Destinations

Monhegan: An Iconic Art-Colony Island in Maine

By Peter Janssen on October 25, 2016 Destinations

If you haven’t been to Monhegan Island, about 12 miles off the tip of Port Clyde in mid-coast Maine, go. Well, wait for summer, and then go. This is laid-back Maine at its best, a summer art colony with a terrific hotel overlooking the harbor and walking trails that don’t end. There are no cars, and about 75 people live there year-round. Picture an iconic Maine waterfront scene in your mind and you’ll find it on Monhegan. There is no marina (it’s not that kind of place). Instead, you hail the “harbormaster” when you arrive and he’ll come out in…

The Best of the Canadian Gulf Islands: Go Next Summer

By Peter Janssen on October 10, 2016 Destinations

A lot of us are familiar with the San Juan Islands, just above Seattle, which offer some of the best cruising grounds in the United States. But just above them, the Canadian Gulf Islands are just as appealing as cruising destinations, perhaps even more so, since they’re a bit off the beaten path and they may get a little more sunshine. Here’s a list of the top eight Gulf Islands compiled by Northwest Explorations, a first-class charter company located in Bellingham, Washington. I’ve been to about half of these; the others are on my list. Take a look:http://www.nwexplorations.com/2016/10/10/8-must-see-gulf-island-boating-spots/

Go Fishing on Your Moorings Charter in the BVI

By Peter Janssen on August 9, 2016 Charter, Destinations

Good news for fisherman. Now you can go fishing on your charter vacation on The Moorings in the BVI. Indeed, The Moorings just registered their entire fleet of power cats in the BVI as fishing vessels, meaning they are legal for fishing there. A recent regulation imposed by the BVI government requires all vessels to have an official registration number in order to engage in any fishing activities; as of July 1, all Moorings power cats, from 39 to 51 feet, have the official registration numbers. These boats are in addition to the entire fleet of Moorings crewed yachts, which…

30 Nordhavns in Alaska: Great Video

By Peter Janssen on August 8, 2016 Cruising Life, Destinations

In the largest owners’ rendezvous in the company’s history, 32 Nordhavns cruised to Petersburg, Alaska, this summer, surpassing the Nordhavn Atlantic Rally, with 17 boats, in 2004, and anything since. In addition to the owners who arrived on their own boats, many other Nordhavn owners flew in for the event. Here’s a great video showing how proud these owners are of their boats, and of their own cruising accomplishments. .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vx0EiNf5wQ&feature=em-upload_owner

St. Tropez Charters Made Easy

By Peter Janssen on August 8, 2016 Charter, Destinations

If you’re still looking for an over-the-top charter this summer, there’s still time to head for St. Tropez, surely one of the most glamorous destinations in the world. Yachts are still available, and more slots will open up as the fall season begins. If you need more reasons to charter in St. Tropez, look here: http://www.boatbookings.com/blog/2016/08/04/st-tropez-in-a-nutshell/

Hinckley Rendezvous at Mystic Seaport Video

By Peter Janssen on August 7, 2016 Cruising Life, Destinations

Here’s a great video combining two world-class brands: Hinckley Yachts and Mystic Seaport. The Seaport itself is a wonderful cruising destination, whether for a weekend or longer. (I spent one of our best weekends ever tied up to the sea wall there with my family many years ago on my Grand Banks.) And a gathering of Hinckleys is a cause for celebration, no matter where they are. Take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nABkqdr7QXA&sns=em

Portland, Maine: A Great Cruising Destination

By Peter Janssen on August 2, 2016 Destinations

If you haven’t been to Portland, Maine, lately, go. It’s not only a great cruising destination on Casco Bay, but it’s also a great city in its own right, with a lively foodie and arts scene. Here’s a terrific story in The New York Times that gives a good idea of things to do and places to stay. I may see you there; Portland has been one of my favorite spots, on land or on the water, for many years. (I’m sorry that other people have discovered Becky’s Diner, although you can still get a seat without waiting if you…

Nordhavn 68 On Top of the World

By Peter Janssen on August 1, 2016 Cruising Life, Destinations

Migration, a Nordhavn 68, is now cruising at 80 degrees north, just 630 nm from the North Pole, in a land of glaciers, floating ice and polar bears. For more about the ultimate high latitude cruise: http://www.nordhavn.com/interactive/nordhavn_live/migration.php

American Tug 365 Cruise to Astoria

By Peter Janssen on July 14, 2016 Cruising Life, Destinations

Here’s a great blog and pictures of an American Tug 365 delivery from the factory in LaConner, Washington, 269 miles down the coast to Astoria, Oregon. (I’ve done this, and you definitely want to be careful out there.)http://americantugnews.blogspot.com/2016/04/delivering-american-tug-365-to-astoria.html

Tangier Island is Sinking as the Chesapeake is Rising

By Peter Janssen on July 10, 2016 Cruising Life, Destinations

Great story about Tangier Island in the lower Chesapeake, which is being threatened by rising sea levels, in The New York Times Magazine today. The future there seems pretty bleak. I took the picture above four years ago on Smith Island, just a few miles north of Tangier, which is facing the same fate. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/magazine/should-the-united-states-save-tangier-island-from-oblivion.html

Browsing: Destinations