south pacific46IICHARTER COLLECTION 2012FRENCH POLYNESIAAparadise of turquoise lagoons, lush sceneryand deserted beaches, the islands of FrenchPolynesia are marooned in an idyllic ocean,forgotten by the 21st century. More than 130 islands arescattered over five archipelagos in three main islandgroups. The Leeward Islands are home to lush greenrainforests soaring thousands of feet out of turquoiselagoons, whilst the volcanic formed islands of Tahiti aresurrounded by coral reef. The ambience is one of laid-back exclusivity, blending cool French chic with warmlocal smiles. Enchanting atolls, unique culinarytraditions, a superb tropical climate fanned by tradewinds; the warm waters of the South Pacific set thescene for an unforgettable desert island charter. AUSTRALIAAustralia is a land of huge contrasts and itscoastline is just as varied. Dotted around theeast coast are sophisticated cities such asCairns, Brisbane and Melbourne and Sydney - anattraction in itself with its infamous Opera House,Sydney Harbour Bridge and bustling bars and bistros.Further up the coastline, lying off the east coast ofCairns is the stunning Great Barrier Reef, and inbetween lie miles of deserted beaches. NEW ZEALANDNew Zealand's two islands have long been ayachtsman's paradise with some of theworld's finest sailing waters and a superbchoice of anchorages. South Island is home to theMarlborough Sounds offering idyllic cruising amongstdramatic alpine and coastal landscapes, whilst NorthIsland is home to Auckland, the renowned 'city ofsails'; the perfect backdrop for an adventurouscharter.

northern europeFrom the towering cliffs and spectacular fjords ofNorway, to the archipelagos and inlandwaterways of Denmark and Sweden, theScandinavian coastline offers myriad delights that arebathed in the warmth of endless summer days.The mountainous fjords of Norway provide a perfectbackdrop to any charter. To the east, at the heart ofSwedens coastline, lies an archipelago of beautifulislands alongside the sophisticated and cosmopolitanStockholm. Further south a coastline of remotevillages and long sandy beaches, colourful waterfronthomesteads welcome you to Denmark. The Baltic lands have long been regarded as one of themost unspoilt cruising grounds in Europe and are anenchanting destination for a unique and tranquilcharter. CRUISING GUIDEI 47