Island Icon – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com Yachting Magazine’s experts discuss yacht reviews, yachts for sale, chartering destinations, photos, videos, and everything else you would want to know about yachts. Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:59:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon-ytg-1.png Island Icon – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com 32 32 Cruising Saint-Martin and St. Maarten. https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-saint-martin-st-maarten/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61850 No need to pick sides on your next private-yacht cruise. There’s plenty to enjoy in both Saint-Martin and St. Maarten.

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Loterie Farm
Loterie Farm, currently a private nature preserve and once a dairy farm on Saint-Martin, dates back to 1721. Loterie Farm

Double the countries, double the fun in the sun in French Saint-Martin and Dutch St. Maarten. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, delectable dining and unique museums found on the twin sides of this tropical island getaway in the Leeward group of the Lesser Antilles.

Orient Bay Beach

Often called the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, this white-sand beach along the northeast coast of Saint-Martin is as well known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery as for the clothing-optional section at its southern end. There’s a lively beach-bar scene, with venues serving French food and barbecue, and offering chairs and umbrellas for rental. Boaters seeking a less-sedated day at the beach can find adventure outfitters for parasailing, personal-watercraft rentals, tubing, snorkeling and other watersports.

Loterie Farm

Choose your own adventure at this 135-acre private nature preserve off the beaten path in Saint-Martin. Self-guided hikes along marked trails wind past mango and mahogany trees in the tropical forest en route to Pic du Paradis (Paradise Peak)—elevation about 1,400 feet—for views of the whole island as well as Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. Adrenaline junkies can traverse the forest by zip-line, on runs as long as 1,600 feet. Many visitors opt to lounge by the jungle pool, strong cocktail in hand, or take in the views while dining in the Jungle Room.

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

British makeup and creature-effects designer Nick Maley is best known for helping bring Yoda, the wise and ancient Jedi master, to life for the original Star Wars trilogy. He now brings the series from a galaxy far, far away to St. Maarten in this fun and unique museum in Philipsburg. Visitors can see Yoda, Han Solo in carbonite, Darth Vader and more memorabilia from Star Wars and some of the other 50-plus movies that Maley worked on throughout his career. On days when The Force is with you, you might find Maley on-site, sharing his many behind-the-scenes stories.

Bistrot Caraibes

Opened in 1994, Bistrot Caraibes still shines brightly on the stellar foodie scene in Grand Case in Saint-Martin. It retains its standing as one of the best dining destinations on the island. Customers rave consistently and enthusiastically about this restaurant’s romantic atmosphere, top-notch service, well-curated wine list and fabulous French fare—especially the signature lobster thermidor.

Pineapple Pete/Wasabi Charlie

Just about everyone can find something to please their palate on the expansive menu at this casual, family-friendly dual venue in Philipsburg. It’s known for its attentive staff, friendly atmosphere and live music. Choose among sushi and steaks, pub grub and grilled seafood. There’s also a teppanyaki table during dinner hours.

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Cruising to Colorful Curaçao https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-colorful-curacao/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61502 The letter “C” in the southern Caribbean’s ABC Islands stands for Curaçao, a Dutch island of dazzling color.

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Curaçao coast
The Handelskade waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lined with apartments inspired by Dutch architecture. [peter]/stock.adobe.com

The Dutch island of Curaçao is a Technicolor getaway. Its reef-rich seas shimmer with every possible shade of blue. Vivid hues glow from the historical architecture and street art of the capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruisers can soak in the vibrant offerings by land and by sea.

Curaçao by Land

Christoffel National Park in the Westpunt end of the island offers an enticing array of guided activities in the largest and most diverse protected nature area of the Leeward Dutch islands. Choose among mountain climbs, bird-watching walks, history tours and Jeep safaris; check out the park’s website for more details. (En route to the park, keep an eye out for flamingos in the salt flat near Kokomo.) Afterward, head to nearby Restaurant Playa Forti for breathtaking sea views, cliff jumpers, and delicious seafood and local specialties such as keshi yena.

In Willemstad, a stroll along the colorful, mural-lined lanes in the neighborhoods on both sides of the iconic Queen Emma pontoon bridge reveals one incredible creative tour de force after another. Dancers leap and gardens sprawl across entire buildings. Parakeets the size of humans perch on a corner; a row of regal women returns your gaze. The free Amazing Punda Art & Culture Walk on Google Maps can get you started in the Punda neighborhood. Many of the murals in the Otrobanda neighborhood are pinned on Google Maps of Willemstad.

While in Otrobanda, dine at Ceviche 91 in Rif Fort, built in 1828 to protect the island against pirates. You can take in the waterfront views as you select from mouthwatering ceviches, tapas, sashimi, sushi rolls and Peruvian entrees.

If you have room for dessert, stop at Don’s Ice Cream Shop before exiting Rif Fort for the nearby Curaçao Maritime Museum. Models, maps, charts and other artifacts chronicle more than 500 years of Curaçao’s nautical and national history. Docents offer a historical harbor-walking tour every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m.

And by Sea

The fringing reef surrounding Curaçao makes the island a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers of all skill levels. There are around 100 dive sites, the vast majority of which are shore dives. Tugboat, which lies in just 15 feet of water, is a popular site for its easy access and variety of marine life. Pair it with nearby Director’s Bay for a rewarding two-tank outing. Connect with one of the island’s 15 PADI 5-star dive shops to line up dives during your stay.

If you’re more of a beach person, check out either Cas Abao or Playa PortoMari. Both beautiful white-sand beaches along the west coast of Curaçao offer clean bathroom facilities, chair rentals, food and drinks, and even massages.

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Exploring Key West https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-key-west/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61343 Unlock the rich history and culture of Key West, Florida, on your next cruise to the Conch Republic.

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Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers cruisers animal-life encounters above and below the water. [sailingaway]/stock.adobe.com

There is far more to Key West than pub crawls on Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Soak in the Conch Republic’s year-round sunshine while exploring its beautiful beaches, outstanding restaurants, and noteworthy cultural and historic landmarks.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Ernest Hemingway’s legacy looms large on Key West. The renowned author resided for most of the 1930s in this refined two-story home and estate, built in 1851 and remodeled by Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, to include an extravagant in-ground swimming pool rimmed by lush gardens. Now a National Historic Landmark, the property is open every day of the year for self-guided and guided tours of memorabilia- and cat-filled rooms (nearly 60 six-toed cats reside here) and the studio where Hemingway wrote portions of “A Farewell to Arms” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

There’s something for everyone at this 87-acre state park. Its gorgeous beach is considered one of the island’s best, with a café, and chair and umbrella rentals. The marine life attracts snorkelers and anglers. Scout for iguanas and birds along the nature trails. Guided tours at the namesake Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark, recall its role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The fort is also a popular spot to catch the legendary Key West sunsets.

Harry Truman’s Little White House

Florida’s only presidential museum, this former naval officer residence on Front Street served as the Winter White House for President Harry Truman. The 33rd president spent 175 days in residence, savoring some sunny rest and relaxation amid the immense pressures of the executive office. While Truman’s name graces the house’s marquee, five other presidents and other luminaries have stayed here as well. Thomas Edison lived here during World War I while researching depth charges for the US Navy; President Dwight D. Eisenhower recuperated here after a heart attack in 1956; President John F. Kennedy hosted the British prime minister here during the Bay of Pigs incident. An hour-long guided tour walks visitors through the house’s 124-year history and its presidential pedigree.

Blue Heaven

You don’t need a reason to dine at the iconic Blue Heaven, but there are several compelling ones to pick from: colorful Key West history, live music, a fun and funky atmosphere, delicious Caribbean and Creole cuisine, and the eatery’s famous Key lime pie.

Latitudes

Accessible only by boat, Latitudes on Sunset Key is arguably the ultimate romantic fine-dining destination in the Conch Republic. You’ll need to book reservations several weeks in advance to enjoy its solid wine list paired with a local surf-and-turf menu.

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Cruising to Bimini https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-bimini/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:00:09 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61285 Its convenient location, fantastic fishing and crystalline waters make Bimini a “why not?” port of call.

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Bimini shipwreck
Bimini is easily reachable from Florida for most cruisers, and yet it’s a world away. [sailingaway]/stock.adobe.com

As the closest Bahamian port to the United States, Bimini is an easy and fun weekend run from South Florida for cruisers. And Bimini’s excellent sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving have given this pair of tiny islands an outsize reputation as a popular cruising destination.

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

Bimini is known as the sport-fishing capital of the world. Since 1936, this pioneering outfitter in Alice Town on North Bimini has hosted boats that ply the warm waters along the western edge of the Gulf Stream, where charter clients have bagged brag-worthy specimens of bonefish, billfish and tuna over the decades. The resort is just as well known for its dive center, founded in 1975 by Neal Watson, president of the Bahamas Dive Association. The resort’s lively Bimini Seafood Co. & Conch Bar is a popular spot for its weekly theme nights (including Lobster Sundays) and international sporting events on its big screens.

The Sapona Wreck

If only the weather-worn walls of the SS Sapona could talk. This wreck that’s now a navigational landmark for cruisers and a popular fishing, diving and snorkeling destination had originally been destined to serve as a cargo vessel during World War I, but its production ran longer than the war did. A Florida rum runner used the ship briefly as a floating warehouse in Bahamian waters during Prohibition until a hurricane ran it aground in 1926 just a few miles off Bennett’s Harbor in South Bimini. With a maximum depth of only 20 feet, the Sapona appeals to divers and snorkelers of all skill levels who frequently spot barracuda, triggerfish, large lobsters and many other species among the ship’s spooky, rusty remains.  joe’s conch shack There’s a reason there’s usually a line at this small, open-air conch shack between Bailey Town and Resorts World. The freshness and generous portions of the conch salad—usually handmade by Joe himself—make Joe’s Conch Shack a must-stop on any Bimini itinerary. Grab a Kalik beer—especially if you liberally apply the pepper sauce to the conch salad—and enjoy this refreshing island staple along with the harbor views.

Edith’s Pizza & Bahamian Food

Lobster pizza, using the sweet local style of Bimini bread dough for its crust, is the calling card of this island favorite on King’s Highway near Bailey Town. Pick up this distinctive pie for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Dolphin House Museum

For 30 years, this “poem in stone” has provided a touch of whimsy and artistry in Alice Town. Local author and historian Ashley Saunders assembled this three-story museum from treasures collected on Bimini’s beaches and from recycled materials around the island. Colorful mosaics line the walls, populated by pods of dolphins like the one that first inspired Saunders’ creation. The artist himself is often on-site, providing guided tours to visitors and adding new scenes to his remarkable labor of love.

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Sailing the Whitsunday Islands https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-whitsunday-islands/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61027 The Whitsunday Islands, off Australia’s Queensland Coast, are a cruising delight any day of the week.

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Whitsunday Islands
Cruisers can take the dinghy ashore at Hill Inlet on Whitehaven Beach and hike up to a lookout to see views like this one. Courtesy Whitsundays Image Library

The gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are a tempting tropical cruising destination in their own right. Line-of-sight sailing among the 74 islands brings yachtsmen to pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, fine dining and spectacular natural landscapes.

Whitehaven Beach

Why does Whitehaven Beach frequently rank as Australia’s top beach and among the world’s best? When its clear turquoise waters swirl together with the blindingly white sand of Hill Inlet, the breathtaking view is greater than the sum of its stunning parts.

This beach is part of Whitsunday Islands National Park. Its 99 percent pure silica sand reflects the sun’s rays, making the fine, powdery sand feel cool underfoot.

The inlet is considered to be at peak photo perfection at midtide, so time your visit to the Hill Inlet Lookout accordingly. Cruisers usually use Tongue Bay as their access point; keep an eye out for sea turtles feasting on the bay’s seagrass.

Passage Peak

It’s worth rising before dawn to catch the sunrise from atop Passage Peak, the highest point on Hamilton Island. The 3.2-mile-out-and-back trail is open year-round and considered moderately challenging, particularly during the final steep section. The effort is rewarded with 360-degree views of nearby Perseverance Island, and Pentecost and Lindeman islands on the horizon.

Bommie

Watch the gorgeous sunset over the Hamilton Island Yacht Club with a drink on the deck or through the oversize windows of this upscale dining destination. The restaurant’s name comes from the aboriginal word “bombora,” referring to the reefs surrounding the island. Chef Trent Dawson’s multicourse and daily tasting menus feature inventive Australian fare, including kangaroo tartare and seafood risotto with Moreton Bay bug, a local species of slipper lobster.

Hook Island

The second-largest island among the 74 in the Whitsundays chain, Hook Island is a year-round hot spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Pinnacles are noteworthy for their vibrant coral bommies that extend 65 feet beneath the surface. The most popular site is Manta Ray Bay, known as the Aquarium for its abundant marine life. The bay hosts its namesake species from May to September but during other months is home to Maori wrasse, parrotfish and schools of yellow-tail fusiliers. Keep an eye out underwater for an aluminum manta ray sculpture and along the shoreline for Migration of the Mantas, a concrete-and-steel installation, both part of the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail.

There’s no commercial development on the island. Instead, the lure onshore is the Ngaro Cultural Site and its red-and-yellow ocher cave paintings created more than 9,000 years ago. Boaters can reach the cave from the rainforest-ringed Nara Inlet, a popular overnight anchorage.   

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Cruising Stunning St. Lucia https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-stunning-st-lucia/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60854 Striking natural beauty is just the start of this Caribbean island’s tremendous appeal.

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St. Lucia
Big fun in a relatively small package: St. Lucia measures only 27 miles long by 14 miles wide. [eqroy]/stock.adobe.com

Long a top honeymoon destination, St. Lucia has lots to love for all visitors. Its lush, natural beauty, rich history and culture, delectable food scene and welcoming atmosphere beckon cruisers to drop anchor and linger awhile in this lovely and laid-back Caribbean port of call.

The Pitons

The twin peaks of the Pitons are the beloved symbol of St. Lucia and the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed 30 million to 40 million years ago by a volcanic eruption, these iconic peaks are now blanketed with a lush tropical forest that’s home to 27 bird species and many rare plants. The shorter, steeper Petit Piton (2,438 feet) is a realm for professional climbers only. But the taller Gros Piton (2,619 feet) is popular for its guided day hikes.

Castries Central Market

Replenish your provisions at the colorful Castries Central Market, opened in the heart of St. Lucia’s capital in 1891. The produce and spice vendors are considered the highlights among the 100 stalls, but you’ll also find handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings, and closed on Sundays.

Diamond Falls Botanic Garden and Mineral Baths

This 6-acre retreat checks all the boxes for a relaxing afternoon. Hummingbirds flit between the hibiscus, heliconia and other beautiful tropical blooms filling the flower gardens. Stroll along the winding path to the 55-foot-tall Diamond Falls, its surrounding rock face a kaleidoscope of colors. And, naturally, follow in the centuries-old tradition and take to the therapeutic mineral waters, choosing between a public or private soak. Guided tours are available, but this is a place where a leisurely wander can be equally rewarding.

Pigeon Island National Landmark

Once the lair of a 16th-century French pirate nicknamed Wooden Leg, Pigeon Island now attracts a variety of visitors for far more legitimate reasons. The trails crisscrossing this 44-acre national landmark off St. Lucia’s northwest tip lead up to the remnants of Fort Rodney, an 18th-century British garrison, as well as to the museum and interpretive center, which provides context for the island’s ecological and historical significance. The island’s two small, calm beaches are considered among the top beaches on St. Lucia and are popular picnicking spots. (A pub and a restaurant are on-site too.) The island is at its liveliest every May when it welcomes music lovers from around the world for the wildly popular St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

Big Chef Steakhouse

For an indulgent dinner out on St. Lucia, reserve a table at Big Chef Steakhouse in Rodney Bay Village. Since 2007, chef Rosie Joinville and her husband, Marc, the manager, have served up mouthwatering steaks and seafood, wickedly rich desserts, and well-curated cocktail and wine selections.  

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5 Places to See When Cruising Trinidad and Tobago https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-trinidad-tobago/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60726 Trinidad and Tobago offer a tempting mix of attractions for cruisers. Here are our top 5 reasons to anchor and explore the beautiful Caribbean islands.

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Trinidad and Tobago
A rich history, relaxing beaches, abundant wildlife and infinite cuisine options await cruisers on Trinidad and Tobago. Richard Semik

Trinidad and Tobago reward cruisers with far more than merely beautiful beaches. While best known for the Carnival celebration, these twin isles tempt travelers ashore year-round with awe-inspiring architecture, bountiful biodiversity, and memorable mouthwatering meals. Continue reading to learn more about our favorite destinations in Trinidad and Tobago.

This article was adapted from our Island Icon Series in the June 2023 Edition of Yachting Magazine.

1. Magnificent Seven

The 260-acre Queen’s Park Savannah is the nexus of social and cultural events in Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, particularly during its internationally renowned Carnival and steel-pan festivals. But any time of year, visitors can take a stroll along its western edge to take in the Magnificent Seven. This architectural sampler of resplendent early 20th-century mansions fully lives up to its moniker.

Castle Killarney—also known as Stollmeyer’s Castle—was the first to arise on the block, its design inspired by Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Palladian-style Whitehall takes its name from the gleaming coral used in its construction. The Archbishop’s Palace melds Indian Empire design with red granite and marble brought over from Ireland. Intricate iron railings adorn the elaborate Roomor, while stonework stands out on the French Colonial-style Hayes Court. A 93-foot-tall clock tower dominates the German Renaissance design of the Queen’s Royal College. The elegant French Provincial Mille Fleurs was originally built as a gift for Port of Spain’s mayor and still stands as a gift that keeps giving to all who pass by.

2. Maracas Beach

The 1.25-mile crescent-shaped Maracas Beach on Trinidad’s north coast is as much a destination for its natural beauty as for its “bake and shark” vendors. This classic street food wraps shark meat in fried flatbread and slathers it with condiments of your choosing.

3. Asa Wright Nature Centre

Trinidad’s remarkable biodiversity is on full display in the Asa Wright Nature Centre in the Arima Valley. Schedule a tour to this 1,200-plus-acre preserve, where more than 600 butterfly species flit among the more than 2,000 varieties of flowering plants. The center’s 400-plus species of birds draw in enthusiasts eager to spot tanagers, toucans, colorful motmots and the elusive oilbird.

4. Veni Mangé

For a culinary and visual feast, dine at Veni Mangé in Port of Spain. Opened in 1980 by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and her sister, this bustling, art-filled restaurant sets the standard for authentic West Indian fare on the island. It’s best known for its rendition of callaloo, Trinidad’s national dish, as well as oxtail.

5. Fort King George

If you’re spending time on Tobago, see the restored 18th-century colonial buildings and beautiful vistas at Fort King George, overlooking Scarborough and Rockly Bay. The officers’ quarters house the Tobago Museum and its collection of Amerindian artifacts, 17th-century maps and military relics.

Other Island Hopping Tips:

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Unwind on the Bahamas’ Harbour Island https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-harbour-island-bahamas/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60534 The laid-back vibe of the Bahamas’ Harbour Island makes it an ideal waypoint for avid cruisers.

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Harbour Island
Harbour Island, which was once the capital of the Bahamas, lies about 200 miles from Miami. Zach Stovall

Located just off the northern tip of Eleuthera, Harbour Island doesn’t have a to-do list so much as a just-be list. While cruisers can certainly go offshore fishing and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters, the island’s Pink Sand Beach invites visitors to simply sit back and relax.

Pink Sand Beach 

This waterfront expanse is the magnet and money shot of Harbour Island. Its always-cool powder-soft sand beckons the barefoot to stroll its 3-mile stretch along the eastern, Atlantic Ocean side of Briland, as locals call their home island. The sand’s trademark pale-pink hue, which stems from the pinkish-red shells of a single-celled organism called foraminifera, has landed the beach in countless social-media snaps as well as on several “best beaches in the world” lists.

Queen Conch

To riff on Bubba’s shrimp rhapsody in the movie Forrest Gump, Queen Conch is renowned for serving up this mighty mollusk in a multitude of delicious freshly prepared dishes: conch fritters, cracked conch fries, conch pasta, conch ceviche and, especially, its house specialty, conch salad, which often runs out before the dinner crowd. Customers from all over pull up a chair on the restaurant’s colorful open-air patio and pair the restaurant’s fare with great harbor views and a Goombay Smash, the official drink of the Bahamas, or a bottle of Kalik, a popular Bahamian lager.

Dunmore Town

Rent a golf cart, and explore the bougainvillea-lined streets of Dunmore Town, one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas and the only town on Harbour Island. Its Georgian architecture, upscale boutiques and jet-set clientele draw comparisons between Harbour Island and Nantucket, Massachusetts. Start your morning at Arthur’s Bakery & Café to sample its jalapeño cheese bread and doughnuts, among other temptations. Stop in and browse at The Sugar Mill, the treasure trove of a boutique co-owned by India Hicks, the British designer, relative of the royal family and longtime resident who is the celebrity face of Harbour Island. Her book Island Style captures not only Hicks’ own design aesthetic—a combination of carefree Caribbean culture and British colonial formality—but also the overall Briland vibe. For dinner, there’s no shortage of refined restaurants. At The Landing, pair a bottle from its Wine Spectator-lauded list with contemporary seafood dishes. Or, at The Dunmore, enjoy “beach chic” and Caribbean-influenced seafood surrounded by vintage photographs in the clubhouse or with the gorgeous views on the patio.

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Cruise to Catalina Island https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-catalina-island/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60381 Cruisers kick back at the “Mediterranean of California” some 26 miles off the SoCal coast.

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Catalina Island fox
The Catalina Island fox is found in six of the eight Channel Islands but nowhere else. The island is also home to the American bison. [banu]/stock.adobe.com

Not too far from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, there’s Catalina Island—a cruising oasis that provides yachtsmen an escape from the mainland, immersing visitors in all things rest and relaxation, from trying out Lady Luck to exploring the island’s wildlife.

Catalina Casino

This landmark opened in 1929. It’s an iconic legacy of the millions invested by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. and his family to make Catalina Island the tourism destination it is today. The casino was built not for gambling but for entertainment and dancing in the world’s largest circular ballroom. The 1,184-seat Avalon Theatre in the casino’s lower level was the first designed specifically for talking pictures. Its stunning art deco murals depicting Catalina’s cultural evolution were painted by John Gabriel Beckman, whose work also graces Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Today, visitors to Catalina Island can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the casino, watch movies in the Avalon Theatre on the weekends or time their visit to coincide with one of the galas held in the ballroom throughout the year.

Catalina Island Fox 

The Catalina Island fox, a cute 4- to 6-pound fur ball, is a tremendous conservation success story. In 1999, the canine distemper virus wiped out all but around 100 of an estimated 1,300 animals and later landed the fox on the federal endangered-species list. Thanks to an intensive campaign of vaccinations, captive breeding and population monitoring, the fox now thrives, numbering around 1,800 today. Scout out these survivors along the island’s 165 miles of hiking trails or on the naturalist-led Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tours.

Garden to Sky Trail

The moderately challenging Garden to Sky Trail rewards hikers who tackle its steep incline with some of Catalina Island’s best views. The 2.8-mile, paved out-and-back trail starts at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, and peaks at Divide Road, where the breathtaking panoramic views take in the coast, the Pacific Ocean and the other Channel Islands. Be sure to pack water, snacks and sunscreen, and obtain the free (but required) day-hike permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy online or from its office in Avalon.

Buffalo Milk

While on Catalina, raise a glass of the island’s buffalo milk. This mixture of crème de banana, crème de cacao, Kahlúa, vodka and half-and-half is named after bison that have resided on the island since 1924. A dozen were ferried over for the filming of The Vanishing American, one of more than 500 productions shot on the island over the years. After the crew returned to Hollywood, the bison remained and multiplied, now numbering around 150.

Tip: Two Harbors on the island’s west end offers more than 700 moorings and anchorages in more than a dozen sites.

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Cruising in the British Virgin Islands https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-great-escape/ Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60277 A British Virgin Islands cruising experience should include these notable waypoints.

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British Virgin Islands
In addition to world-class snorkeling, Anegada is known for its centuries-in-the-making conch mounds. Courtesy BVI Tourism

The British Virgin Islands offer the cruising crowd a plethora of rest-and-relaxation opportunities, but every great location has some can’t-miss attractions. For boaters who are planning a voyage through the BVI, these three spots have something to offer everyone on board.

The Baths 

The Baths National Park, along the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda, is the crown jewel of BVI attractions. The rounded forms and very presence of The Baths’ iconic massive granite boulders—as large as 40 feet in diameter—are a testament to the volcanic and geological forces at work over millions of years.

Rope handrails, arrows and wooden stairs guide visitors through this natural playground of cave-like passages and secluded turquoise pools tucked between the boulders. It’s a choose-your-own adventure, with some nooks requiring a tight squeeze or army crawl and other stretches perfectly suited for a leisurely stroll or dip. Sunlight spills through the openings, illuminating social-media-worthy spots such as the triangular-shaped path known as “the cathedral” and creating entrancing dancing reflections off the pools onto the rock walls. The route ends at the white-sand expanse of Devil’s Bay, a tranquil spot for swimming or snorkeling.

Cruisers should arrive at The Baths early to avoid cruise-ship crowds and to secure one of the coveted mooring balls and spots along the offshore dinghy dock line.  

Anegada 

The only all-coral island in the BVI, Anegada is a favorite destination for world-class snorkeling as well as spiny lobster. Its annual Anegada Lobster Festival is one of the BVI’s top events of the year. Anegada is an easy day trip from the Bitter End Yacht Club, which is located about 10 nautical miles to the south.

Rising a mere 28 feet above sea level at its highest point, Anegada is easy to explore on foot. Look for rock iguanas, wild orchids and tropical birds along the Bones Bight nature trail. Spot flamingos from the Flamingo Pond Lookout. Or chill out on Cow Wreck Beach.

Anegada’s surrounding reef, however, is the far bigger draw. Check out more than 300 shipwrecks, tunnels and caves, Volkswagen-sized brain coral, and such species as stingrays, angelfish and parrotfish.

Foxy’s

If you’re in the mood for an incredible story or a great joke shared over a rum drink, then seek out Philicianno “Foxy” Callwood at his eponymous bar, Foxy’s, which has anchored the beach at Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke since 1968. Foxy is a Member of the British Empire as well as an inductee into the CYBA International Hall of Fame for his contributions to the island’s heritage and yachting tourism industry, but there’s no need to stand on ceremony. Instead, raise one of his signature libations—perhaps a Dread Fox or a Sly Fox—and toast this BVI legend.  

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