, one of a kind walk around coupe with outboard engines. This brought an entirely different visual to the water that has never been seen before out of a custom boat builder. 

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We rang in the New Year with the delivery of our latest 24 CC, T/T Triton II. We look forward to following her throughout 2023 as she tests her new waters. Thank you for the beautiful photography @fishhuntphoto 📷 ...

Merry Christmas from Winter Custom Yachts! Wishing you a relaxing Holiday Season🎄🛥 ...

Start ➡️ Finish Happy First Day of Winter❄️🛥 Check out the preliminary drawings from W35 our latest Walkaround Delivery! ...

We’re dreaming of a Winter Custom Christmas 😉❄️🛥 Hull: W30 LOA: 39’2” Power: Triple @mercurymarine 400 Verados Name: Ricochet 📸: @fishhuntphoto ...

A “Boujie” Interior ❤️‍🔥 She is outfitted with a horizontal walnut grain and leather details can be found through the boat. We can wait for her fishing adventures with her crew next year! #wintercustomyachts #wintermagic #winterishere ...

Beginning ➡️ End Here at Winter Custom Yachts we believe that each build is perfected down to the details. Our team is fully committed to giving you the boat of your dreams 👏 Check out these construction photos from Hull W33, our 53’ Express “Reel Risk” ...

Order your favorite Christmas Present today! Prop boxes available in sizes: 35”, 40”, 45”, and 50” Check out our website or Call 8048944227 for more information! ...

What’s Santa working on this year? Tag your favorite elf and tell them which one you want! Or pick multiple 😉 1- Hull W29 50’ Express 2- Hull W28 63’ Convertible 3- Hull W27 46’ Walkaround 4- Hull W26 37’ CC 5- Hull W25 46’ Walkaround 6- Hull W23 65’ Express 7- Hull W22 60’ Convertible 📸: @fishhuntphoto ...

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Daisy Kelliher Debuts Drastic Change To Her Appearance

• Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Daisy debuted a new haircut, signaling a "hot girl summer" ahead.
• Fans anticipate season 5 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht and are hoping for premiere details unknown.
• Relationship drama with Gary impacted Daisy on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, setting the stage for potential changes.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Daisy Kelliher debuted a drastic new change to her appearance , and many are wondering if it’s a sign of things to come. Daisy, who has been a part of Below Deck Sailing Yacht for seasons, has had a whirlwind year after the show took Bravo viewers by storm. After a tumultuous time on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4 , Daisy’s relationships shifted and her time aboard Parsifal III was uncertain. Choosing to continue working aboard the superyacht with both Gary King, especially after her relationship with Colin Macrae imploded, was a tough decision for Daisy.

"Hot girl summer coming in quick"

Showing off a short new haircut on her Instagram , Daisy posted a video of herself before and after the big chop. “Hot girl summer coming in quick,” Daisy shared, alongside a video of her shocking new ‘do.

The cut comes just before many fans believe the announcement for the premiere of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, which is hopefully coming soon. Daisy, who works as the Parsifal III’s Chief Stewardess, reporting to Captain Glenn Shephard, will likely be facing even more major changes on the Below Deck spin-off when it returns in the ensuing summer months.

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When Will Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 Be Announced?

While it’s not certain when the highly anticipated Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 will be announced, judging by previous seasons, it’s likely the premiere date will be released soon. The past seasons of Below Deck Sailing Yacht have aired far earlier in the year, some as early as February, and some as late as April. Though the premiere dates have varied, the last season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht was finished by mid-June, making the current season somewhat unprecedented. Though Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5’s premiere date hasn’t been announced yet, the season was filmed during summer 2023 .

The upcoming season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht may be difficult for Bravo to figure out how to advertise , as issues with the show’s First Officer, Gary, have been increasingly difficult throughout the last year. After being accused of sexual misconduct by a makeup artist who was working on the series, many Below Deck viewers called for Gary’s removal from the series, as well as from Bravo events. Though he was originally announced as a guest at BravoCon 2023, Gary was removed from the list of attendees after fans spoke up about their displeasure with Gary’s attendance at the event.

Daisy Had A Difficult Time On Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4

Below Deck Sailing Yacht has typically been a more low-key series, with the drama on the show surrounding charter guests and crew romances rather that more serious issues. During Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, however, there was some major drama surrounding Daisy, Collin, and Gary 's confusing relationship. While the trio had been friends for years after working aboard the same vessels and developing a close-knit relationship, Daisy and Colin took their close friendship to another level . After skirting around the idea of a relationship, the pair chose to dive in headfirst, despite concerns about the way others would react.

Below Deck's Gary King Reveals If He's Still 'Jealous' Of Daisy & Colin

Gary King is walking back his jealous comments towards long-standing BDSY crush, Daisy Kelliher, following her emerging connection with Colin Macrae.

Gary, who had always been a sideline supporter of Daisy and Colin separately, seemed to take issue with his two close friends getting into a romantic relationship. Trying to drive a wedge between them, Gary worked his most manipulative magic in order to move Daisy and Colin away from one another. Gary, who hadn't previously felt he had feelings for Daisy in a romantic sense, didn't seem to be able to handle the idea that she was with someone else. He appeared jealous, despite swearing he wasn't jealous at all, and worked against their relationship instead of supporting his friends.

Do Gary King's Actions His Removal From Below Deck?

While Gary was able to manipulate his way between Colin and Daisy, as the pair ended their relationship after Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, the other actions he took while aboard Parsifal III last charter season were even more unacceptable. Throughout his time as First Officer, G ary has shown a lack of respect for women , especially those that he works with aboard Parsifal III. Not only was he disrespectful to Daisy during his time aboard the yacht, but his relationship with the rest of the interior team, including Mads Herrera and Lucy Edmunds, wasn't in the realm of appropriate.

Gary's behavior has been difficult to watch after learning about the sexual misconduct allegations that former Below Deck makeup artist Samantha Suarez lodged against him in 2023. Watching back Gary's actions and realizing that his understanding of consent is somewhat different than the rest of the crew's , it's clear that he was operating under a very different system of beliefs than his colleagues. While it's a positive that Gary didn't cause any trouble to the rest of his crew during their time on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, his behavior was too risky for him to return without consequence.

While Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 is hopefully shaping up to be one of the more interesting seasons of the spin-off series, some are wondering if it will ever actually be released. As Daisy debuts her new haircut, some are taking it as a sign that times are changing and the season will be announced, while others are simply enjoying the Chief Stew’s newest look. For many, the arrival of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 will be a welcome excitement, as viewers have been waiting for the next installment of the series for nearly a calendar year.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is available to stream on Peacock.

Sources: Daisy Kelliher /Instagram, Daisy Kelliher /Instagram

Below Deck Sailing Yacht