Q: I’ve read a few yachting articles that referred to superyachts seeking new cruising grounds as an alternative to the traditional “Milk Run.” What is a milk run in yachting? Amy S.
A: Thank you for your question, Amy. Let’s start with a quick peek at the definition of milk run in an online dictionary.
“Milk Run” – Noun…A routine, uneventful journey.
In the world of megayacht rental vacations, there are two primary offerings that account for the bulk of the charter business: Caribbean yacht charter vacations in the winter and spring, and Mediterranean yacht charter vacations in the summer and early fall.
Caribbean yacht charter scenery
WHAT DO CHARTER CLIENTS WANT?
Charter clients are like most other travelers – they want to “get away,” but most prefer to get to their intended destination quickly.
For North Americans, this means a short flight to the balmy Caribbean to sail, cruise, and visit islands like St. Thomas and St Barts.
The same holds true for Europeans, who can take drive or take a train to seaport destinations like St. Tropez, Positano, or Monaco.
CROSS THE POND
Like any business, demand dictates the industry. First, the owners of the megayachts instruct their crews to position in the Caribbean for winter/spring. Second, they “cross the pond.” Third, they reposition in the south of France or Monaco for the summer season.
Thus, it is this routine, somewhat uneventful journey between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean that boaters refer to as the, “Milk Run.”
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
Side notes: A handful of yacht owners have recently made efforts to entice potential customers to break away from the traditional cruising grounds, and consider yachting holidays in more exotic locales. Some of the new up and coming destinations include:
Now is the perfect time to set the wheels in motion for a spring or summer luxury mega yacht charter holiday.
The specialists at 1-800 Yacht Charters and The SailAway Group sat down and came up with a short list of the top cruising destinations for 2011. They reviewed the “hot spots” from 2010, as well as the list of new locations that some mega yacht owners hope to visit this year.
The team compiled the list of the top 4 desirable yacht charter destinations for 2011 and the ultimate yachts to rent for the experience.
The beautiful islands of the Seychelles and Maldives await visitors in the Indian Ocean. Explore the area aboard yacht CLOUD 9, a 196-foot motor yacht built specifically for charter.
Visitors to 1-800 Yacht Charters’ website and blog page are quite familiar with this vessel. The winner of two design Awards, the superyacht is outfitted with a gym and comes with lots of water toys. Her rates begin at €315,000 per week.
Last month, Oprah Winfrey spent a day sailing Sydney’s famous harbor with Russell Crowe, as part of her “Ultimate Australian Adventure Tour.” There is little wonder why she chose this part of the world for her odyssey – from the vast Great Barrier Reef, to New Zealand’s scenic, craggy coastline, this is a yachtman’s paradise.
Indulge in luxury down under aboard the 183-foot GALAXY. Six cabins offer a party of 12 guests the ultimate in luxury accommodations. Her rates begin at $235,000 per week.
Come back tomorrow and we’ll share destinations 3 and 4 with you!
WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK!
Do you have your own, “favorite destination” in which to rent a private yacht? Leave us a comment about your top spot, and we will share it with our readers. As our thanks, we will send you a special gift!
We understand. You can only enjoy so many Virgin Islands yacht charters. This is before you start itching for a new place to explore.
HOW ABOUT AUSTRALIA?
No worries. Perhaps a trip “Down Under” is just what you need. Down to Perth, Australia, mate!
Located on the banks of the impressive, wide Swan River, and situated between the popular Indian Ocean cruising grounds and the sands of the Nullarbor Desert, the city of Perth feels isolated from the rest of the world. Don’t let the remote location fool you – Perth boasts an active beach scene and all-night nightlife.
Family-friendly Cottesloe Beach is packed with friendly locals who come for the surfing and the snorkeling. Just a short day sail to the north is Scarborough, the perfect place for a dinner ashore and a chance to enjoy the Aussie beachside club scene.
A stop at Penguin Island is a must, located in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, about a 2-hour sail south of Perth. Penguin Island is nature reserve and home to a large colony of penguins, as well as dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, pelicans, ospreys and more. It’s a fantastic island for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying some of the best coastal scenery in Perth.
Weather Tip:The best weather months for traveling to Perth are February, March, and April (similar in temperature to the USA summer months).
Few luxury motor yacht charter vessels are based in Perth, but sail boat charters are fairly common, and we expect more and more yachts to migrate to the area with the popularity of Australia yacht charters vacations on the rise.
“Not-to-be-Missed“ Sites in Perth, Australia on your yacht charter vacation:
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