There are so many great regions to visit and yachts available to charter it’s hard to know where to begin. So we’ve put together a selection of this season’s top charter yachts and the places you can cruise to. We’ve also been asking some captains for their insider knowledge on the must-see regions. For the full story, see the latest issue of SuperYacht World.

1: Western  Mediterranean

Captain’s comments: Steve McLaren (Elena)
“Some of my favourite sailing is in the islands off Sardinia. Those around the archipelago of La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda are particularly special. Cruising through the seven main islands, and over 50 isolotti, you can find some of the best beaches outside the Caribbean, and some of my favourite restaurants – this area has something for everyone. Note that cruising permits are required for the Maddalena archipelago as it is a national park. Porquerolles is another park and great heed needs to be taken of the authorities. The Cinque Terre in Liguria is another one of my favourites but a commercial yacht may no longer enter these waters.”
Elena charters from €80,000pw from Y.CO.

Also featured: Sea Force One
From €250,000pw
53.8m Mariotti Yachts 2008 10 guests 13 crew
Why charter? If the shiny black hull and Luca Dini-styled superstructure don’t catch the eye, the stunning interior surely will: a mix of breathtaking design and contemporary artworks.
Great for Those who like art round every corner.
Contact Ocean Independence



 

2: South Pacific

Captain’s comments: Pascal Goger (Douce France)
“Welcome to paradise! Having sailed the world over my long seafaring career I can attest to the soothing effects of cruising here, and the tropical and welcoming waters make it the perfect escape. Papua is said to have the world’s richest reef systems – being an avid diver, I am probably a little biased but with our personal dive instructor on board we always find that guests are equally enthusiastic. The scenery above sea level is just as enthralling with steep mountain cliffs, dense jungle forests and deserted beaches. In the coming months we are looking forward to some spectacular cruising in Palau, and later French Polynesia in June to September.”
Douce France charters from €95,000pw from Ocean Independence


Also featured: Hemisphere
$260,000-$280,000pw
44.2m Pendennis 2011 12 guests 10 crew
Why charter? This fantastic catamaran – the largest sailing cat in the world – was created by an owner who wanted a yacht he could go diving aboard. She’s a PADI-recognised diving and training centre, and there are plenty of other distractions below and above decks. The Michael Leach interior is superbly relaxing.
Great for The ultimate family diving adventure.
Contact Burgess



 

3: Caribbean

Captain’s comments: Glynn Smith (Mi Sueño)
“The British Virgin Islands are some of the best cruising grounds in the Caribbean. Every yachtsman’s dream, this is a fantasyland of passages, secluded beaches, great restaurants, amazing water and marine life. You’ll find secret anchorages and top-rated resorts, as well as great hidden gems and well-known hangouts like the island of Jost Van Dyke and the infamous Foxy’s bar. A yacht is the best way to see the area as some of the best places are only accessible by water. For the adventurous, Anegada is a great island to visit, with miles of pristine beach and the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, and best of all, it’s rarely visited by large yachts!”
Mi Sueño charters from €280,000pw from IYC

Also featured: Kismet II
€1,200,000pw
93.8m Lürssen 2014 12 guests 28 crew
Why charter? The most talked-about launch of 2014 will be Lürssen’s successor to the iconic Kismet, launching in September and exclusively for charter through Moran. Features include a winter garden deck, full spa, pool and retractable outdoor fireplace.
Great for Those who want to cruise a brand-new yacht.
Contact Moran Yacht & Ship



 

4: Eastern Mediterranean

Captain’s comments: Panayiotis Kammenos (Proteus)
“For me it’s the Sporades, which have a quite different atmosphere from the travel-poster Greece of the Cyclades. Instead of bare rugged hills topped with dazzling villages, the Sporades are fertile and heavily wooded, with pine-forested mountains sloping down to some of the best beaches in the Aegean, and the local architecture is more characteristic of Northern Greece, with less whitewashing and more stone roofs. Skiathos is the best known, the easiest to get to, and the most crowded. Skopelos, while just as attractive, is less touristy outside of July and August, while Alonnisos is much quieter.”
Proteus charters for €60,000pw (low season); €75,000pw (high season) from Megisti Blue

Also featured: La Dea II
From €175,000pw
49.0m Trinity Yachts 2007 12 guests 9 crew
Why charter? With an experienced crew, La Dea II’s guests will be thoroughly pampered. Benefits from a recent refit with a newly configured sundeck, and she also operates in the Western Med.
Great for A family charter party who want plenty of distractions – toys include an inflatable island.
Contact IYC



 

5: The Americas

Captain’s comments: Edward Persichetti (Capricorn)
“After cruising New England for over a decade, it’s difficult to narrow the perfect anchorage to one choice. But there is a gem of a spot located on the east side of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Winter Harbour is not for the novice. With a three-storey tide twice a day and the traditional northern Maine fog, finding your way in is challenging. But once in, it boasts New England beauty at its finest. From beachside bonfires on the rocky coast to the welcome waves of lobstermen, Winter Harbour is spectacular. With absolute silence amongst the evergreen trees, you’ll be swept away and appreciate how beautiful New England really is.”
Capricorn charters from €135,000pw from Churchill Yacht Partners

Also featured: Safira
$119,000pw
39.3m Newcastle/Tyneside Yachting 2013
10 guests 8 crew
Why charter? A global explorer ready for anything.
Great for The environmentally conscious: everything on board is recycled, organic, natural or sustainable.
Contact Northrop & Johnson



 

6: South East Asia

Captain’s comments: Juan Koegelenberg (SuRi): “The west coast of Thailand and its islands never fail to awe. I like to take guests east from Phi Phi Ley, where the film The Beach was made, towards Phuket’s West Coast, giving them the chance for a dive en route. Further south along the coast in Ko Lanta Yai is an island of rugged mountainous geography and a range of beaches from gravel to fine white sand. Take an early morning motor to Ko Muk, another beautiful island where you can swim to the centre, Emerald Cove, which has a pretty beach. The Butang Islands, part of the Tarutao Marine National Park, have ultra-clear waters, rainforests and white-sand beaches.”
SuRi charters for €325,000pw from 37 South

Also featured: Nirvana
From €900,000pw
88.5m Oceanco 2012 12 guests 26 crew
Why charter? One of the most impressive charter yachts available, Nirvana offers superbly spacious accommodation over six decks. Packed with features including a 3D cinema, sundeck plunge pool, helideck and sea terraces, she will never fail to delight.
Great for A party looking for lots of space to relax in.
Contact Edmiston