The Yachtsman Report

Want to trade cold mornings with tropical climates & endless sunshine?
Picture yourself anchored in emerald lagoons, exploring untouched islands and chasing endless horizons in the Caribbean or the Maldives. We've mapped out the world's most spectacular winter yachting destinations just so you could extend your summer expectations. Read more below as we chart a course through these sun-soaked paradises and discover why winter might just be the perfect season for another summer escape.

EKKA Yachts celebrates four decades of yachting successes and adventures.

Embark on a journey of "Endless Summer," where we guide you to the most serene yachting destinations during the cooler months. In the majestic waters of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, discover idyllic retreats like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Seychelles, Thailand, Oman, and the Maldives. These gems offer a sun-kissed respite, perfect for those seeking warmth and radiance.

There are yachts, there are superyachts, and then there are explorer yachts - the epitome of luxury, adventure, and unparalleled freedom. Explorer yachts, a sub-category of which are also known as expedition yachts, are remarkable vessels that are purpose-built or converted to travel vast distances and visit breathtaking locations all over the globe. From the Arctic to the Galapagos to the Great Barrier Reef, the world truly becomes your oyster aboard an explorer yacht.

Perhaps archeology isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when considering a yacht holiday, be it on your own yacht or when chartering one. Yachting in Greece, however, presents the perfect opportunity to visit some exceptional archeological locations, and to experience some of the oldest wonders in the world. Greek mythology and ancient history become intertwined in such places, bestowing them a distinct type of enchantment.

One of the things we take pride in at EKKA YACHTS is the experience we have acquired in providing tailored made solutions and tips while guiding our charter clients through the process of chartering a yacht.
If you are considering the seclusion, comfort, and luxury a charter yacht provides, we want to make sure you know what it’s all about. Here you’ll find a practical guide to the delightful prospect of vacationing on a charter yacht.

AN ENDURING INDUSTRY

2021, perhaps surprisingly, has proven to be an outstanding year for the superyacht market (the “superyacht” designation is used for luxury vessels more than 30m in length). According to SuperYacht Times iQ, more than 485 such vessels have been sold around the world since the beginning of the year, a number that translates to sales of approximately EUR 4.77 billion. The comparative number of vessels in 2020 was 296 and EUR 2.8 billion respectively.

TOP DESTINATIONS

The first Marine propulsion systems in the world were sails and oars. The simplest version of the oar was used for the first time in human history in Egyptian boats during the 4th millennium BCE, while ancient Egyptian sails are first depicted around 3200 BCE. Around the same time, Sumerian sailing boats have been discovered to traverse lengthy sea trading routes. Let’s not forget that even the discovery of America happened on magnificent sailboats, able to cross oceans in swift speeds. The first mechanical marine propulsion system was the steam engine, introduced in the early 19th century. Since then, boats have come a long way.

Our industry of leisure and luxury doesn’t immediately bring to mind ecological sustainability. Nevertheless, we can all contribute by leading a more sustainable on-board lifestyle, minimising our environmental impact while at sea and thus protecting what we love the most: the waters upon which we sail.

What is it about the combination of yachting and art that’s so singular? Much more than fulfilling the need for a personal touch, art collections have found their sea homes in many custom luxury yachts and superyachts around the world, including Greece.