The best yacht charter destinations from November to March

Stephanie C.

As the days grow shorter and cooler in Central Europe, a particularly appealing time for yacht charters begins in other parts of the world. Whilst many Mediterranean fleets are wrapping up their season, tropical islands, consistent winds and pleasantly warm temperatures beckon. The Seychelles, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands offer three very different ways to escape the winter on the water. Each of these sailing areas has its own character and places different demands on the crew and the trip planning.

The Seychelles: Island-hopping in the Indian Ocean

Spread across 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles seem tailor-made for a sailing trip on a yacht or catamaran. Around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, sheltered bays, pale sandy beaches, granite cliffs and tropical vegetation alternate. The short distances between the islands allow for varied daily legs with plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring. Catamarans are particularly popular because they offer plenty of space and are well suited to the comparatively shallow anchorage bays. From November to March, the north-west monsoon dominates the weather, usually bringing lighter winds, higher humidity and occasional heavy showers. Conditions can be pleasant, but require flexible route planning and a close eye on the local weather forecast. Tropical downpours are often intense but usually pass quickly. As currents, reefs and approaches should not be underestimated, thorough preparation is particularly important for this area.

The Caribbean: Sailing with the trade winds

For many charter guests, the Caribbean is the quintessential winter sailing destination. From December at the latest, warm temperatures and the generally steady north-easterly trade winds provide attractive sailing conditions across many island groups. The steady winds make longer legs more predictable, but can pick up significantly between individual islands and in jet effects.
The British Virgin Islands, with their short distances and numerous sheltered bays, are considered a comparatively accessible sailing area. Those wishing to combine short legs with French and Creole culture will find a wide range of options around Martinique and Guadeloupe. More experienced crews can plan longer crossings between the more widely spaced islands of the Grenadines, enjoying that open Atlantic feeling. Around Christmas and the New Year, yachts and moorings are in particularly high demand, so it is advisable to book well in advance. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs until the end of November, so crews undertaking an early winter cruise should monitor weather developments particularly carefully.

The Canary Islands: a winter sailing trip close to Europe

The Canary Islands offer a much closer alternative to tropical long-haul destinations and remain an attractive charter destination even during the European winter. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and the other islands combine volcanic landscapes with modern marinas and a wide range of cruising options. The trade winds, which generally blow from the north-east, can create challenging sailing conditions and are sometimes significantly accelerated as they pass between the islands. At the same time, away from sheltered coastal areas, crews encounter Atlantic swells, strong gusts and, at times, demanding approaches to harbours. Crews should therefore carefully plan their route to suit the weather, their experience and the yacht’s capabilities. Thanks to good flight connections from many European cities, the Canary Islands are also ideal for charter guests who wish to head for the winter sun without having to take a long-haul flight.

Which sailing area is best suited depends on whether a crew prefers tropical islands, reliable trade winds or the shortest possible journey. Those who plan well in advance, take regional weather conditions into account and choose a yacht suited to their crew can enjoy a winter sailing trip between November and March that could hardly be more varied.