AUTUMN 2011I sea&iI51ploughing up and down the city's trademark hills since 1873 anddemand a ride. You'll hear their iconic bells clanging from blocksaway, and they promise a great view of the city.Chinatown, as in most countries, is a colourful city within acity, with its heart occupying the oldest street in San Francisco:Grant Avenue. Marvel at all the exotic shops, markets, templesand herb shops and treat yourself to fortune cookies for the rideback to your hotel.Journey to the middle of San Francisco Bayto discover theintriguing island ofAlcatrazand its infamous former prison,from which no inmate ever escaped. The stories have fuelledbooks, films and legends, so see 'The Rock' for yourself witha cell-house tour. If you have a morning free, head to the Italianquarter at North Beach(confusingly, not a beach at all) andwander the cafŽs and shops before making your way to theChurch of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Coit ToweronTelegraph Hill, where you'll enjoy a great photo-opp of thebridges and bay. The 1,000-acre Golden Gate Parkis also agreat day out with its gardens, carousel, lakes, 4,000 speciesof trees, and museums - including the city's oldest: the deYoung Museum, which is showing masterpieces from Picassountil October this year. The Missionis also a charismaticneigh-bourhood for arts and culture with its medley of streets full offood vendors, galleries and theatres. Buy yourself a treat at theTartine Bakery and walk to Dolores Parkto enjoy it whilewatching the world go by.nAT A GLANCE.Best travel time:June and July are peak tourist months, andMarch to May and September to early November are ideal formild sunny days. San Francisco Bay will host the 2013 AmericaÕsCup Finals and the Louis Vuitton Cup (AmericaÕs Cup ChallengerSeries). This will be the first time the AmericaÕs Cup has beenhosted in the US since 1995Currency:US dollarLanguage:EnglishVibe:for lovers of art, culture, sport, literature and cuisine,the city deals out serious attractions with effortless stylecityguidePhotography: Shutterstock / Christine Krieg / Four Seasons / All rights reserved

SUSSIE KIDD, CNI ANTIBESAustralia When it comes to considering your next charter destination, Australia mightnot immediately spring to mind but for me it has unique appeal, particularlyas it's my homeland. It's a country that offers a real sense of freedom andexcitement. The unspoilt coastlines that surround it are stunning, asare its offshore waters, which are bursting with coral reefs and marine life.These reefs and the nearby beaches are a huge draw and you can visit someof the best of them during a cruise of the Whitsundays islands, which sprawlat the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. But the vast distances between the country's highlights mean you need toplan in advance. Take advantage of the land-based culture and diversity byspending a couple of days in Sydney or Melbourne before joining your yacht.Also try to head inland to the outback areas, which are brimming withAboriginal heritage. Wherever you choose, you'll be amazed by the variety ofattractions this vibrant cruising ground offers.Wherever in the world you plan to travel, the CNI charter brokers are on hand to provide expertknowledge of the yachts and cruising destinations available.Here, three members of the charterteam offer their adviceTAKE IT FROM 52Isea&iIAUTUMN 2011