4 Of The Best Destinations For A New Year’s Yacht Charter

Sydney

The best views of Sydney Harbour's fireworks are undoubtedly from the comfort of a luxury yacht floating serenely on the water

Sydney is world known for its fabulous New Year’s Eve fireworks which, on the stroke of midnight, light up the city’s harbour. But, with 1.6 million people packed on the harbour’s foreshore, the best views are undoubtedly from the comfort of a luxury yacht floating serenely on the water.

A huge range of pyrotechnic effects are launched from points on Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, as well as from seven barges placed along the harbour. Superyachts anchor in an assigned area opposite Bradleys Head, where they get a gun barrel view of the spectacle.

As the city is teeming with trendy nightspots, the celebrations continue well after the fireworks have finished. Leave your charter yacht and discover the exclusive harbour-side haunts and rooftop bars of The Rocks and King Street Wharf or party until the early hours at the Ivy Pool Club.

St. Barts

The day kicks off with an around-the-island sailing regatta before festivities rev up in ultra-luxe hotels such as Eden Rock and hip beach hangouts across the island. By late evening, the VIPs in town surge into Gustavia Harbour for a star-studded yacht hop.

A spectacular firework display over the harbour follows at midnight, but the festivities do not end here. Step on shore for some dancing at the members-only Le Yacht Club while hard-core revellers will be kept entertained until the early hours at Nicki Beach’s themed extravaganza.

Miami

If you’ve come to Miami to party, then you’ve come to the right place

If you’ve come to Miami to party, then you’ve come to the right place. And, on New Year’s Eve, this city well and truly comes into its own.

Anchor off Miami Beach and you’ll be in a prime position to see the endless firework displays that take place along the coast. Then, after the last embers have fizzled out, head ashore where the city’s fantastically vibrant nightlife means you won’t be returning to your charter yacht until sunrise.

If nightclubs are your scene, try out South Beach’s newest offering ORA or Vegas-style party venue LIV with its world-class DJs and VIP tables. Bar wise, seek out the glamour of Rose Bar in Delano Hotel, the laid-back yet luxe escape of Grove or Sunset Lounge for the best cocktails in town.

The Bahamas

Yacht-goers looking for a relaxing start to the New Year need to look no further than the Bahamas. Made up of more than 700 sun-drenched islands, it’s not hard to find your own slice of seclusion in this heavenly archipelago, especially if you head to the undisturbed oasis of the Out Islands.

The island chain’s proximity to Florida means it’s only a short flight away from the east coast of the US and, with New Year’s Junkanoo festivals taking place on the more popular islands, charterers can easily combine idyllic beach days with a colorful cultural extravaganza.

Parades of singers, dancers and musicians weave their way through the streets wearing colorful costumes and entertaining the crowds of spectators. The largest and liveliest processions take place in downtown Nassau but the intoxicating carnival atmosphere can be experienced on a number of other islands.

For help planning a New Year’s Eve yacht charter, speak to your preferred charter broker.