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Navigating the Yachting Seasons: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Yachtsmen

Nov 21, 2023

By Aldo Admin

Yachting, a pastime synonymous with luxury, adventure, and the allure of the open seas, has captivated the hearts of many. However, embarking on this journey requires careful planning and consideration, particularly when it comes to navigating the yachting seasons.

Understanding the different yachting seasons and their nuances is crucial for aspiring yachtsmen, whether they're seasoned sailors or first-time enthusiasts. This guide delves into the world of yachting seasons, providing insights into their duration, characteristics, and considerations for each season.

Yachting Seasons: A Tale of Two

The yachting world revolves around two primary seasons: summer and winter. These seasons dictate the ideal times to explore the world's waterways, taking into account weather patterns, sea conditions, and overall cruising experiences.

Summer Yachting Season: Embrace the Warmth and Sunshine

The summer yachting season typically spans from late April to mid-September, encompassing the peak months of June, July, and August. This season is characterized by warm weather, calm seas, and extended daylight hours, making it an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors and explore coastal destinations.

Considerations for Summer Yachting:

Peak Season Crowds: Summer is the most popular time for yachting, so anticipate increased traffic in popular destinations.

Reservation Planning: Plan your itinerary and make reservations well in advance to secure desired berths and amenities.

Weather Awareness: Monitor weather forecasts closely, as occasional storms and strong winds can disrupt your plans.

Winter Yachting Season: A Serene Escape

The winter yachting season, spanning from November to April, offers a tranquil alternative to the summer's hustle and bustle. This season is known for its cooler temperatures, calmer seas, and fewer crowds, providing a serene escape for those seeking a more peaceful yachting experience.

Considerations for Winter Yachting:

Seasonal Destinations: Choose destinations with milder winter climates, such as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia.

Proper Gear and Outfit: Pack warm clothing and gear to adapt to cooler temperatures and occasional rough seas.

Weather Monitoring: Remain vigilant about weather conditions, as winter storms can occur unexpectedly.

Choosing the Right Yachting Season for You

The optimal yachting season for you depends on your personal preferences, cruising style, and desired destinations. If you crave warm weather, vibrant social scenes, and a bustling atmosphere, the summer season is your calling. On the other hand, if you prefer tranquility, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace, the winter season will suit you better.

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Yachting Adventure

Whether you choose the exhilarating summer season or the serene winter season, embarking on your yachting adventure will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. With careful planning, thoughtful consideration of the seasons, and a touch of adventure, you'll navigate the world of yachting with confidence and grace.

Additional Tips for Aspiring Yachtsmen:

Enroll in Sailing Courses: Gain hands-on experience and expert guidance by enrolling in sailing courses.

Charter a Yacht Before Purchasing: Consider chartering a yacht before making a significant investment.

Join Yachting Clubs and Communities: Connect with fellow yachting enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Embrace the Learning Journey: Yachting is a lifelong learning process; embrace the challenges and rewards that come with it.

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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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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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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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• Yacht Charter Seasons

Whether you’re looking to escape the brisk winds of winter or the humid climates of summer, it is important to understand the charter seasons and how they may affect the planning of your private yacht charter. A charter season can refer to the weather pattern of a destination or the peak times when the demand for yacht charter is at its highest. Read on to find out more about the charter seasons and what they mean.

When referring to a charter season in terms of weather and climate, the seasons are broken into "summer" and "winter" whereas when speaking in terms of peak times, the seasons are "high" and "low" with high season being the busiest times and low referring to the slowest. It is important to understand that, although somewhat misleading, a charter “season” refers to periods of weeks as opposed to full seasons.

Ultimately, most charter yachts are built for warm climates and although some may be equipped with air conditioning, they are far less likely to have heat installed as when predominantly cruising in warm destinations such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, there is simply no use for it. With this in mind it is important to understand that seasonal weather will affect the location of the majority of crewed yachts, which will move from one region to another, in line with the charter seasons. When choosing a charter destination ensure to establish the best cruising months as this will allow you to choose from a wider selection of yachts. For instance if you’re looking to charter in Alaska, be aware that come the winter season there will be very few marina’s open. If you have your heart set on a particular location, ensure to plan for the appropriate time of year.

The summer and winter seasons may overlap, particularly from year to the next and summer in one destination may be winter in another. When looking to charter in the summer, winter or all year round, here are some of the most popular destinations for yacht charter.

Summer Season

Typically, the summer season ranges from April/May to October. The most predominant locations to charter in the summer season include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the America’s and the South Pacific.

Popular Summer Season Charter Regions

French Riviera

Winter Season

The winter season typically ranges from late November to April, where many yachts tend to head over to the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands and the Indian Ocean.

Popular Winter Season Charter Regions

Saint Martin

Virgin Islands

Some yachts stay in the region of the Bahamas and Florida all year round as the weather and climate tends to remain comfortable most of the time. With this in mind however, some months can be prone to hurricanes and gale force winds to be sure to speak to a broker if you’re chosen charter period is outside of the typical summer/winter seasons.

As stated earlier, a charter season can also refer to the busiest and slowest times for yacht charter and these periods are referred to as high season and low season. Although the term “season” can cause confusion, it is important to understand that high and low seasons can occur within summer and winter. Here is some more information to help determine one from the other;

Popular Year Round Charter Regions

High and Low Season can also refer to rates, for more information on rates view our Understanding Charter Rates page.

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The best yachting destinations in winter

Many people think that yachting is an exclusively summer form of entertainment. But the onset of winter is absolutely no reason to refuse travel by water. Yacht charter offers year-round sailing through the sea on first-class water transport with a professional skipper.

There are many places where you can sail on a yacht in winter, because in different resorts, even in the cold months, the water is quite warm and the sun warms up perfectly. In winter, you can rent a yacht in the Maldives, go on an unforgettable trip to Bali or explore the surroundings of Spain. Do not give up traveling and enjoy new countries and vivid emotions, regardless of the season!

These islands are truly a paradise for yachting lovers. Yacht charter in the Seychelles offers sailing to explore the various marinas, take pictures near the picturesque bays and stay in cozy bays.

Yachting in the Seychelles is almost always very calm, because the area is not affected by cyclones. Huge turtles, exotic plants and crystal blue sea water – isn’t that what you dreamed of seeing in winter?

But you should be careful, there are a lot of reefs in the Seychelles, so it’s better to take a professional skipper on board so that he enters the inland waters correctly and can protect you from all worries during the trip.

Yacht tours in the Maldives are pure pleasure! The climate here is warm and pleasant all year round. Throughout the territory there are many beautiful lagoons and beaches with white sand! Vacationers can rent sailing yachts, motor yachts or catamarans to go on a long journey across the ocean with perfect turquoise water, see the jungle, surf or dive. Be sure that this corner of the planet will definitely not leave you indifferent.

You will not be able to see such a sea anywhere else! There is no snow here, so even in winter you can have a weekend on a beautiful boat. Coconuts and bananas, incredible dolphins, whales, sharks and other marine life will delight you throughout the cruise. The Maldives is definitely the perfect place for boat trips.

Yacht charter in the Caribbean will help fulfill the cherished dream of many tourists who have always wanted to be on the paradise islands. Here you will find wonderful white sand beaches, dive among the most beautiful coral reefs and taste delicious local cuisine.

Winter is the time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, because the temperature here is always kept at a level, precipitation is very rare. The Caribbean islands will meet you with the amazing natural beauty of the tropics, a lot of small bays where you can retire and have a good time, as well as a variety of water activities.

For example, here at any time of the year you can go diving or windsurfing. And our charter company will offer you the right luxury yachts so that you can 100% relax and experience all the delights of a winter holiday.

If you are a fan of exotic holidays, then renting a yacht in Thailand is definitely a must! By carefully planning your itinerary for a cruise, you can go not only along the Thai resort islands, but also to the most secluded places.

• In Phuket, you can enjoy tropical forests and excellent landscapes, this is a real paradise for true connoisseurs of nature.
• Then you can head to Phi Phi to sample local delicacies in cozy little villages. There are beautiful reefs around many of the islands, so you can go snorkeling or scuba diving.
• Also, by renting a yacht with a skipper through charter companies, you can go to the Similans, where the national park is located. This is a great place for diving, but crossings at night are strictly prohibited here.
• Koh Samui is also a good destination, where there is simply an incredible amount of coconut trees. In addition, this is where the huge statue of the Big Buddha is located!

Canary Islands

The Canaries are also one of the most amazing places on the planet. It has a unique climate – the temperature of air and water is always kept at the same level. There is a very diverse nature here – you can visit both deserts and go to the tundra or pine forest! There are a lot of attractions in the Canary Islands, and the most popular place among tourists is the Teide volcano.

Going on a yacht trip here, you can see real whales and dolphins, as well as many different interesting fish and other inhabitants of the sea. The constant presence of the trade winds makes it possible to continuously and quickly sail on a sailing yacht, easily cutting through between the islands.

Also in the Canary Islands you can go fishing directly from the yacht! It doesn’t matter if it happens in winter or summer.

Yacht rental in Bali is well developed, because it is here that all the conditions that are so necessary for high-quality yachting are perfectly combined. Here you can ride a sailing yacht with the breeze, as well as go on a romantic cruise with your soulmate, or even arrange a celebration of some significant date!

There is no winter here, but only the rainy season, when it is even more interesting to swim in peace and tranquility.

The beauty is that it rains mostly at night, which does not interfere with excellent yachting at all. At any time of the year, this cozy corner is waiting for its tourists for a wonderful pastime and trips to the endless expanses of the sea.

In winter, you can just as well relax under sail as in summer. You can rent a yacht in the Dominican Republic, Thailand, the Caribbean, rent a yacht in Spain or Bali. These islands are always open for tourists because it is always warm and interesting here.

Our yacht charter in Cuba and other paradises is happy to welcome guests for winter yachting. In addition, it is during the low season that you will be much cheaper to fly and stay at a hotel. Yes, and the choice of boats is more varied during the winter months, which is a huge advantage.

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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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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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Home » Blog » Yachting in winter season

Yachting in winter season

With the colder seasons here, yachting mostly isn’t as exciting as it is in summer. If you are looking for the most perfect winter getaways, keep reading. We’ve got the most beautiful and sunny places to sail sorted out for you, even in winter.

Right in front of the East- African coast you’ll find a secluded scattering of over 115 islands known as Seychelles. The Seychelles islands are known for their picture-perfect beaches and diversity. There is a wide variety from small secluded coves to long beaches with stretches of sand where you will be able to find a range of activities and facilities. The Seychelles islands are great winter destinations where you’ll find warmth and still can enjoy your privacy, because it isn’t really overcrowded. The best time to visit will be between the months february and april.

Saint Lucia

The tropical St. Lucia lies between the Caribbean islands Martinique and St. Vincent. St. Lucia is an absolute paradise for anyone looking for adventure or a romantic getaway, as it is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. St. Lucia holds volcanic peaks, stunning botanical gardens and the famous Pigeon Island. Pigeon Island is famous for being used as a shooting range during the colonial era, and a very popular destination for both locals and tourists. With it’s widely extended beaches and clear shallow waters, it’s an area perfect for surfing, scuba diving, whale watching and relaxing. St. Lucia is also known for its celebrated nightlife, from street festivities to beach parties, there are no limits to the island’s nighttime entertainment. The best time to visit St. Lucia is between december and march.

Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is a scattering of tropical islands hiding in the mid-Atlantic. Each island offers a range of activities, whether you enjoy hiking, sunbathing on the most incredible beaches or exploring unique coasts, Cape Verde is the place to be. Another reason to visit Cape Verde, in the winter season or not, might be very unusual anthropological history. Unlike most islands, Cape Verde was uninhabited until colonialism gave it a population. The best time to visit Cape Verde is warm and sunny all year round, so it’s a great place to escape the winter tourism of other popular winter destinations. The best time to visit Cape Verde is between january and february.

Maldives is a beautiful sun kissed beach destination which has a weather which is all year round suitable for a trip. With the Maldives holding 1200 islands it’s not extremely difficult to find a nice deserted island to get away from the other tourists, or to take a break from all the activities Maldives has to offer. A few popular activities in Maldives are:

• Exploring shipwrecks and underwater caves
• Whale shark diving
• Submarine diving (for when you don’t feel like putting on scuba gear)
• Flying a Seaplane
• Feeding baby sharks

That would be just a small selection of suggestions on how you can spend your time in Maldives! The best time to visit Maldives is between november and april, as during this season rainfall is almost ruled out.

Cuba would be the largest Caribbean island and located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the perfect place to go. From jade-green waterfalls, historic diving spots to picture perfect beaches, Cuba has it all. When visiting Cuba we highly recommend you to:

• Visit Baracoa, one of the most beautiful areas on the island
• Visit Remedios during Parrandas
• Plunge into El Nicho’s cool crystaline waters
• Snorkel with tropical fish

Cuba has a warm climate all year round with steady winds, so you can visit Cuba whenever you’d like. When you want to go to Cuba for the Parrandas festivities, you will have to go in december.

Being the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has a lot to offer. With it’s beautiful volcanic archipelago and bustling coastal towns, it’s one of the best winter sun destinations ever. If either you want to go to the highest peak of all Spain or you want to take hikes through colonial villages and secluded beaches, Tenerife is perfect for you. A few activities we recommend doing when visiting Tenerife in the winter season are:

• Going to the top of Mount Teide (you can go by cable car)
• Visiting the ‘unluckiest town’ Garachico
• Admiring the architecture of La Laguna
• Visiting the Anaga Mountains (one of the most incredible views ever)
• Hiking Corona Forestal National Park

One thing we also recommend when visiting Tenerife: eating until your heart’s content. Tenerife’s alternative Spanish cuisine certainly does not disappoint. The best time to visit Tenerife is between december and march.

Officially a region of France, Martinique is sophisticated, glamorous, and its beaches are unbeatable. There are many reasons to visit Martinique, you can chase waterfalls, explore amazing beaches, attend a festival and go snorkeling all in the same day. Make sure to visit Le Marin, one of our absolute favorite places. Martinique’s crystal clear waters offer you the opportunity to practice your favorite water sport activities or to try out a new one. Martinique holds brilliant coral reefs, rainbow colored fish and many old shipwrecks to discover. For a lot of tourists, diving is the main reason to come to Martinique. The best time to visit Martinique would be between december and april.

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Best Caribbean Yacht Charters for the Winter Season

With many yachts favoring the fair shores of the Caribbean for the winter seasons, charterers will find plenty to choose from.

By Kim Ayling

Fools will tell you that summer is the only season for yachting, and while a cruise around the Med might practically be the definition of living  la dolce vita , winter yacht charters around the Caribbean have as much – if not more – to offer. 

Made up of over 13 island nations, the Caribbean offers a multitude of cultures and cuisines to explore, as well as some of the world’s most mesmerizing natural landscapes, with the flour-white sands and crystal-clear waters seemingly straight off the front of a postcard.

With many yachts favoring the fair shores of the Caribbean for the winter seasons, charterers will find plenty to choose from, from family-friendly vessels to party-primed ships.

[See also: Caribbean Dreaming: A Luxury Guide to Barbados

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Recently on the charter market following a huge, wild renovation at the hands of Njord by Bergman Design House and ready for a winter of Caribbean charters,  Galaxy  fits into a class of her own. Accommodating 12 guests across six cabins, the 183.7-ft yacht is all but built for partying (her new owner is a DJ, so it makes sense) with several multifunctional social spaces that can transform depending on the charterer’s mood. 

By day, the main saloon can be a chilled place to relax; by night, turn down the lights and use it as a nightclub. There’s also a party deck, a brightly-lit upper lounge and even a private recording studio. Water toys are aplenty too.

Her interiors dutifully live up to the yacht’s name with the likes of a space-themed ceiling mural twinkling with stars in the owner’s cabin and a hypnotic wall covering by Avatar art director Dylan Cole in the main saloon.

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Best for: Group getaways

Accommodating 16 guests across 8 cabins,  AHPO  is a great choice for larger groups planning winter yacht charters in the Caribbean. Built by Lürssen and delivered in 2021, the 377-ft vessel is impressively spacious but has multiple social areas, giving guests the much-needed opportunity to enjoy some alone time.

Across her six decks,  AHPO  has a dancefloor, a beauty room, a spa, spectacular indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas, several sun decks, an indoor pool, and a theater room. The Owner’s suite – which spreads full-beam and is over two decks – is another key draw. The abundance of room for crew (up to 36) also means that families can bring along their own nannies if they prefer.

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Best for: Family vacations

While yachts are great options for family getaways, it is unusual to find one with this type of vacation in mind – except  Victorious , that is. Built by Turkish shipyard AKYACHT and delivered in 2021, the award-winning vessel was designed to cater to the unique needs of younger guests and includes the likes of a dedicated children’s playroom and child-friendly water toys.

Of course, the 279-ft yacht is also a haven for grown-up guests, boasting the likes of a beauty salon, wine and cigar room, hammam, cinema room, and several bars. The owner’s suite is a sight to behold too, with its own private deck and Jacuzzi.

[See also: How Millennials are Changing the Superyacht Industry

Best for: Multi-generational holidays

Despite the slightly misleading name, Icon Yacht’s  Party Girl  makes a great choice for larger family groups spanning multiple generations (or, if you prefer, an actual party yacht). Measuring 205-ft,  Party Girl  is crammed full of impressive amenities including a gym, Jacuzzi, beach club, wine cellar and a formal dining room, along with plenty of more casual lounge space.

If chartered by two families, or an inter-generational group, the owner’s penthouse can be split into two roomy master cabins. There are some great onboard toys too, from the giant inflatable water slide to the underwater scooters. The yacht’s two drones are also a great way to capture the memories of a wonderful holiday, spent with friends or family.

Maltese Falcon

Best for: Turning heads

Few yachts are as recognizable as  Maltese Falcon ,  with her three imposing white sails turning heads no matter where in the world she sails. Now available for winter yacht charters in the Caribbean and Bahamas, the 288.6-ft yacht recently emerged from a refit which saw her interiors , exteriors and engineering updated and improved.

Inside, she is cool and welcoming with a slick interior design that extends from the main saloon through to each of the guest bedrooms. Special features are plentiful, from the outdoor cinema projected onto the ship’s sails, to the skylit atrium with a spiral staircase wrapping around the central mast. She is truly one of a kind.

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[See also: Heesen Unveils its Biggest Ever Steel Superyacht: Sparta]

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The Caribbean Yachting Season: Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re an experienced crew member or a newbie eager to set sail, this complete guide will help you chart your course through the Caribbean Yachting Season.

Here I delve deeper into the Yachting Season in the Caribbean, looking at where to go and when, crew agencies, marinas, visa requirements, and big events.

When is the Caribbean Yachting Season?

The Caribbean Yachting season occurs between November and May. This is also known as the Winter Season in Yachting, referring to winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

The timing of this season occurs during these months as this timeframe is outside of the hurricane season.

During the winter months, you can expect to feel slightly cooler temperatures of about 28°C, as well as windy conditions, ideal for sailing enthusiasts.

Main Events to look out for during the Caribbean Yachting Season

If you are hoping to secure a job on a Yacht in the Caribbean, then you are going to want to head over a few weeks before the season starts. This is the time that Yachts are getting ready for the season. Leading up to the season, Yachts may be hiring new crew members or simply needing extra assistance as they get ready.

Another great job opportunity is to position yourself in a location leading up to main events that will attract many yachts to one location:

• The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (End of October) is an ideal time to find a job on a yacht. After the show, boats start getting ready to head to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
• The Antigua Boat Show is a 6-day event in the 1 st week of December.
• The St Maarten Heineken Regatta is held in March.
• Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Now these may seem like obvious events to mention, but this is the Caribbean’s busiest time of year. Job seekers should attempt to find work before December, but equally as important is being available in January as many yachts make crew changes for those that didn’t make the cut during the busiest month.

Key Destinations in the Caribbean

The Caribbean consists of thousands of islands, however, there are a few key islands you would want to situate yourself in order to increase your chances of finding a job.

Antigua is a popular destination for yachting activities and a common starting point for most Yacht charters.

The Antigua Boat Show

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December is a popular event for industry professionals and newcomers alike.

The show marks the start of the Caribbean yachting season and attracts impressive luxury yachts in the region. The main purpose of the show is for yacht brokers, vendors, Captains, and the Press to network.

It is an opportunity for yachts to be showcased before the season kicks off, in the hopes of booking charters and impressing charter brokers.

Marinas in Antigua

The 3 most popular marinas in Antigua are conveniently located within walking distance of each other.

• Nelsons Dockyard
• Falmouth Harbour
• Antigua Yacht Club

Crew Housing in Antigua

Crew housing is limited in Antigua so depending on your budget you would need to look into staying at hostels or an Airbnb.

Pineapple House

This Crew House accommodates a maximum of eight guests, dormitory style. Very basic but lovely accommodation located just above the Antigua Yacht Club.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

This island is a hub for Yacht Crew and a strategic location to look for job opportunities during the Caribbean Yachting Season. Its dual nationality means you have access to both the Dutch and French sides.

St. Maartens Key Event

Heineken Regatta (March) : Although the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is mainly a sailing event, it also draws a significant number of Superyachts and luxury sailboats. Many crew members go to St. Maarten during this period in search of job opportunities.

St Maarten Crew Houses

Smilers Crew House is located in the central area of Cole Bay, making it easily accessible to all marinas. Some are within walking distance, while others are only a few minutes away by bus.

Shrimpy’s Crew Quarters is very basic accommodation ideally located in Marigot. Bookings are through Airbnb.

Marinas in St Maarten

Some of the top marinas to check out in St Maarten are:

• Yacht Club Port de Plaisance
• Isle de Sol Marina
• Palapa Marina
• Simpson Bay Yacht Club Marina

The Bahamas

While the Bahamas may not be officially considered a Caribbean destination, it remains a highly sought-after location during the Caribbean Yachting Season.

Most yachts will travel back and forth between Fort Lauderdale and The Bahamas in between charters. If you are hoping to land a job in the Bahamas, then it would be a good idea to position yourself in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.

For crew housing options in Fort Lauderdale check out my post on The Top Crew Houses in Fort Lauderdale.

Visa and Passport Requirements for the Caribbean Yachting Season

Many islands offer you a visa upon entry such as the Bahamas, Antigua, and the BVI’s.

If you are planning on starting your search from the USA, then you will need a B1/B2 visa . Even if a vessel flew you into the Caribbean from outside of the USA, that vessel will always make its way back at some point, so it is advisable to have your B1/B2 visa.

If you plan on heading to St Maarten you will need a Schengen visa . The island is split between the French side and the Dutch side. If you are not able to get a multi-entry visa, then your preference would be for the Dutch side of the island.

Crew Agencies in the Caribbean

Most crew agencies will have connections or clients in the Caribbean but their offices are in America or Europe.  

If you have chosen to start your journey into yachting from Florida or West Palm Beach, the top crew agencies you want to sign up for and meet with are:

• Luxury Yacht Placement
• Northrop and Johnson
• The Crew Network
• Hill Robinson
• Cotton Crews

For more detailed information on these agencies check out my post on the Top Fort Lauderdale Crew Agencies .

My Favourite islands to visit during the Caribbean Yachting Season

Whether you are on a Motor Yacht or Sail Boat, these are some of the top islands worth visiting in the Caribbean.

• British Virgin Islands
• US Virgin Islands
• St Kitts and Nevis
• Turks and Caicos

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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• 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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Ice cover on the upper Mississippi River was fleeting this winter. Is this our future?

Anthony Larson describes himself as a hard-core ice fisher.

Living in La Crosse, right next to the Mississippi River , he has the luxury to fulfill that description. Once the river and its backwaters ice over each winter, he aims to fish every day, using his work commute to scope out particular spots he wants to hit. Even if all he can spare at the end of the day is 15 or 20 minutes, he goes for it.

This winter was different.

The above-average temperatures across the upper Midwest , driven in part by the El Niño climate pattern and in part by human-caused climate change, made for less than one month of safe ice on the river, scientists estimate. Though Larson was still able to get out on the ice, the conditions prevented him and his fellow anglers from getting to their favorite spots.

More: Last spring, the upper Mississippi River saw major floodwaters. This year, expect the opposite.

"We were all kind of trapped within a couple hundred yards of a shoreline," he said, which affects the type of fish that can be caught and reduces the number.

The upper Mississippi River as it snakes along Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa typically freezes during the coldest months of the year , particularly the more languid backwater channels and even the river's main channel — used by shipping traffic in warmer weather — if it stays cold long enough. Things usually thaw out at the end of March.

This season, the last of that ice melted and was floating downstream at the end of February, said Kathi Jo Jankowski, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based in La Crosse. Many described the winter conditions as something they'd never experienced before. But as climate change continues to progress, it could become familiar.

"We're peering into the future of our ice conditions," Jankowski said. "This year is going to give us a lot of interesting information about what iceless winters are going to look like."

Warm, volatile winter caused unusual ice conditions

When snow fell across Wisconsin on Halloween , Jankowski said it made people hopeful that a great winter lay ahead. But the warm-up that occurred around Christmas Day thawed any ice that had accumulated. In early January, when U.S. Geological Survey staff monitored water quality on the river, they got into the water on regular boats instead of boats that can drive over ice, which they typically have to use that time of year, Jankowski said.

Temperatures plunged in mid-January, causing the river to freeze up like normal. But it didn't last long. The winter ended up being Wisconsin's warmest on record .

More: Smith: A lack of ice is causing fits for Wisconsin anglers and business owners to start the new year

The January deep-freeze followed by a quick warm-up caused that ice to float quickly downstream, Jankowski said. Conservation staff in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri saw ice floes and so-called "pancake ice" (round pieces of ice that form as a result of wave action), which are rare on that stretch of river.

Although the lack of snow put those unusual formations on display, that type of ice is weak, Jankowski said.

"It's not the kind of ice that people are looking for if they're going to try to walk out there or get out there fishing," she said. "It's beautiful, but a little more dangerous."

It also made it hard for researchers in those states further south who don't typically see much ice to get out on the river. In Wisconsin, the opposite was true — Shawn Giblin, Mississippi River water quality specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said he was forced to cancel several sampling trips because the ice was unsafe or because there was no ice at all.

More: Climate change imperils the upper Mississippi River backwaters. Now nature needs human help.

He described the season as "a bit of a bummer for a winter lover."

Commercial shipping season started earlier than normal

Barge traffic on the river's northern stretch halts each winter because of ice. Lake Pepin , a reservoir of the Mississippi River that stretches 21 miles between Reads Landing and Red Wing, Minnesota, is used as an indicator of when commercial shipping can start up again because it's typically the last place on the river still to have ice cover.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' St. Paul District has conducted ice depth surveys on Lake Pepin for the last 30 years, the results of which they share with the shipping industry. Once ice on the lake is less than a foot thick, a towboat and barge can break through.

This year, for the first time, the surveys were canceled because there wasn't enough ice to measure. Patrick Moes, a spokesperson for the Corps district, said staff drove by the lake and saw it was mostly open.

On Saturday, shipping season officially began on the upper river, about a week earlier than average. If the Corps hadn't been conducting maintenance on the river's locks and dams over the winter, it could have begun even earlier, Moes said.

More: A barge, a bulkhead and $3.3 million: How the Mississippi River's locks and dams stay in ship shape

More: Here's how the locks and dams on the Mississippi River work, and why they exist

He said he was able to ice fish just once on Lake Pepin this year, during the bitter cold in January.

"My heart really goes out to all those outfitters and people that rely on winter recreation and activities to put food on the table," he said, "because obviously, this winter has been unlike anything I've ever witnessed."

This winter could give foresight on the future

It's not yet clear what effect the lack of ice will have on the river ecosystem, Jankowski said. Without ice cover, sunlight can more easily penetrate the water column. That could bolster aquatic plant growth, but it could also spur earlier algae activity because the water is full of nutrients.

More open water also gives invasive carp better opportunities to move within the river, she said.

More: Climate report indicates dire future for Mississippi River basin, which is already feeling impacts

Ice cover on the upper Mississippi is already waning. Records from Lake Pepin dating back to 1843 show that ice thaws about two weeks sooner today than it did then. And as the world warms, it's a trend that's expected to continue.

This winter, then, can be used as an opportunity to think about how to adapt to future ones with less ice, Jankowski said, including adjusting our lifestyles.

For Larson, that's already in process. Though he wasn't able to ice fish as much as he wanted, he used the time to pick up another hobby: falconry.

"This was a great year to hang the ice fishing stuff up, as much as it's in my blood," he said. "I was still able to find other adventures."

Madeline Heim is a  Report for America  corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at (920) 996-7266 or  [email protected] .

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk , an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri  in partnership with Report for America , funded by the Walton Family Foundation.

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Weirdly Warm Winter Has Climate Fingerprints All Over It, Study Says

Recent heat waves in cities worldwide have the hallmarks of global warming, researchers said. And last month was the hottest February on record.

By Somini Sengupta and Delger Erdenesanaa

Winter was weirdly warm for half the world’s population, driven in many places by the burning of fossil fuels, according to an analysis of temperature data from hundreds of locations worldwide.

That aligns with the findings published late Wednesday by the European Union’s climate monitoring organization, Copernicus: The world as a whole experienced the hottest February on record, making it the ninth consecutive month of record temperatures. Even more startling, global ocean temperatures in February were at an all-time high for any time of year, according to Copernicus.

Taken together, the two sets of figures offer a portrait of an unequivocally warming world that, combined with a natural El Niño weather pattern this year, has made winter unrecognizable in some places.

The first analysis, conducted by Climate Central, an independent research group based in New Jersey, found that in several cities in North America, Europe and Asia, not only was winter unusually warm, but climate change played a distinctly recognizable role.

Climate Central looked at anomalies in December and January temperature data in 678 cities worldwide and asked: How important are the fingerprints of climate change for these unusual temperatures? That is to say, its researchers tried to isolate the usual variability of the weather from the influence of climate change.

“There’s the temperature,” said Andrew Pershing, Climate Central’s vice-president for science, “and then there’s our ability to really detect that climate signal in the data.”

Cities in the Midwestern United States jumped out for experiencing an extraordinarily warm winter and for the influence of climate change, which is caused mainly by the burning of coal, oil and other fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. “Really off the charts,” Dr. Pershing said. “No ice on most of the great lakes. That’s remarkable.”

Minneapolis, for instance, was nearly 5.6 degrees Celsius warmer than average between December and February. The fingerprints of climate change could be detected for 33 days, essentially a third of the winter season.

Tehran was 4.2 degrees Celsius warmer on average during the same three-month period. The effects of human-made climate change could be detected over 68 days of winter.

Milan’s winter average temperature was roughly 2 degrees Celsius higher, but there was a strong climate change signal over 55 days,.

Elsewhere, even though there were a few significantly hot days, winter average temperatures didn’t vary wildly and the climate signal was less pronounced.

The Climate Central report, also published Wednesday, concluded that 4.8 billion people worldwide “experienced at least one day of temperatures that would be virtually impossible without the influence of carbon pollution.”

In some parts of the world, the unusually warm winter weather was overshadowed by other crises, such as war. Several cities in Ukraine were significantly warmer than usual, and there, too, were the fingerprints of climate change. Kyiv, for instance, was nearly 3 degrees Celsius warmer on average this winter, and climate change was seen to have played a role for 33 days. Likewise, in several cities of Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the tropical belt, where it’s usually much hotter on average, climate signals are easier to detect, though temperature increases can be smaller. Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur for instance were barely 1 degree Celsius warmer on average. But the effects of climate change could be detected for nearly the entire three-month period.

It’s not just individual cities that set records this winter. Globally, February 2024 was the warmest February on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. It was 1.77 degrees Celsius above the average February temperature in the recent preindustrial era from 1850-1900.

This is the ninth month in a row to break the temperature record for that respective month. Taken together, the past 12 months have been the hottest 12 consecutive months on record: 1.56 degrees Celsius above the average from 1850-1900.

“A year ago, the fact that the global temperature for a particular month would reach 1.5 degrees C above the pre-industrial level would have been considered exceptional,” said Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at Copernicus, via email. Now, it’s happened repeatedly.

This doesn’t mean we have exceeded the international Paris Agreement goal of stopping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial temperature . For that to happen, the planet would need to be 1.5 degrees warmer for several years, long enough to reflect a more permanent change.

For now, in the short term, the ocean has been particularly hot. The average global sea-surface temperature in February was the warmest recorded for any month, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023.

Somini Sengupta is the international climate reporter on the Times climate team. More about Somini Sengupta

Delger Erdenesanaa is a reporter covering climate and the environment and a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Delger Erdenesanaa

Learn More About Climate Change

Have questions about climate change? Our F.A.Q. will tackle your climate questions, big and small .

To decarbonize the electrical grid, companies are finding creative ways to store energy during periods of low demand in carbon dioxide storage balloons .

MethaneSAT, a washing-machine-sized satellite , is designed to detect emissions of methane, an invisible yet potent gas that is dangerously heating the world.  Here is how it works .

Two friends, both young climate researchers, recently spent hours confronting the choices that will shape their careers, and the world. Their ideas are very different .

New satellite-based research reveals how land along the East Coast is slumping into the ocean, compounding the danger from global sea level rise . A major culprit: overpumping of groundwater.

Did you know the ♻ symbol doesn’t mean something is actually recyclable ? Read on about how we got here, and what can be done.

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U.S. has warmest winter on record – and no, that's not a good thing

Lauren Sommer

The Great Lakes saw low levels of ice cover over the winter, which was the warmest on record in the U.S. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

The Great Lakes saw low levels of ice cover over the winter, which was the warmest on record in the U.S.

In Minnesota, a lack of cold shutdown youth hockey games this winter. Ice cover on the Great Lakes was at historic lows in February. Snow cover disappeared on ski trails in Vermont. Texas saw the largest wildfire in state history , driven by heat and low humidity.

The lower 48 states just had the warmest winter in 130 years of record-keeping, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Temperatures were more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than average.

Winters are warming faster than any other season in most of the U.S. As humans add heat-trapping gasses to the atmosphere, the coldest places and coldest temperatures are being affected the most, having profound implications for food and water supplies.

Climate Coverage

How warming winters are affecting everything.

From December to February, the biggest temperature effects were in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. In February, Alaska was 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average. It was also the hottest February on record globally , according to the European Union climate agency Copernicus.

The continuing warm temperatures come on the heels of a record year in 2023. Scientists found it was the hottest year recorded , driven by both human-caused warming and a strong El Niño climate pattern . During El Niño years, large amounts of heat stored in the ocean are released and circulated around the planet, causing hotter temperatures and shifts in weather patterns, like flooding in some locations and droughts in others.

While warmer winter temperatures may sound like a welcome change to some, the impacts can be far-reaching. Mosquitoes can appear earlier in the spring, increasing the chances they'll spread vector-borne diseases like dengue. Many crops, like fruit and nut trees, require a certain amount of cold every winter, known as "chill hours." Without that, they produce less during the summer months.

In the Western U.S., snowpack is shrinking, hurting the water supply for millions of people . States from Colorado to California depend on the slow melt of mountain snow during the spring and summer to feed the rivers they rely on. More precipitation is falling as rain instead of snow, increasing the risk of flooding the winter as rivers get overwhelmed.

Correction March 11, 2024

A previous version of this story stated that it was 10.3 degrees Fahrenheit above average in Alaska in February. It was 5.5 degrees above average.

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Winter sailing gear: staying comfortable on the water

• Rachael Sprot
• November 1, 2022

If you want to sail out of season then careful thought needs to be given about winter sailing gear. Rachael Sprot explains how to keep you and your boat comfortable

Keeping warm and comfortable while sailing over the winter is essential. Credit: Theo Stocker Credit: Theo Stocker

Winter sailing gear should not be an afterthought as nothing sucks the pleasure from cruising more than being cold and wet while up on deck.

And you shouldn’t just be thinking about what you are wearing. You need to consider how to make the boat as comfortable as possible for sailing in cooler climes.

Heaters, insulation and boat dehumidifiers might sound like a luxury, but often they are a necessity for those who want to extend their cruising season.

The dividend for making the extra effort is some truly memory-making sailing.

Winter sailing gear: the boat

Since conditions are less forgiving when winter sailing, the boat needs to be well-found and seaworthy . Squalls and heavy rain soon expose tired sails, old rigging and leaky deck fittings.

Cold hands slow down tasks on deck, so equipment needs to operate smoothly.

A cockpit tent will add space, provide a drying area, and can be heated with a duct in the cockpit. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Boat husbandry over the summer, such as seizing shackles and servicing winches , is inexpensive but will keep things running sweetly when you need them most.

Additional kit can be expensive but some creature comforts become a necessity rather than a luxury.

Sprayhood & cockpit tent: If you haven’t already got one, a sprayhood is the single biggest improvement you can make. Cockpit tents take this a stage further, extending your living space in winter and summer.

They also create a natural drying room for damp kit, and some boats will have a duct for the diesel forced air-heater in the cockpit to heat this space.

Heating: A heater is an important addition. The most popular heaters are the diesel-fuelled hot air systems such as Erberspacher, Webasto or Mikuni (now MV heating).

The diesel heater itself can be mounted in a cockpit locker and doesn’t need to be in the accommodation.

A flexible hose conducts air to the cabin outlets. It draws anything from 0.1 – 0.5L per hour for larger boats, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the fuel tanks during longer trips.

A diesel air heater can add warmth throughout the boat. Credit: Michael Saelzer

Modern units are very efficient, but they can consume quite a bit of power on start up.

If you’re heading off-grid for long periods of time an old-fashioned stove which runs off diesel, wood, charcoal or paraffin won’t need battery power.

There’s no ducting to run through the boat, but bulkhead space for mounting can be hard to come by.

If you’re simply marina-hopping then a simple electric fan heater may suffice.

Low-wattage tube heaters take the chill off and could run off an inverter if you’ve got a healthy bank of batteries.

Carbon Monoxide: Burning any carbon-based fuel can produce harmful levels of carbon monoxide.

This is exacerbated if there’s limited oxygen or heat for efficient combustion, such as within the damp, closed interior of a yacht.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Good installation and plenty of boat ventilation will go a long way to mitigate this risk but it is important to be vigilant.

Fit at least one CO detector and make routine inspections of your heater, especially around exhausts where corrosion can cause failure. Ensure that fumes aren’t collecting inside cockpit tents or wheelhouses.

Heaters should all be CE/UKCA marked, but not everything you find online is.

Get a surveyor to check your setup if you’re in any doubt.

Condensation & Insulation: The intermittent drip of condensation from a portlight above my bunk used to drive me to distraction.

The water torture was made worse by the knowledge that it was fuelled by my own lungs. Condensation needs to be tackled on a reduction, rather than elimination approach, as you’ll never be able to get rid of it entirely.

Try to reduce the amount of wet kit inside the boat by keeping it on deck beneath the sprayhood.

Insulating inside lockers helps prevent damp and mildew. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Don’t boil excessive amounts of water on the hob, and open a hatch to let steam out when cooking.

It may feel counter-intuitive to crack open the hatches but air circulation is essential. It may let warm air escape, but it will be transporting moisture away too.

Don’t be tempted to blank off dorade vents or hermetically seal the cabin; a few draughts and even a small fan will help, quite aside from keeping you alive.

Dehumidifiers are a powerful asset in the war against damp. They’re about the only thing which can tackle wet-weather gear so it’s worth carrying one.

Condensation is always an issue when winter sailing. Good ventilation and insulation should help. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Although some 12V models exist, they are expensive. Unless you’re planning to spend considerable time on board in cold weather, a 240V unit for when you’re plugged in to shore power will suffice.

The desiccant type works better at low temperatures than the condenser variety.

Remember to check your boat insurance policy if you intend to leave one running unattended as they can catch fire.

Moisture-absorbent pouches can help when you’re not on board.

Condensation can only form on cold surfaces, so the better insulated your hull, the less condensation will form. You’ll enter a YouTube wormhole if you start researching this topic.

Proper ventilation, such as dorades vents, are essential to prevent carbo monoxide build-up, as well as damp. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Although anything is better than nothing, especially if you have a single-skin hull or deck, it’s worth thinking through the long-term implications before starting.

Spray foam would make accessing the hull difficult if repairs were needed, and don’t impede access to deck fittings which may one day need re-bedding.

Close-celled foam is a good material as it won’t absorb moisture and there are specialist products on the market like Armaflex.

On one of my earliest attempts though, I found a yoga mat was cheap and hard wearing.

Hatches and portlights can be insulated with hatch screens which attach with suction pads. If all else fails, covering a portlight with loose-fitting tin foil or cling film has been known to work!

Butane can be sluggish in the depths of winter, especially at the end of a bottle.

Red propane bottles work better in cold than blue butane bottles. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Propane performs better in cold temperatures so it might be worth having a dual fuel regulator so that you can switch between the two.

Batteries: Long hours of darkness put greater demands on your battery bank, just at a time when it’s weakened by cold temperatures.

Keep an eye on the state of charge and be prepared to upgrade the battery bank if it’s starting to show its age.

Keep a close eye on your battery monitor, as usage will be higher and capacity lower when winter sailing. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

You may have to run the engine more to keep them topped up, but beware running the engine without load for too long.

Mould and mildew: The creeping bloom of mould and mildew soon sets in if the interior of the boat is left damp. Prop up bunk cushions, leave sole boards up and lockers ajar to prevent stale air from collecting in one area.

Prop cushions up and open lockers to keep air circulating when not on board. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Dry bags or vacuum bags are essential to protect sleeping bags, pillows and clothes from mildew, and take home whatever you can to wash and dry.

Salty waterproofs will attract moisture and mould too.

Lights: Be prepared for long hours of darkness, even if you’re only planning to day sail.

Check that your navigation and anchor lights work, and carry spare bulbs.

Switching to LED bulbs is inexpensive, but will hugely reduce power consumption during long evenings. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Make sure you’ve got good torches on board and invest in a decent search light to pick out moorings or obstructions in the dark – ideally a 12V Aldis Lamp, although some modern LED searchlights are 12V chargeable and extremely powerful.

Consider switching cabin lights and NAV lights to LED bulbs to save power, but beware the colour change on green- and red-sectored lights.

Continues below…

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I’m a wimp when it comes to the cold. As soon as the temperature drops below 20°C I transition straight from shorts to foulies.

It’s a drag because I love the rugged coastlines of the North, so I’ve had to learn about winter sailing gear, and how to dress for cold weather.

There are three rules: Number 1: Forget about looking cool. We’re aiming to achieve the exact opposite and look warm and toasty. Number 2: Embrace your inner Michelin woman. Number 3: By the time you’re cold, it’s too late.

Wind chill: We rely on a layer of air trapped against our skin to keep us warm. If this disperses we cool down, and on damp skin the effect is even more pronounced.

Wind chill is often overlooked by clothing manufacturers who focus on making things waterproof yet lightweight.

Winter sailing gear: High collars and warm hats help keep the chill at bay. Credit: Theo Stocker

But in my experience it’s the weight which keeps the wind out. A big collar to hide behind, warm pockets and well-sealed cuffs all help keep the warmth in.

Outer layer: Good quality waterproofs are a must. You need a substantial barrier between you and the weather with enough room for layers beneath.

Musto HPX has long been the benchmark for offshore sailing kit, although other big names have equivalent products.

Good, solid waterproofs keep the wind off, like this commercial Fladen suit.

I’ve had a set of Guy Cotton Dremtech foulies for years and found them equally waterproof and more robust than the high street brands.

Alternatively a fisherman’s neoprene lined Fladen floatation suit is incredibly warm and windproof for less than £200.

The finish isn’t stylish, but see Rule 1!

Mid layers: Next you need to insulate yourself. Functional mid-layers take many different shapes and don’t need to be specialist marine garments.

I’ve had many years of good service from a set of ski trousers from Aldi paired with a top of the range Henri Lloyd primaloft jacket.

Chunky fleece or wool jumpers will help trap air, keeping you warm. Credit: Richard Langdon

Both have an outer shell which provides a second layer of wind-proofing. Together they saw me through Arctic gales and winter refits alike.

In less extreme conditions winter-lined walking trousers are a good option.

A second midlayer, such as a chunky fleece, is often necessary in very cold weather.

Base layers: It took me a while to discover merino wool, but once I had I was completely converted.

What you wear against your skin is vitally important and natural fibres are much more comfortable than synthetic ones.

Winter sailing gear: Merino wool layers are warmer than synthetic materials and stay fresher longer. Credit: Theo Stocker

Against all the advice, I regularly double up on thermals with a close-fitting merino underneath and a slightly looser synthetic one on top.

Gloves: Gloves are a controversial topic. As soon as you handle a line they get wet.

Waterproof gloves tend to be quite bulky and less effective at keeping in the heat.

I’ve found the best solution is to have several pairs of thick, warm gloves and to be disciplined about taking them off when handling lines.

Properly insulated gloves are best, but will need to be removed for line handling. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

They don’t need to be expensive – basic ski gloves and cycling mittens are often cheaper than their marine equivalents.

Neoprene gloves, designed to be effective whilst damp, are not as warm, but if you’re sailing hard they may be the only solution since you can leave them on in order to handle lines.

On very cold night watches where you’re helming and your hands are exposed, a lightweight pair of running gloves beneath bulkier gloves adds considerable extra warmth to your hands and makes it easier to take them on and off.

Sailing Boots : There’s no denying it, leather boots are warmer than rubber boots. Although I’ve been grateful for mine over the years, there’s no question they’re a major investment.

Good socks go a long way to keeping feet warm, regardless of what boot they’re in.

Winter sailing gear: Good sailing boots should have plenty of room, and offer good insulation, as well as being grippy and waterproof. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Boots that are too snug, especially with thick socks, will squash your feet, reduce circulation and insulation, and make your feet cold.

A pair of waterproof socks in case the inside of your boots get damp is a lifesaver on long offshore passages.

Lifejacket : As water temperatures drop the consequences of falling overboard mount up. Cold water shock kicks in when water drops blow 15°C, which is some time in the autumn through to early summer.

Be proactive about clipping on and be careful in dinghies. It’s worth noting that with lots of extra layers to trap air, a lifejacket with more buoyancy will be required to turn you right-side-up if the worst happens.

Sleeping: Staying warm in your bunk is another challenge entirely.

A sleeping bag liner can add 5°- 8° to the sleeping bag performance for a very small addition to a kit bag.

A hot water bottle is a good cure for cold feet.

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Take a sneak peek at the biggest and most expensive boats at 2024's Palm Beach yacht show

• The Palm Beach International Boat Show kicks off later this week.
• Eight megayachts are expected to be on display for would-be buyers and charter customers.
• These are the show's biggest yachts — and how many millions of dollars they are going for.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show — the yacht world's flashiest event stateside — is returning this year with over 800 boats for both deep-pocked potential owners and window shoppers to peruse.

While it's impossible to know what exactly will be on display until the show begins on Thursday, it's expected that eight megayachts — generally defined as ships over 60 meters long — will be docked at the show and at nearby marinas like the Rybovich Marina in the ritzy Florida town.

Some of these are for sale at eye-popping prices, but others are available to if in case you fancy living like a billionaire for a week or two this summer (and if you have six figures to spare on a vacation).

These are the eight biggest yachts that will be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show and nearby marinas, in size order.

Nero: 90.1 meters

Price: From $497,000 a week (charter) Standout features: Pizza ovens, beauty salon, massage room, resistance pool

Reportedly owned by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien, Nero is modeled after J.P. Morgan's 1930s ship , and was built in 2007 and updated in 2021.

She now boasts a gym on her sundeck with multiple cardio machines and a beauty salon, and has an on-board beautician for manicure, pedicure, hair, and massage needs. There's also an upgraded movie theater, two new pizza ovens, and both a pool and a jacuzzi.

For those who want to go overboard, she has more than a dozen toys, including a waterslide, Jet Ski, and flyboard.

Victorious: 85 meters

Price: From $876,600 a week in the summer and $950,000 a week in the winter Standout features: Hammam (Turkish bath), wine cellar, wood-burning fireplace, children's playroom

Victorious brings a party vibe to the yacht show. With a beach club on board, a wine cellar, a cigar clubroom , multiple bars, and a lounge with a piano, the vessel is made for entertaining. Plus, there's a playroom and movie theater to entertain the kids.

For tamer charter clients, Victorious has a suite of wellness features such as a gym, massage room, beauty salon and hammam, or Turkish bath — perhaps a custom request of her owner, Turkish businessman Vural Ak.

She also boasts a treasure trove of water toys, including Jet Skis, jetsurfs, inflatable kayaks, and scuba equipment.

Casino Royale: 72 meters

Price: TBD Special Features: Infinity pool, helipad, private jacuzzi

Purchased and refitted by car dealer magnate John Staluppi last year, Casino Royale is the latest of his James Bond-inspired yachts (he's also owned an Octopussy and a Skyfall, among others).

Casino Royale has a helipad that turns into a dancefloor, an infinity pool, and a wellness center with a gym and sauna. The owner's cabin has its own deck, which features a private bar and jacuzzi.

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However, the boat's price isn't listed, and while she's not necessarily officially for sale, that might change depending on who's prepared to buy, Mr. Bond.

Talisman C: 70.6 meters

Price: $60 million (or from $567,000 a week to charter) Special features: Massage and beauty room, private library

Likely the largest yacht for sale (not just charter) at the show, the Talisman C is a 2011 six-bedroom boat. The owner's cabin comes with an en suite bathroom, dressing room, private library, and crystal chandeliers.

Amenities include a gym, a beauty room, oversized jacuzzi, and a fully equipped bar. Her crew of 19 includes a trained masseuse, and the toy room comes equipped with a wakeboard, eFoil , and WaveRunners.

Joy: 70 meters

Price: From $650,000 a week Special features: Disco club, basketball court, onboard fitness instructor

Superyacht Joy testifies to the fact that owners want as many on-board experiences as they can get.

There's an expansive suite of fitness features, including a basketball court (don't shoot that hoop too hard!), a personal trainer on staff, boxing equipment, and a handful of machines. For post-workout winddowns, there's a spa with a steam room and onboard masseuse. And for entertainment, there's both an outdoor and indoor cinema, and a disco club.

Triumph: 65.4 meters

Price: From $707,600 a week in the summer and $650,000 a week in the winter Special features: Sauna, helipad, banana boat

This 2021 superyacht is named after Triumph motorcycles — a reported favorite of her rumored owner, British businessman Chris Dawson — and even has one on display as an art piece in the upper deck's lounge. The primary suite is 1,400 square feet and has its own study , and there's a sauna, an indoor-outdoor gym, a helipad, and a massage room spread among her six decks.

She boasts an "armada of water toys," including two kinds of Jet Skis, electric water bikes, and a banana boat.

Seanna: 64.5 meters

Price: $54,000,000 (or from $462,000 a week to charter) Special features: marble foyer, movie room, sundeck pool

The recently refurbished Seanna is available for sale and charter.

Her indoor-outdoor gym is on sea level so that passengers can take a dip after a session with the onboard personal trainer. There's also a sundeck pool, a helipad, a two-room massage facility, and, for the more cerebral guests, a library with an electric fireplace.

There are a number of toys on board, including a popular water trampoline and two WaveRunners.

Come Together: 60 meters

Price: $65,000,000 Special Features: DJ and videographer on board, ice bath, sauna

Next-to-new yacht Come Together is looking for a new owner after doing charters during the 2023 season.

The Beatles' influence is evident beyond the yacht's name, with guitars dotting the sky lounge and a crewmember who doubles as a DJ. There's also an outdoor cinema and bar for entertainment and an ice bath and sauna for the day after the party. The owner's suite has a private study and lounge, and each guest cabin has its own ensuite.

The sale includes a number of toys, like Jet Skis, kayaks, and Seabobs.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

• Main content

2024 spring equinox: A visual guide to the changing of the seasons

I thought it was spring already?

Maybe it seemed like it between the unseasonably warm winter temperatures and Punxsutawney Phil 's prediction of an early spring. But on March 19, the astronomical winter ends and spring begins. It's also known as the vernal equinox – when day and night are the about same length almost everywhere on Earth.

When the vernal equinox takes place on Tuesday evening in the U.S., it will already be March 20 for most of the world. A March 21 equinox won't occur on the continental U.S. during the entire 21st century, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac . 

Here's what happens on the first day of spring.

When is the spring equinox?

The March equinox comes at 11:06 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, the precise moment the sun's rays shine directly on the equator. Meteorologists actually consider March 1 the beginning of spring.

Tuesday is one of two days of the year – the other is the day of the autumnal equinox in September – when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness almost everywhere on the planet. 

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. 

Dig deeper: Ready to kiss winter goodbye? Here's when the first day of spring is in 2024.

What causes the seasons to change?

After the spring equinox, the north pole continues tilting toward the sun until summer solstice, or the day when the northern hemisphere receives the most sunlight. After that longest day in June, the north pole begins its six-month retreat in the sky toward winter.

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequalis" and "nox," meaning "equal night." On the autumnal (and the spring) equinox, day and night are roughly 12 hours long each in most of the world.

Day and night aren't exactly 12 hours long on the day of the equinox because the Earth's atmosphere refracts, or bends, light in an optical illusion that brings more daylight than there really is. Because of this, the date when day and night are of exactly equal length is usually a few days after the spring equinox.

What's the difference between an equinox and a solstice?

Equinoxes – when day and night are roughly equal – occur in March and September and mark the astronomical beginning of spring and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

Solstices occur in June and December, which mark the beginning of astronomical summer and winter. The summer solstice is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky and the winter solstice occurs when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Liz Kellar and Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY

Warm winter could add fuel to Upstate NY’s spring wildfire season, DEC warns

• Updated: Mar. 19, 2024, 10:04 a.m. |
• Published: Mar. 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

Most of Upstate New York is at moderate risk (blue) of wildfires right now. That is likely to increase as the weather warms and brush dries out after the winter. New York state Department of Environmental Conservation

• Glenn Coin | [email protected]

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Upstate New York’s record-breaking warm winter could worsen this spring’s wildfire season , the state Department of Environmental Conservation warns.

“Due to the drier and warmer winter, New York State is at a greater risk for wildfires this spring,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release.

The lack of snow this winter also left dormant vegetation exposed, and that vegetation is now susceptible to warming temperatures and drier conditions in the spring, DEC said.

The state’s ban on brush-burning went into effect Saturday and ends May 14. During that time, it’s illegal to burn brush or sticks across the state. During other parts of the year, brush can be burned under certain circumstances. Burning household trash in New York is always illegal.

Spring is wildfire season in Upstate New York, before leaves emerge and plants begin taking up moisture from the soil.

This has been one of the warmest and least-snowy winters ever recorded in much of Upstate New York. While Central New York had more precipitation than normal, part of Western New York remains in a drought that began last year.

DEC said that since it began imposing the burn ban in 2009, wildfires have fallen by more than 40%.

Right now, most of the state is at moderate risk of wildfires. Moderate risk means that fires can start from most accidental causes but, with the number is relatively low and fires are likely to be controlled easily.

“Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days,” under moderate risk conditions, DEC said. “Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot.”

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