Sure, you look at the photograph and see a pleasant vacation in paradise.
I look at the photograph and see a Christmas morning stroll.
That’s because Auckland-based 37 South sent me this scenic as part of a promotion for Christmas charters in New Zealand. Since the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of those in the United States and Europe. Wintertime in Chicago or London is the height of summer from the Bay of Islands to Marlborough Sound, which means prime chartering weather for the late-December holiday.
37 South manages several yachts that are still available for Christmas charters in this part of the world, and I’ve had the pleasure of cruising aboard two of them. The 112-foot Alloy motoryacht VvS1 offers what I have seen firsthand to be a fantastic crew and well-run charter operation, especially for guests who love to fish and scuba dive. Another option is the 102-foot Alloy sailing yacht Pacific Eagle, which I cruised aboard back in 2004. Wine lovers, in particular, will be thrilled to enjoy Christmas dinner in this yacht’s home cruising ground of Marlborough Sound, one of the world’s premier regions for sauvignon blanc. (A glass of Cloudy Bay, anyone?)
Also still available for Christmas charters in New Zealand is the 75-foot Burch and Mason motoryacht Escapade, which I have not seen in person, but which the folks I have learned over the years to trust at 37 South are offering for “fine dining and attentive service.” Sounds like a recipe for a great Christmas ham to me.
Any reputable charter broker can tell you more about these three yachts, or help you book a holiday charter onboard in New Zealand.
Tags: 37 South, New Zealand, Pacific Eagle, VvS1