“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Home to some of the best works of art and cuisine in the Western world, Italy elates and inspires even the most we’ll-travelled.
Key Highlights:
- Some of the best restaurants on the planet
- Wild, often unspoiled beauty in off-the-beaten-track locations
- Huge amount of culture including historic sites, museums and the arts
Insider Info:
There are many superyacht berths available right in the heart of cities – if your yacht is large enough, they’ll even raise Tower Bridge on the Thames in London so you can pass through.
As Northern Europeans are fond of saying – ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather – just the wrong clothes.’ You’ll find some great surfing beaches in the southwest of England, Ireland and Wales – you’ll just need a wetsuit and you’ll be warm enough.
Likewise, look out for superyachts that offer warmer options such as fireplaces and firepits, ‘winter garden’ on-deck saloons and sheltered, heated Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms.
Northern climes can be affected by black flies or midges during the summer – but these little blighters stick to the land, so if you anchor offshore, you’ll be midge-free and smug.
As Northern Europeans are fond of saying – ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather – just the wrong clothes.’ You’ll find some great surfing beaches in the southwest of England, Ireland and Wales – you’ll just need a wetsuit and you’ll be warm enough.
Likewise, look out for superyachts that offer warmer options such as fireplaces and firepits, ‘winter garden’ on-deck saloons and sheltered, heated Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms.
Northern climes can be affected by black flies or midges during the summer – but these little blighters stick to the land, so if you anchor offshore, you’ll be midge-free and smug.
More details:
You might not be drawn to Northern Europe if you’re a fan of hot weather – but lovers of culture, sport and gourmet dining will be in for a treat. Across many countries, all rich in history, you’ll find fascinating cruising grounds you might never have considered. There are few more dramatic and unspoiled waters than the Norwegian fjords; follow in the wake of the Vikings and explore this beautiful country.
Elsewhere in Scandinavia, the Baltic offers some secluded sailing among many small islands and historic cities such as Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and even St Petersburg in Russia.
The UK, as part of the British Isles, offers very varied cruising. The beautiful West Coast of Scotland, with its excellent golf courses, whiskey distilleries and dive sites is a world away from the bright lights of London. The south coast of England and north coast of France offer many gorgeous little harbours and some of the best seafood restaurants around.
Keen sailors will also enjoy the busy regatta season. After a day exploring quaint villages or historic towns, you can linger on deck as the daylight softly fades and the stars finally come out – long summer evenings are a real bonus of these northern shores.
Best time to visit:
Generally, Northern Europe is not the warmest destination – summer temperatures will hover in the low 20˚Cs if you’re lucky – but what is lacking in heat is made up for in daylength
In high summer it’s light in London from 4am until 10pm, in Northern Scandinavia you find the ‘land of the midnight sun.’
May to September are the best months in terms of warmth, which just happens to coincide with a lot of the main sporting events and festivals.
