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WHO WE ARE

Antigua Yacht Charters Limited is an independent yacht charter broker. We are based in Antigua in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, surrounded by some of the best sailing conditions in the world and a principal destination for luxury superyacht charters.

We specialise in fully crewed yachts and feature only those which we believe our clients will appreciate. We will always try to give fair, unbiased recommendations and advice.

Luxury Superyacht Charters

The Superyacht Collection is an exclusive range of large sailing and motor yachts available for charter worldwide: the Caribbean, Mediterranean and other glorious sailing destinations such as the Pacific, Bahamas and New England. Within the Mediterranean we can arrange charters in the West Med (France, Italy, Sardinia, Corsica), Croatia & Montenegro, Greece and new for 2012, the East Med – Turkey.

The Caribbean is still the favourite winter (northern hemisphere) destination for many beautiful and luxurious charter boats with fabulous cruising grounds in the Virgin Islands, St Martin (St Maarten), St Barth’s, Antigua, St Lucia, the Grenadines, Grenada and beyond. In the summer, many of these yachts cross back to Europe and charter in the Mediterranean. Others go to the Bahamas or New England as well as the more far flung parts of the world such as remote Pacific islands.

We feature some of the best fully crewed luxury charter yachts: luxury power yachts, cruising & performance sailing yachts, motor-sailors and catamarans – and each with a highly professional crew. Please explore our superyacht listings where you will find examples of superb yachts. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, please do get in touch – we’ll be very pleased to help.

The Superyacht Collection represents some of the large premier motor and sailing charter yachts recommended by Antigua Yacht Charters Limited, a well established independent yacht charter broker based in Antigua. We’re a small company and provide a professional, friendly, unbiased and totally bespoke service to discerning clients. We have over 12 years experience in the industry and many happy clients.

Let us make you happy too – we can be reached by phone: +1 268 463 7101 or by E-mail

DESTINATIONS

CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean is the winter charter destination (northern hemisphere) for many of the world’s exclusive luxury superyachts. Look for top of the market, large motor yachts, expensive premier sailing yachts and classics.

The cruising islands of the Eastern Caribbean form a fantastic arc from St Thomas in the Virgin Islands to Trinidad. You’ll discover many exciting tropical destinations as well as the well know ports of call of St Barths, St Martin (St Maarten), Antigua, St Lucia, the Grenadines, Grenada and more. This string of volcanic and coral islands are surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, cooled by constant easterly trade winds and filled with colour.

They provide a unique variety of island scenery and offer in different ways something for everyone. From spectacular tropical forest hillsides and waterfalls, excellent diving and snorkeling with corals and colourful fish, safe swimming, white sand beaches, historic forts, sleepy villages and bustling markets, bars, fashionable restaurants and shopping and an easy going lifestyle, the list could go on for ever. Seldom too hot, never cold, they offer beautiful scenery and some of the best sailing in the world.

While they are typically only a few hours sailing from one another, they represent a range of island nations with diverse cultures, geography and often language too, having been influenced over the centuries by the British, French, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Americans and others. For chartering the Caribbean offers three distinct areas:

The Virgin Islands

The Leeward Islands

The Windward Islands and the Grenadines

MEDITERRANEAN

The Mediterranean. Just the word draws pictures: The cradle of civilization. Sun, sea and sand. The exquisite food and drink. The home of the good life and the summer (northern hemisphere) destination for many of the world’s large luxury superyachts – fast power boats, large motor yachts & sailing yachts, all for charter with top grade crew.

It’s the perfect location for an exclusive vacation on a private mega yacht – from the glamorous French Côte d’Azur to fabled islands and beautiful villages of Italy to the pristine islands of the Aegean and the coast of exotic Turkey. Whether your passion is chic ports and habours with their sophisticated pleasures, uninhabited islands where you won’t even see footprints on the beach, to towering volcanoes spewing fire or vigorous adventure, magnificent food from authentic bouillabaisse to branzino jumping from the hook onto the grille or mysterious treats from the Middle East, you’ll find it in the Med. And the shopping? From the art galleries of Ste. Tropez to fragrant Turkish bazaars, you can satisfy any desire.

Of course, the Mediterranean is a huge sailing ground, and it can be a challenge just to identify your cruising grounds.

Between the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosporus, the appealing locations are legion. Among the most popular are the South of France, French Riviera, with ports whose names conjure glamour: Ste. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Nice and Antibes, perhaps into the Italian Riviera with the jewel of Portofino and fabled Cinque Terre. You’re never forget the heady herbes de Provence growing everywhere and touching the food as well.

France’s large island of Corsica is an increasingly popular destination, too, and lies only 125 nautical miles from Nice. It has both sophisticated ports and rugged coves, providing a mix of experiences for any taste. The same can be said of Italy’s Sardinia, just south of Corsica with its glamorous Emerald Coast – the Costa Smeralda – to islets inhabited only by goats and seabirds.

One of Italy’s favorite cruising grounds is the beautiful Bay of Naples, famed in songs from “Santa Lucia” to “Return to Sorrento” and the “Isle of Capri.” Under looming Mount Vesuvius, you can sail from Naples to nearby tiny and unspoiled Procida, large Ischia with its healing bathes, and Capri, symbol of living well since before the time of Tiberius. All bathed in the sweet aromas of lemons and other citrus made into limoncello liqueur and world-famed perfumes. If you desire more exotic and simple pleasures, tiny Ventotene is only 20 nm beyond Ischia, and Ponza and Palmarola 20 nm farther.

A must visit is also the breathtaking Amalfi Peninsula, both Sorrento on the north coast and Amalfi and Positano facing the sun on the Amalfi Coast.

Increasingly popular with sophisticated travelers are islands off the north coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands where the Greeks believed winds originated, with the original Vulcano, still-erupting Stromboli, chic Panerea and Lipari and unspoiled Salina. Sicily itself offers many pleasures, notably many of the largest and best-preserved Greek ruins in the world, towering and active Mount Etna, as well as the island’s exotic blend of all the culture that have passed through and lent their touch.

In the last decade, there’s been a tremendous reawakening of interest in the Dalmatian Coast and Islands of Croatia. From unspoiled world heritage towns to islands lost in time, the area boasts more than 1400 islands, relatively few inhabited − but all beautiful.

Far south of Croatia lie fabled Greek islands in the Ionian Sea: bustling Corfu, Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, Kefalonia, Kyhtira and Zakynos. Lusher than other parts of Greece, and with gentle winds, they offer relaxing cruising.

Islands of the Aegean Sea are legendary, too, though many are overrun with tourists. Some of the greatest pleasures of the azure Aegean lie along the Turkish Coast, with its classic ruins, bustling towns, secluded quiet coves, and friendly people.

Whatever your destination, a luxurious crewed charter will provide both pleasures of the time and memories for a lifetime.

BAHAMAS

Spread over 100,000 square miles, incorporating over 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas have a wealth of variety to offer those seeking luxury superyacht charters in these beautiful waters. You will not be crowded out or forced to leave that perfect anchorage.

The main airport for the region is the Capital Nassau, and a cruise may start here on the wonderfully named Paradise Island. Meet your superyacht here, then cruise to the North-east to the Abocos, known as Nantucket under the Palms, where you can visit Green Turtle Bay, Elbow Cay, the underwater wonders at Pelican Bay National Park, or the fabulous beaches of Treasure Isle.

Alternatively cruise to the South-east into the waters of the Exumas, 120 miles long with 365 cays – deserted beaches, swimming with not another soul in sight, snorkeling while schools of fish, depicting the colours of the rainbow, brush past you. For dive enthusiasts, a visit to Waderick Wells, headquarters of the Exuma National Land and Sea Park is a must.

Exploring ashore should include a visit to the outdoor market in George Town on Great Exuma. Or, perhaps set up a beach barbecue lunch on the beach at Stocking Island, with the crew preparing and serving lunch, you have all the watersports equipment in the aquamarine water. There is so much more: Thunderball Cave on Staniel Cay – the setting for the James Bond movie; Elentherea, famous for amongst other things, its pineapple rum; the excellent reef diving at Snow Bay on San Salvador; Andros, bonefishing capital of the world; and Bimini, a favoured spot for many famous artists and writers.

PACIFIC

The Pacific and French Polynesia – Yachting’s Newest Destination for luxury superyacht charters

Tahiti. Bora Bora. Moorea. What could be more alluring than a tropical paradise combined with the sophistication of French culture?

That’s French Polynesia, especially the adjacent archipelagoes of the Society Islands and the Tuamotu atolls. Three other parts of French Polynesia, the Marquesas, Austral and Gambier Islands, are more remote.

The Society Islands include nine inhabited islands including the aforementioned Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, the classic paradises of paintings, songs and books. They feature magnificent towering mountains covered with lush vegetation and crystal blue lagoons. These remnants of former volcanoes are surrounded by encompassing bays with good moorings.

Visitors enter at the only international airport, near Papeete on the largest island of Tahiti. Papeete is a sophisticated French but very Polynesian city of more than 100,000. As the islands are French, crime is low and the infrastructure excellent.

By contrast, the Tuamotu archipelago contains 78 widely scattered atolls, and only half are populated. Even then, they rarely have more than 2,000 natives. usually in a village by the main pass into the lagoon.

Each island consists of a flat ring of coral reef and a large coral-filled lagoon with vibrant colonies of fish. These islands are much older than the Society islands, and over time, their central volcanic peaks have sunk, while coral reefs built up around its circumference. The Tuamotus are the ideal place for getting away – and for nature lovers, divers and explorers.

The area is naturally most suitable for large yachts, and the many choices mean you can always find solitude. In two weeks, yachts generally visit the romantic volcanic Society islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and some of the smaller island, which are fairly close together, then make a one-day crossing (240 nm) to reach the Tuamotus, usually Fakarava.

It is warm and sunny year round with a higher humidity rate between November and March and trade winds blowing more frequently in July and August.

There’s plenty to do in all the islands from fine food to remote beaches. Naturally, diving and snorkeling are special attractions in French Polynesia. The beauty of the coral reefs and the variety and quantity of fish and sharks is exceptional. Visibility is excellent and most dives are shallow. The Tuamotu offers excellent drift diving in the various passes of the atolls.

The government protects the marine environment and Fakarava and five surrounding atolls became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2007. In 2006, French Polynesia passed a law protecting its 15 shark species and the territory is a sanctuary for marine mammals. Between July and November, humpback whales from the Antarctic mate or give birth in the islands. Divers can snorkel with whales at times. Dolphins are also common and divers in Tiputa pass in Rangiroa find they will approach people.

Tahiti and her islands are also a great place for surfers and kite surfers. The famous Teahupoo wave at Tahiti is a very tricky wave that breaks on the reef, attracting hundred of surfers each year, especially during the Billabong Pro tournament in April and May.

Sailing regattas occur in May and June between Tahiti and Moorea and around Raiatea. Although especially for smaller sailboats, larger yachts enjoy participating or following the race.

TURKEY

Where Europe meets Asia, Turkey has a wealth of history and intrigue and a luxury superyacht charter is a perfect way to explore and amazing coastine of the East Med.

The Aegean and southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey is another perfect charter destination – also known as the “Blue Cruise”. Along this coastline of spectacular pine-clad hillsides, sheltered bays and turquoise water, there are many pretty anchorages, beautiful clear water for swimming and watersports, fishing villages, ancient ruins and archeological sites including Lycian and Greek cities, sunken Roman harbours and crusader castles to explore. In fact there are ruins of ancient cities all along the coast with more being uncovered each year. You won’t find many sandy beaches along the western end of this stretch of coast. But it is beautiful and the water is crystal clear. Everyday a new cove, a new bay or island to be enjoyed. The season is from Mid May to the end of October with May/June and September/October being great sailing weather.

The area is well served by international airports and an ideal cruise would be downwind from Bodrum to Gocek for which you ideally need 10-14 days. This would give you time to visit the Datca and Bozburun peninsulars. If you have time, further east are Kas, Kalkan and Antalya. This route is a fabulous mix of wide-open spaces, historical sites, towns and fishing villages. A seven-day charter will more likely be based on the main centres taking you from Marmaris to Gocek in the Bay of Fethiye or Gocek to Kas. Or vice versa.

The Turkish “Gulet” is a traditionally designed Turkish motor-sailor. They have the heritage of the ancient boats that sailed across the Aegean and Mediterranean seas for thousands of years. Most modern Gulets provide a sophisticated level of holiday luxury with very comfortable interiors, private air-conditioned cabins and professional charter crews.

Several of the luxury charter yachts which we see in the Caribbean and west Med will also operate along this coastline in summer months.

Here are just some of the highlights to give an idea of the range of fabulous sights and experiences to enjoy:

Marmaris – the town of Marmaris is located at the meeting place of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Marmaris is a large natural harbour surrounded by pine-clad hills. There has probably been a castle here since 3000 BC. It was besieged and invaded by Alexander the Great. Renovation work has been continuing at the castle since 1979, and it is now a museum with several galleries. But Marmaris is also a major tourist centre and for charter guests it’s a convenient place to start a charter.

Datca Peninsular – small bays and coves all along, and practically an island since it is connected to the mainland through an isthmus of only several hundred meters in width. At the very tip of the peninsula is the antique city of Knidos. The restored mosque in Hizirsah village; Eski Datça with beautiful old stone houses; Cnidus famous for its naked statue of Aphrodite; Kizlan and its windmills which have become a symbol for Datça; the remains of ceramic workshops dating back to the 4th century BC – all are well worth seeing.

Ekibcik – a small but very pretty bay lined with pine trees and the perfect anchorage for a visit to Dalyan and the ruins of Caunos. The Dalyan river is too shallow to take a yacht, but there are plenty of river craft to take you through the delta to the town or to the ancient Caryan ruins at Caunos, once on the coast but now 5kn inland. One of the most beautiful features of the Caunos site are the rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small temples. These are among the most splendid examples of Lycian type funerary architecture in Turkey.

Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan Cayi River which flows past the town with boats navigating the maze of reeds. Take a boat trip to Iztuzu Beach, the Turtle Beach. This beach is one of the few remaining locations in the Mediterranean sea that has the right conditions for the Giant Loggerhead Turtle to reproduce. They have used this beach as a laying ground since time immemorial, especially in June. The females lay their eggs by night in the soft sand, in clutches of about 100. Since the early 90’s the beach is closed to the public from 8 pm to 8 am to protect them. The beach is open during the day but swimmers and sunbathers are asked to exercise special care.

Gocek – set at the north-west end of the Gulf of Fethiye, Gocek is blessed with magnificent scenery. Backed by majestic mountains and substantial pine forests it looks out over the Twelve Islands which provide shelter for the almost circular bay that has made the village such a perfect, natural harbour. Gocek is only 22 km from the international Dalaman Airport and not surprisingly, has become a favourite with the yachting community.

Fethiye – just east of Gocek and in the same sheltered bay is a modern town with charm. While most of the buildings were constructed after a 1957 earthquake, the city has a number of ancient tombs the best being the Tomb of Amyntas, cut into the rock face above the town. Fethiye is a busy market town with a fish market and restaurants. The harbour is usually filled with traditional wooden sailing ships and is a very pleasant place for an evening stroll. There are beaches at Calis and Olu Deniz. Also nearby are the ruins of Xanthus, the ancient capital of Lycia.

Gemiler Adasi – this island is on the list of “must sees” for this coast. A tall rocky island crammed with ancient Byzantine church and monastic ruins. The most magnificent church on Gemiler Adasi is located at the highest point on the island, 99 m. above sea level. It’s a basilica measuring 30 m. long with three passageways. The west portion of the church was made by cutting through the slope of a rock.

Kalkan -a lovely small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay. Its quaint, traditional, white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies of brilliant flowers and bougainvilleas that cascade to the streets below make it the ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Narrow winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the marina. The surrounding area includes many historical sites and many fine beaches. Kalkan is an old fishing town, and the only safe harbor between Kas and Fethiye; famous for its white-washed houses, descending to the sea, and its brightly colored bougainvilleas. Until the early 1920s the majority of its inhabitants were Greeks.

Kas – picturesque fishing village. Once known as Antiphellos, only Lycian rock tombs & sarcophagi and a well preserved Roman theatre are left. But it’s a chamring village nonetheless: wander around, shop or relax in the shade.

Antalya and the Antalya Region – known as the “Turkish Riviera” due to its archaeological and natural beauties. Antalya itself, is a large and modern city. But Kaleici, or Old Antalya, is the small historic section which was the Roman town then Byzantine, Seljuk Turkish, and finally the Ottoman Turkish town. It has meandering streets, massive stone walls, and picturesque old houses built so close that they often overshadow the narrow lanes. Kaleici surrounds and protects the old Roman harbour.

Antalya is still an important centre on this stretch of south coast with wonderful natural beauty. There are numerous places of significant historical interest nearby such as the ancient city of Aspendos famous for its amphitheatre which is one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world. With extraordinarily perfect acoustics every year it hosts international and local concerts and festivals.

NEW ENGLAND

The coast of New England and Maine has numerous harbors, a rich seafaring history, historic towns and countless islands. From the charming but busy towns and marinas along Long Island Sound to the rugged and pine-tree-clad coastline further north with occasional remote lighthouses, deep sheltered inlets and hidden beaches. This is a most interesting and rewarding luxury superyacht charter cruising destination.

What more stunning and convenient a place than Manhattan to start a charter! Leave from Battery or Chelsea Pier and head up the East River through “Hell’s Gate” and into Long Island Sound. Numerous ports and anchorages line both sides although not all can take a large yacht. Overnight perhaps at Oyster Bay, one of the major natural harbors on the north shore of Long Island. It was from here in the 1920s that many of the rich and super rich commuted to their New York City offices by boat and Oyster Bay was the summer home of President Roosevelt.

Shelter Island has vast tracts of protected wetland and marshes and nearly one-third of the island is and kept in a “forever-wild” state. The reserve has nature and bird-watching trails.
Sag Harbor is nestled on the bay in the heart of the Hamptons – this 300 year old village will enchant you with its centuries-old streets, pristine beaches and restaurants. Fischer Island has a nice quiet atmosphere. It is scenic and has a feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the busy mainland. There is a very nice golf course ashore.

Newport also serves as the jumping-off place for many charters in New England. It’s an enjoyable city to visit and home to a large number of old mansions dating back to the late nineteenth century. Some of them are open to the public. Newport is the home of many superyachts each summer as well as being the host to a summer jazz festival and the Newport Bucket.

Block Island has rolling green hills, outlying beaches and spectacular bluffs. You can easily enjoy Old Harbor on foot or rent a bicycle or taxi to explore further afield. Martha’s Vineyard, despite its presidential connections, has quaint villages, stunning beaches and haute cuisine and is one of New England’s most appealing destinations. And Nantucket an Island 30-miles south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts was once the whaling center of the New World, and a visit to the Whaling Museum is a must. It would be nice to spend a full day here as Nantucket has so much to offer: restaurants, shopping, golf, fishing, natural beauty, scenic walks, pristine beaches, surfing and a generous dose of history.

Maine is an exceptionally beautiful area to cruise. There are endless anchorages and lots of fun things to do especially for the outdoor minded. An ideal place to start is Camden. For shopping, it offers boutiques, art galleries, custom jewelry and lots more. For children aboard there is “The Planet” a great children’s store with every imaginable trinket and for the energetic, the walk up Mount Battie is a must. The view from the top over looking Penobscot Bay is breath taking.

Castine is rich in history and has many beautiful houses and historic buildings. Its also home of the Maine Maritime Academy. There are some very nice Inn’s ashore and the Pentagoet Inn is an excellent choice. The sail from Castine south to Pulpit Harbor on North Haven is always great. The scenery is beautiful. Pulpit Harbor is not a harbor as such, but a very nice protected anchorage. At the entrance to the bay is an old Osprey nest that has been there for many “Osprey generations”.

A favorite overnight anchorage is Seal bay on Vinal Haven. This is a place of spectacular beauty, peace and quiet. Seals and the occasional bald eagle are often sighted. An evening cocktail cruise up Some Sound is most enjoyable, rocky cliffs, beautiful homes and distant views of Cadillac Mountain.