Our 10 Favorite Destinations

For a Week or More…

The major historical charter companies were quick to understand the benefits of offering a global range, multiplying their number bases on every ocean and sea... multihulls were appearing on their pontoons as early as the 1990s, and the explosion of the Internet has since encouraged the creation of platforms bringing together thousands of multihulls ready to sail, with or without a skipper. But, where to begin? We’re sharing our 10 favorite charter destinations with you.

The lagoon in Virgin Gorda, in the BVI, is one of the top spots to visit when chartering a multihull – and when blue water cruising too!

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Publié le 26/09/2024

Par Mark Bernie, Dick Sawyer and Kim Wellington

Numéro : 198

Parution : Nov. / Dec. 2024

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Bahamas: 700 Magnificent Islands to Discover

If a multihull paradise exists, then this is it: the giant, shallow anchorages take on the color of a swimming pool - those with a draft exceeding two meters are asked to sail elsewhere, and that’s why the charter companies here only offer multihulls. A multihull friendly destination par excellence.

The Bahamas are wedged between southern Florida and northeastern Cuba. There is a huge territory to discover: 100,000 square miles, which is 6,500 square miles more than the United Kingdom! A country with more sea than land, and independent since 1973. Only about twenty islands are inhabited all year round. To the south there is a succession of sandy and coral islets, where there is no chance of getting supplies. To the west, the Bimini Islands are the closest to the American coast (only 40 nautical miles). However, it is a little further east, on the islands of Great Abaco and Nassau, that you will find the main infrastructures. The sailing season extends from December to June; the hurricane season starts in August and continues until November. The Bahamas archipelago is made up of huge lagoons, separated by a few dozen miles. It is during these journeys that one sometimes feels the swell of the open sea or at least the wind over the sea. Other than that, the sailing is all about wandering from one deserted beach to another, in a giant swimming pool. The only risk is of going aground if you attempt one of the passes blocked by a sandbar. Sailing times can be very short, dives a little less so - which ensures that your days are always busy! The wildest area? The Exumas archipelago, only 26 miles off the southeast coast of Nassau Island. It is home to one of the largest marine parks in the world, the famous «Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park» located in Warderick Wells. Other things to do: stroke the nurse sharks, feed the swimming pigs at Staniel Cay, reveal your inner James Bond in Thunderball’s underwater cave and swim with angel fish, parrotfish and Scissortail Sergeants in the Aquarium. You can even explore the wreckage of the Medellin Cartel’s plane off Norman Cay or play hide-and-seek with the iguanas at Allen’s Cay.

Nassau Weather Check
Min/max air temperature: 66/90°F (19/32°C)
Water temperature min/max: 75/90°F (24/30°C)
Prevailing wind: east 10 knots
Sunshine: 3,200 hours per year
Rainfall: 47” (1,200 mm)/year

NB: the north of the archipelago is significantly cooler in winter than the south. In summer, the south is much drier than the north.

©Jonathan Jagot

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The British Virgin Islands: The Trade Wind of Happiness

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A variety of islands - some rugged, others flat - pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and above all, an almost-constant trade wind: the British Virgin Islands are a true sailing paradise! It’s not for nothing that Sunsail/The Moorings has its historic base on Tortola - today the charter company boasts no fewer than 300 boats.

Sailors familiar with the West Indies will already know these idyllic islands. Landlubbers, less so... A bit of geography to start with: the BVI are wedged between Puerto Rico to the west and Saint-Martin to the east. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, this archipelago of 50 islands - only 16 are inhabited - has had a turbulent history. There were repeated attempts at colonization and plenty of piracy, before they were annexed by the British... Today, the BVI is a well-known tax haven (no taxes for companies). These islands are also a tourist destination and a popular sailing area for Americans, although less known to European sailors. From November to May, the easterly trade wind blows at 20 knots or more every day: a paradise for sailing, especially since most of the archipelago is protected from the swell. Not all the islands have leeward anchorages, but the possibilities are endless, and never very far away. This environment is obviously favorable to chartering - all the major international operators have a base on Tortola, the main island.
Our favorite spots: Guana Island and its nearby White Bay beach, perfect for a first swim in the warm turquoise water; Virgin Gorda and its mythical lagoon; The Baths, an extraordinary tangle of rocks set among lush vegetation; Jost Van Dyke - called Jost or JVD here - and its magnificent beaches. In the evening, the atmosphere is particularly festive at Foxy’s. A special mention must go to the flat island of Anegada, with its bush and coral. Setting Point is a large and popular anchorage, though logically, mooring space is much in demand.

BVI Weather Check
Air temperature min/max: 70/88°F (21/31°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/84°F (26/29°C)
Average wind: Northeast to Southeast 10/25 knots
Sunshine: 3,000 hours per year
Rainfall: 43” (1,100 mm)/year

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©Jérôme Kélagopian

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Croatia: Dalmatia, Endless Islands and Endless Heritage

Over the years, Croatia has become a must-visit tourist destination. The country has also built up a solid reputation in the Mediterranean as a sailing paradise, thanks to its almost infinite coastline. Other convincing arguments include its omnipresent architectural and historical heritage, a very pleasant climate from May through October and, last but not least, its crystal-clear waters...

Small secret coves, a string of islands with turquoise waters, charming harbors - this is what’s on the agenda as you set out from one of the many multihull charter bases in Croatia. The main advantage of this cruising area is its calm sailing conditions, as long as you stay “inside” the islands. Any chop is usually insignificant, and the wind is content to blow from the northwest in the afternoon. The destination of Croatia is a real invitation for a bit of “island-hopping” type sailing. The possibilities for anchorage seem infinite... It’s hard to put together a sailing program on just a couple of pages!
If there’s one island in Dalmatia you really shouldn’t miss, it’s Hvar... the island and its famous port share the same name. Arriving in the old Venetian sheltering spot is impressive; after a tour of the town (Croatia’s version of Saint-Tropez) and some shopping, let yourself be tempted by dinner in a restaurant! Enjoy seafood and local specialties.
After Hvar, it’s time to discover a slightly more discreet island gem - Korčula. This island is touted by the guidebooks as the greenest of them all. Set sail between the two islands, just off the mainland, beneath high, sometimes cloud-covered peaks: you’ll discover a succession of idyllic, deserted anchorages. Close to Korčula’s ramparts, there are numerous anchorages where you can escape the local harbor traffic. The medieval city and its ramparts are well worth a full evening out. The far eastern end of Korčula reveals some extraordinary and perfectly protected anchorages.
Vis is a must for us – at 30 nautical miles, it’s one of the islands furthest from the mainland. But this doesn’t stop it from being very popular with yachties: numerous coves cut into the coastline, and a string of islands, particularly to the northeast and east, form vast anchorage areas. Vis is a well-known diving spot: the big underwater attraction is the Biševo blue cave. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the cave is flooded with light, giving the water an astonishing blue color. Nearby, Salbunara Bay offers one of the few sandy beaches in Dalmatia.

Split Weather Check
Air temperature min/max: 43/88°F (6/31°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/84°F (26/29°C)
Average wind: 6 to 10 knots from all directions; NW thermal breeze 10 to 15 knots from 2 to 6 pm in summer
Sunshine: 2,650 hours per year
Rainfall: 31” (800 mm)/year

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Mallorca: The Magic of the Calas

The built-up areas of the Balearic archipelago’s largest island are limited to a part of the south coast - whilst the north coast is almost deserted... You will almost have the warm and turquoise waters, the vertiginous cliffs, the cicadas and the palm trees to yourself!

Here we are in the Mediterranean, 100 miles south of Barcelona. The Balearic archipelago offers many cruising possibilities: Ibiza to the south, about ten hours away by sea, and Menorca to the east, accessible in a half-day sail. But Mallorca alone justifies a week or two of sailing. Once you get past the apartment blocks in the bay of Palma, you will find an infinite number of coves, wild anchorages, picturesque harbors and, above all, the north coast and its imposing cliffs. Sailing all the way around Mallorca with a detour to the Cabrera Archipelago, means that you will cover around 200 miles. A more complete visit of the bays and coves - especially the deeper ones like Alcudia - can quickly increase the length of the journey. This cruise does not require any particular preparation - with one reservation: in July and August, it is preferable to choose an anchorage for the night in the late afternoon. The best periods to enjoy good weather without too many people are June and September/October.
No tides, negligible currents and very few sand banks: cruising in Mallorca is as pleasant as it is easy. The only constraints are the swell and chop, which can make some anchorages difficult to handle. Generally speaking, you will no doubt be tempted to take advantage of the countless bays and coves - the calas. There are plenty of places where you can moor at the quayside and fill up with water and fuel. There are about 20 well-equipped harbors on Mallorca. There are plenty of large, quickly accessible stretches of water with good shelter should you encounter any bad weather conditions - with the exception of the north coast: of the 50 miles of spectacular cliffs and peaks, only Puerto Soller is accessible if the sea is rough.

Mallorca Weather Check
Min/max air temperature: 52/88°F (11/31°C)
Water temperature min/max: 57/79°F (14/26°C)
Average wind: 7 to 12 knots from all directions; coastal breezes from 3 to 7 pm in summer
Sunshine: 2,700 hours per year
Rainfall: 16” (400 mm)/year

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©Antoine Bousquet

French Polynesia: Tuamotu Islands: The Kingdom of the Atolls

This archipelago in the South Pacific is part of French Polynesia. It is a great favorite with all the round the world sailors. - Rare are those who have not considered staying there... Immaculate white sand, coconut palms and translucent water: This unspoiled paradise can be reached by charter multihulls - even if some of them are based several hundred miles away.

The Tuamotu archipelago has 75 atolls scattered over 5,200 square miles (13,500 km2) of ocean. Tikehau, the closest atoll to Tahiti, is less than 200 miles to the northeast. Each atoll has more or less wide and deep passes. The principle is of course to avoid entering at night but also when there is a strong current and/or swell. Once inside the atolls, you will discover the world of motus, small coral islands that appear out of nowhere, and the countless coral outcrops, which are not necessarily well identified on your charts. This is where satellite images can be useful. Of course, you need to make sure to navigate in these atolls during the day, under a bright sun. All that remains is to find a good place to anchor - sandy bottoms are rare. The relatively flat atolls offer very few sheltered spots. The best places, especially in case of bad weather, are located downwind of the largest motus. Although the sailing can be demanding, it is well adapted to shallow-draft multihulls and the effort is worth it as the sublime environment will reward divers (and fishermen). It is difficult to find any richer and more enchanting underwater landscapes. Just put your head under the transparent water and you will discover thousands of multicolored fish. The best sailing period is during the dry season from May to October. The cyclone season runs from December to April, but sometimes this period remains relatively calm.

Tuamotus Weather Check
Air temperature min/max: 73/86°F (23/30°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/82°F (26/28°C)
Average wind: Northeast to Southeast 15/20 knots
Sunshine: 2,830 hours per year
Rainfall: 60” (1,540 mm)/year

Saint Lucia: The Twin Peak Island

20 nautical miles south of Martinique, Saint Lucia has always been a perfect stopover on the way to islands further south - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. But the island with the two peaks deserves a lengthy stopover.

Saint Lucia is a volcanic island with rugged terrain which culminates at 3,120 feet (950 meters). There are two spectacular coastal peaks - both of which are close to 2,600 feet (800 meters) high. The windward coast, on the Atlantic side, is pounded by the swell. Some bays are more or less protected by coral reefs, but we do not recommend trying to access these areas. The leeward coast, on the Caribbean Sea side, is much more suitable for sailing. Rodney Bay is the ideal port of call for anything technical. The vast area of water is perfectly protected. There is a large marina, shipyards and various nautical services – and of course, most of the charter companies. South of Castries, the capital, the sandy spit of Marigot Bay and its giant coconut trees are very appealing. Other anchorages worth discovering are Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet for snorkeling, Soufrière and its numerous huts and wooden houses, without forgetting the still active volcanic site. A short cab ride will take you there, as well as to the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Mamiku Gardens. A final suggestion in this «best of» list? Pitons Bay of course! You will enjoy the sublime anchorage between the two emblematic pitons of Saint Lucia, which are connected by a white sand beach lined with coconut trees. We are in the south of the Caribbean arc, but not yet far enough south to escape the hurricanes (August and September). From the end of January to mid-April, the north-east Trade Wind blows steadily. The two intermediate periods (December to early January and mid-April to mid-June) either side of the hottest season when there is little wind are generally subject to the trade winds, but with less strength and regularity. But take care if you still haven’t quite got your sea legs -it can be choppy when leaving the protection of the island.

Saint Lucia weather check
Air temperature min/max: 73/88°F (23/31°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/84°F (26/29°C)
Average wind: north-east 10 to 20 knots
Sunshine: 2,890 hours per year
Rainfall: 55 to 79” (1,400 to 2,000 mm)/year

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Saint Martin / Saint Barth: We’d Love to Stay Forever…

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In the far north of the Caribbean arc, Saint Martin has always been a yachting stronghold thanks to its immense and perfectly sheltered lagoon. The island, situated between the Virgin Islands and Antigua, also benefits from its strategic location. This destination has logically become an unmissable hub for multihull charter. And within reach of your bows, the mythical island of Saint Barths is just waiting for you...

Saint Martin, the smallest island in the world to be divided into two nations, is relatively urbanized compared to its neighbors, but has many advantages in terms of sailing: the anchorages are vast, numerous, offer good holding and, above all, the immense central lagoon provides excellent protection. Saint Martin is also just a stone’s throw from the very chic and discreet Anguilla; this large, flat island and the pristine anchorages of Dog Island and Sandy Island alone are worth the trip. To the south-west, the bright lights of the island of Saint Barths catch the eye. Along the way, you can stop off at the austere and deserted Ile Fourchue. All kinds of cacti are at home here. This one-kilometer square island was once called Five Island because it has five peaks. The highest of them is 340 feet (103 m). As long as you are in good physical shape, careful and well-shod, it is possible to climb and to discover every corner of this rock and enjoy some extraordinary panoramas. Just a little more time under way and you’ll reach the safety of the famous island that is so dear to the world’s jet-set. Gustavia’s vast anchorage is divided in two by the access channel and the turning area for the commercial port. The harbor offers many bars. And as for shopping, there is everything you need in the main street. The best spot for swimming and watching the sunset is undoubtedly Shell Beach, a short walk from the port. One of the island’s most beautiful anchorages is located less than a mile to the northwest: the Anse du Colombier. The site features an astonishing sand dune. Turtles are found everywhere. Saint Barths counts plenty of other paradise-like beaches, such as Saline, Saint Jean or Gouverneur, to name just a few.

Saint Martin Weather Check
Min/max air temperature: 72/86°F (22/30°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/84°F (26/29°C)
Average wind: Northeast to Southeast 10/25 knots
Sunshine: 3,015 hours per year
Rainfall: 41” (1,045 mm)/year

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Seychelles: Little Gems in the Indian Ocean

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The Seychelles, that top-of-the-range honeymoon destination par excellence, are struggling to shake off their reputation as a billionaires’ playground... Admittedly, some of them are private and are sometimes better protected than Fort Knox, but in reality, the majority of the most remarkable sites are accessible by charter multihull.

Forget the five-star hotels and don’t worry about pirates, who are much further north. Instead, make the most of this extraordinary sailing area comprising 115 islands - only one of which, Eden Island (Victoria, Mahé), is man-made. The Seychelles archipelago, unlike so many others, is not just of coral origin. 40 islands form a small continent underpinned by a granite bedrock. Hence these incredible tangles of light-colored rock, carved out by erosion.
There are a number of charter companies, but the fleets are small. It’s a far cry from the BVI. Dream Yacht Worldwide, a long-standing player in the area, has offices here, but most of the yachts are moored in Praslin, to the south of Baie Saint Anne. There is no other infrastructure for yachting, and maintenance facilities are very limited, which explains the lack of development of yacht charter here.
If you’re only staying for a week with a charter, you’ll concentrate on Mahé, the main island, and then head off towards Praslin, 25 miles to the north-east, and then La Digue and Curieuse. You are in a paradise of the most beautiful anchorages imaginable. Immediate options include the anchorages of Felicite, Mariane and Grande Sœur to the east. Another small island to the west awaits you too: Cousin. But Cousine, however, is off-limits. Anchoring and/or disembarkation ashore are sometimes subject to a charge. For some islands, such as Curieuse, it is possible and even recommended to book and pay online, so it’s a good idea to have an internet connection on board. If the weather is good and you don’t mind putting in the miles, you can venture (north and west) to Denis, Bird and Silhouette. These islands require 25 to 30-mile crossings, and you will have to pay to anchor and/or disembark ashore. If you have your own multihull - and presumably more time - you can discover many other, much wilder islands, such as Platte and Coetivy to the south, and Desroches, Poivre and Saint Joseph to the south-west. Further along this same cape, the Groupe Alphonse and the Iles Extérieures archipelago come into view. At this point, you’ve almost reached Madagascar and Mahé is already more than 400 miles in your wake...

Seychelles Weather Check
Min/max air temperature: 77/90°F (25/32°C)
Water temperature min/max: 79/86°F (26/30°C)
Average wind: Southeast 10/20 knots or Northwest 8 to 12 knots
Sunshine: 2,530 hours per year
Rainfall: 93” (2,365 mm)/year

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Sydney: The Sailing Capital of the Southern Hemisphere!

For thousands of years, the island continent has been sailing multihulls... first in a proa, and in a catamaran since the 1950s, before taking an interest in the trimaran from 1980 onwards. Such a craze for pleasure sailing and multihulls in particular can be explained simply because Australia is a paradise for blue water sailing. And whether it’s cruising or racing, at the center of it all, is Sydney...

The east coast of Australia is often frequented by Pacific cruisers, who can enjoy the country’s largest city, Sydney, before heading north to continue their world tour. For many sailors, this harbor is one of the best in the world. It provides many sheltered bays and deep water to the shore. Moorings are to be found in the heart of the city, in Blackwattle Bay. Anchoring near the beaches in the northern part of the city around Manly is also popular with long-term cruisers, so why not join them! There is no shortage of services - boat ramps, modern slips, ship chandlers - and many yacht clubs welcome visitors. The conditions here are so favorable that all local yachtsmen cruise or race all year round. 85% of Australians live along their 15,500 miles (25,000 km) of coastline, mainly in the southeast. And there is one boat for every 24 inhabitants... In Sydney, the evening or weekend regattas are real institutions and the barbecues that close them are essential social events. The bay is in fact an extraordinary playground, but it is easy to extend it infinitely. To the south, there’s no doubt that the conditions on the route to New Zealand can be difficult, and the passage is limited to the more experienced owner. On the other hand, towards the north and the Great Barrier Reef, the sailing is easy and so, ideal for a long-term charter - but beware of the swell and the sometimes-violent currents.

Sydney Weather Check
Min/max air temperature: 48/79°F (9/26°C)
Water temperature min/max: 66/75°F (19/24°C)
Average wind: 7 knots from any direction
Sunshine: 2,635 hours per year
Rainfall: 47” (1,200 mm)/year

Thailand: The Bewitching Andaman Sea

Protected in part to the west by Phuket - the largest island in Thailand, the Andaman Sea reveals landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Rivers, piton islands, lagoons, fishing villages, thick jungle: There’s enough for the most ardent of explorers to discover after just a few miles under way, as you’ll find charter companies on site…

Of course, the destination has been sought-after for several decades by the mass tourism market, but most of those on vacation are concentrated in certain well-defined tourist areas. Once past these few villages, beaches and other attractions, which are inevitably hectic and noisy - but whose atmosphere remains good-natured despite everything else - sailing in the Andaman Sea is full of some incredible surprises. Villages on stilts in the north and along the rivers, piton-shaped islands with secret lagoons and hordes of monkeys, national parks, small fishing ports, deserted beaches, and dive sites in the south. The list of sites and anchorages seems endless! Many boaters have fallen under the spell of the local lifestyle and have stayed... It is hard to resist the beauty of these isolated anchorages bordered by imposing limestone monoliths. We must mention that the Thai people are extremely welcoming, and that the food here is remarkably good - do we really need to showcase the delights of Thai cuisine? There are two seasons on the west coast of Thailand. The first one, from May to October, is the so-called southwest season - it corresponds to the monsoon and therefore results in abundant rain. The second season is the North-East season which runs from March to April and is dry. This is the best time to sail, with an east wind that can reach 20 knots but no swell. During the rainy season, it is not advisable to anchor west of Phuket or in front of any exposed islands. The swell is quite strong and the safest thing to do is to stay in Phang-na Bay, protected from the squalls...

Phuket Weather Check
Air temperature min/max: 73/91°F (23/33°C)
Water temperature min/max: 82/86°F (28/30°C)
Average wind: 5 to 10 knots from all sectors, but mostly westerly from March through October
Sunshine: 2,070 hours per year
Rainfall: 87” (2,210 mm)/year