Destinations

Cape Breton Island: A Canadian Cruising Heaven that Still Beckons

By Peter Janssen on February 23, 2017 Cruising Life, Destinations

Many years ago, I drove a Phoenix 35 from Norwalk, Connecticut, up to the little Canadian town of Gaspé, on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, with my friend Eric Schweikardt, the photographer. The trip took us up to Maine, over to Nova Scotia, up to the Canso Canal, past Prince Edward Island and finally to Gaspé, at the entrance to the St. Lawrence. Unfortunately, we went right by Cape Breton Island and Bras d’Or, the magnificent lake in the middle of it. We were in a hurry, or thought we were, and, with the ignorance of relative youth, thought…

Formentera: A Gorgeous, but Not-So-Famous, Cruising Destination in the Med

By Peter Janssen on February 12, 2017 Destinations

Tired of the same old, same old? Want to cruise or take a crewed or bareboat charter to a slightly-off-the-beaten-track destination in the Med? Then head for Formentera, the fourth largest of the Balearic Islands, just off the southern edge of Ibiza, with sensational beaches, great waterfront restaurants and bars, and a much more relaxed vibe than its more famous neighbor. About the same size as Manhattan, Formentera has tourists, but not too many. It does not even have an airport. If you want to fly there, go to Ibiza and take the ferry over to the port town of…

Heading for the Miami Show? Take a Weekend in Bimini

By Peter Janssen on February 8, 2017 Cruising Life, Destinations

If you’re heading to the Miami show, or just cruising in Florida, you may want to think about taking a 50-mile side trip (with your passport) over to Bimini. Even at 15 knots, you could leave Miami after breakfast and be sitting down for conch chowder at the Big Game Club (founded in 1936 and a Hemingway hangout) for lunch. Or dive, or explore Alice Town (that will be fun but it won’t take long), or fish, or just relax. For me, Bimini has been a favorite for a fast change of scene, and drop of blood pressure, for many,…

On Watch

By Peter Janssen on February 2, 2017 Destinations, On Watch with Peter Janssen

Moving On – and Moving Up – With a Dedicated Cruising Couple It would be hard to find a couple more committed to the cruising life than Jim and Lisa Favors. Indeed, they’ve been boating for most of their lives, starting with a 20-foot Four Winns in their home town of Traverse City, Michigan, moving up to a 32-foot Silverton, a 42-foot Silverton and finally a 40-foot Fathom trawler. They lived aboard the two 40-footers full-time for five years after Jim retired, completing the Great Loop once and returning to favorite spots to almost complete it a second time, cruising…

Avoid the Crowds and the Roads: See the Gorgeous Amalfi Coast by Boat

By Peter Janssen on January 30, 2017 Charter, Destinations

By all accounts, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, stretching along the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula south of Naples, is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Sheer cliffs seem to tumble down to the azure-blue waters, while small towns are scattered along the coastline, filled with red-tile-roofed homes and inviting small hotels with outdoor patios opening up to incredible vistas. A tourist mecca in the season, over the years the Amalfi Coast has been celebrated in writing by John Steinbeck, in film by Federico Fellini, and in music by, well, Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The only problem…

Five Best Things to do in Buzzards Bay

By Peter Janssen on January 11, 2017 Destinations

After about our fourth straight summer trip to Nantucket on my Grand Banks, my youngest daughter asked softly, “Can we get there without going up Buzzards Bay?” Well, the answer was yes, but despite its often choppy seas (which my daughter obviously wanted to avoid), there is a lot to do there. My personal favorites are spending at least a night in the Cuttyhunk basin in the Elizabeth Islands, or just wandering around South Dartmouth and Padanarum over on the mainland.But there are other attractions, tiny islands to visit, places to eat, paddle, collect crabs and basically chill. The good news…

The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia Beckons With the Bluest Water in the World

By Peter Janssen on January 5, 2017 Charter, Destinations

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruising or charter destination, try the Dalmatian coast of Croatia in the Adriatic. It has an endorsement from NASA astronauts, no less, who say the waters there are the bluest in the entire world, as seen from outer space. As seen closer up, the coast has more than 1,000 islands with beautiful golden beaches, small harbors, some modern marinas, medieval towns with red-tile roofs and narrow winding streets, wonderful restaurants and just a different way of life – dating back to the days of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. The historic town…

St. Barts: The Ultimate Destination for New Year’s Eve – or Any Other Time

By Peter Janssen on December 28, 2016 Destinations

You don’t have your invitation yet for New Year’s Eve in St Barts? Not to worry. Take your own boat, or join a friend’s charter, there any time of the year. But here’s a good update about what’s new on that beautiful, decidedly upscale international yachting destination – restaurants, hotels, bars, and villas that have opened or closed recently. At St. Barts, it’s best to keep up with these things. Take a look: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2016/12/26/billionaire-superyacht-showdown-whos-who-in-st-barts-for-new-years/#35c2a2845929

Kennebunkport Harbor: Welcome to the Iconic Coast of Maine

By Peter Janssen on December 14, 2016 Destinations

The first time I cruised into Kennebunkport harbor was about 30 years ago when my friend Jerry Berton and I drove a Tempest 38 from Miami to Maine in four days; a fun, if fast, trip. I’ve been back many times since then, usually on trips from Long Island Sound or Newport up to Maine and back, and I’ve loved it every time. To me, Kennebunkport is an almost iconic introduction to the coast of Maine, which almost reeks of color, character and charm that set it apart from the rest of the world. For a good look at Kennebunkport…

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