1. Escape the winter blues
As winter rolls around the thought of short days, dark evenings and bracing temperatures are enough to make anyone want to escape to the sunshine. Why not take the opportunity to do just that – imagine lying on a tropical beach basking in the warm Bahaman sun, or sipping a chilled wine on the deck of a beautiful yacht in a sparkling sea in the middle of December. A charter vacation is the perfect boost to get you through the rest of winter, and you’ll be the envy of your friends when you return sporting a mid-winter tan. There are plenty of choices on offer in the winter season and if its variety you are after then why not plan a busy itinerary that takes you to a new anchorage every day? Take your pick of destinations, with options including the popular Bahamas and Caribbean or even somewhere more adventurous like Asia or Australasia. Browse our charter destinations here for inspiration.

2. A celebration to remember
Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's are the perfect time for sharing experiences with family and creating precious memories and a yacht provides the perfect base for this. Add in a stunning destination and you have the perfect combination. The islands of the Caribbean are full of festive spirit, except with endless white sands instead of snow. St Lucia is a perfect choice for some holiday sparkle – the 13^th December is the National Festival of Lights, where decorations and lanterns are lit. On Christmas day, come ashore to the capital of Castries to wander around the elegantly decorated houses, soak up a very different festive atmosphere, and end the day watching the lights reflect off the gentle sea while fireworks illuminate the sky. Back on your yacht, your crew will decorate your yacht to ensure you are surrounded by festive spirit.

3. Enjoy a world class festive feast
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a feast, and likewise the New Year is best rung in in style with champagne and a fabulous spread. Whether you crave a Christmas roast with all the trimmings, would like to sample a traditional Caribbean Christmas meal, or have a special menu in mind for New Year celebrations, your personal chef and dedicated crew will prepare you an incredible meal ensuring that your festive charter will be one to remember. Make the most of outdoor dining options for a stunning backdrop to your meal.

4. Indulge and treat yourself
Winter is notorious for colds and bugs, so why not use your holiday vacation as a chance to relax and rejuvenate by indulging in some real R&R and spa treatments. The IYC fleet includes a number of yachts with dedicated wellness hubs where you can enjoy a massage and steam, or keep your body fresh in the gym, or come ashore to an award-winning spa complex for the full works. Complete your pampering by enjoying fresh and healthy menus created by your personal chef from the freshest local ingredients.

5. See the best New Year’s fireworks
With a charter the ocean is your oyster – no vying for space at the popular displays or worrying about tickets for exclusive New Year parties. Instead relax on your yacht where the best view of the fireworks will be from your deck with your crew on hand to create custom cocktails to order. If you want to see amazing pyrotechnics then party until sunrise, head to the West Maldives for the infamous New Year “island takeover” on Gaathafushi. For a really special trip off the milk run, Australia’s Sydney Harbour fireworks are second to none – one of the best places to see in 2018 in Antipodean style! Once the fireworks are over take your tender to shore and dance the night away.

For more information on IYC’s range of services please contact the IYC office most convenient to you. IYC has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Miami, Nantucket, Great Lakes, Monaco, Greece, Russia, Croatia, Montenegro, London, Scandinavia and Malta. To contact an IYC office click here.