10 Sunsail Yacht Ownership Myths Busted
Top Destinations for a Short-Notice Christmas or New Year’s Yacht Holiday with Sunsail
The holidays may be the busiest travel season of the year, but Sunsail Owners get to play by different rules. With your yacht waiting in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations and the flexibility of the Sunsail Ownership points system, a last-minute Christmas or New Year’s getaway is always within reach.
Short notice bookings make the experience even easier. When your calendar suddenly opens up, you can turn unused points into an unforgettable winter escape, choosing from bases where December delivers warm winds, crystal-clear water, festive island traditions, and your “holiday rush” is nothing more than hoisting the mainsail.
This is the luxury of Sunsail ownership: the ability to swap cold weather and overbooked resorts for turquoise anchorages, beachside celebrations, and quiet moments at sea. Whether you’re after Caribbean sunshine, Indian Ocean serenity, or the vibrant cultural energy of Southeast Asia, Sunsail’s global network gives owners the freedom to shape the holidays exactly the way they want them.
Here is a look at the top Sunsail Yacht Owner favorite destinations for a spontaneous, short-notice Christmas or New Year’s yacht holiday. Perfect for turning an unexpected free week into your most memorable celebration of the year.
British Virgin Islands: A Family-Friendly Caribbean Christmas at Sea
For Sunsail Owners, the British Virgin Islands deliver everything a Christmas or New Year’s getaway should be: effortless sailing, warm trade winds, and a holiday atmosphere that blends relaxation with just the right touch of festive charm. It’s no wonder the BVI remains Sunsail’s flagship winter destination—there’s simply nowhere better for a sun-soaked holiday at sea.
December brings steady trade winds, warm turquoise water, and one of the most relaxed yet festive atmospheres in the entire Caribbean. With short passages, abundant mooring options, and postcard-perfect islands at every turn, the BVI is the ultimate last-minute winter getaway.
Why Owners Love The BVI For A Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Reliable Winter Sailing: Steady winds, gentle seas, and sunshine-filled days
- Protected Anchorages: Dozens of protected anchorages- no matter what the weather might be- ideal for families and relaxed holiday cruising
- Festive Island Energy: From charming holiday markets in Road Town to the magical Christmas-Eve boat parade (where Santa arrives by boat!) and lively island celebrations, the BVI is filled with music, twinkling lights, and warm Caribbean cheer perfect for family holidays
- Effortless Island-Hopping: With more than 60 islands all within easy line-of-sight sailing, the BVI offers the perfect no-stress holiday itinerary for families looking for flexibility and fun.
- Legendary New Year’s Eve: Home to one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the world at the infamous Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke
Owner-Favorite Holiday Moments:
Start Christmas Eve with toes-in-the-sand cocktails at Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke before sailing into a calm, starlit anchorage for a peaceful Christmas morning. Ring in the New Year amid the glowing fire sculptures of Trellis Bay or join the legendary island countdown at Foxy’s. And in between the festivities, enjoy peaceful mornings at anchor in an off-the -beaten path bay with nothing but gentle seas and a sunrise coffee to start the day.
Grenada: Caribbean Warmth, Culture & Winter Serenity
For Sunsail Owners dreaming of a holiday getaway that feels truly unhurried, Grenada delivers the perfect blend of culture, calm, and Caribbean charm. This southern gem offers a slower pace than the busier northern islands, without sacrificing vibrant holiday spirit or incredible winter sailing conditions.
December brings steady trade winds, glowing turquoise anchorages, excellent winter fishing, and a festive island energy rooted in tradition and warm Grenadian hospitality.
Why Owners Love Grenada for a Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Superb Winter Sailing: December brings reliable trade winds, ideal for down-island hops to Carriacou and Union Island
- Authentic Local Celebrations: From Christmas Street Festivals and island markets to cultural parades filled with music and color
- Picture-Perfect Anchorages: including Tyrell Bay, Prickly Bay, Moliniere Point, and the postcard-worthy sands of Sandy Island
- Prime Snorkeling And Diving Season: With crystal-clear visibility at the Underwater Sculpture Park and reefs around Carriacou, this is a true diving and snorkeling paradise
- Peak Winter Fishing Conditions: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and marlin are abundant just offshore this time of year.
- Less-Crowded Winter Cruising: Whilst most sailors flock to the northern Caribbean this time of year, this Southern Caribbean gem gives owners more privacy, easier moorings, and calmer anchorages
Owner’s Favorite Holiday Moment:
For many Sunsail Owners, a highlight of a Grenada holiday is a morning spent fishing in the turquoise waters just offshore. Pulling in a tuna or wahoo, then preparing it for a casual, sun-drenched BBQ brunch on deck.
St. Lucia: Festive Island Energy Meets Effortless Holiday Cruising
St. Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding bases for a spontaneous holiday escape. With its dramatic Piton peaks, warm island hospitality, and lively December celebrations, this island blends postcard-perfect scenery with exhilarating winter sailing.
Sunsail owners love St. Lucia not only for its beauty and world-class fishing, but for how easy it is to combine festive nights ashore with sporty coastal cruising and quick hops to nearby islands. It’s a fantastic base for owners looking to combine activity, beauty, and culture in one winter week.
Why Owners Love St. Lucia for a Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Vibrant Holiday Events: From live music and open-air markets to festive marina celebrations along the Rodney Bay waterfront
- Easy, Flexible Cruising Grounds: Positioned between Martinique and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Saint Lucia offers smooth sailing and a variety of itinerary choices in every direction.
- Exceptional Dining Ashore: Enjoy everything from relaxed toes-in-the-sand beachfront restaurants to upscale holiday menus in Rodney Bay and Soufrière.
- Bucket-List Anchorages: From the dramatic backdrop of the Pitons to tranquil, hidden coves, Saint Lucia offers some of the Caribbean’s most memorable places to drop anchor.
Owner’s Favorite Holiday Moment:
Sunsail Owners often highlight St. Lucia for its peaceful holiday anchorages and convenient mix of activities. The Pitons area offers a quieter setting with fewer seasonal crowds, and the west coast is known for consistent offshore fishing, especially for dorado and tuna. From there, Rodney Bay provides an easy overnight stop with festive markets, marina dining, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Seychelles – A Tropical Christmas in a True Island Wilderness
If your ideal holiday escape means trading crowded cities for raw natural beauty, the Seychelles is the ultimate short-notice destination. December ushers in one of the calmest, most inviting sailing periods of the year, giving Sunsail Owners effortless access to the archipelago’s granite peaks, powder-soft beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the Indian Ocean.
This is winter sailing at its most extraordinary — serene, wildlife-rich, and wonderfully remote.
Why Owners Love The Seychelles For A Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Crystal-Clear Anchorages: Perfect for a Christmas morning snorkel among vibrant coral reefs
- Calm Seasonal Winds: Ideal for relaxed, low-stress passages and easy line-of-sight navigation
- UNESCO-Protected Islands: Explore Vallée de Mai, Aldabra, and other islands home to rare birds and giant tortoises you won’t find anywhere else.
- Secluded Holiday Experience: Fewer crowds and remote beaches offer peace, privacy, and a true escape from typical holiday travel. No crowds, no noise, just pure island wilderness
Sunsail Owner’s Favorite Holiday Moment:
Sunsail Owners appreciate the Seychelles in December for its settled weather, gentle breezes, and excellent visibility across the islands’ protected marine parks. Holiday weeks remain surprisingly uncrowded, giving owners access to quiet anchorages, empty beaches, and relaxed island cruising. With short sailing distances and reliable conditions, it’s a stress-free option for a winter getaway. For those prioritizing privacy and natural beauty over festive bustle, the Seychelles stands out as a top seasonal choice.
Thailand: Lantern Festivals & Exotic Adventure
For Owners craving a holiday that feels both adventurous and effortlessly relaxing, Thailand delivers one of the most unique December sailing experiences in the Sunsail network. December marks the height of the dry season, with calm seas, warm breezes, and picture-perfect visibility, ideal for island-hopping through the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Andaman Sea.
From vibrant night markets to golden temples, lantern-lit celebrations, and world-class beaches, a short-notice holiday in Thailand blends culture, nature, and sunshine in a way few destinations can match.
Why Owners Love Thailand for a Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Reliable Dry-Season Weather: Calm seas, steady winds, and warm tropical temperatures make for ideal December sailing
- Iconic Cruising Grounds: Explore Phang Nga Bay, Railay, and the Phi Phi Islands with short, manageable passages
- Festive Cultural Experiences: Night markets, lantern-lit celebrations, and local holiday events in Phuket are unlike anything you will find at other Sunsail destinations
- Excellent Snorkeling And Diving: Clear waters and thriving coral reefs close to anchorages make for a colorful underwater playground.
Sunsail Owner’s Favorite Holiday Moment:
Ring in the New Year anchored off Koh Phi Phi, where fireworks light up the cliffs and the warm night breeze turns the entire bay into a natural amphitheater surrounded by lively beach parties that go on long after the clock strikes midnight.
St. Martin: The Caribbean’s Luxe Holiday Playground
For Sunsail Owners seeking a short-notice holiday that combines adventure, luxury, and variety, St. Martin delivers on every level.
From French-inspired cafés and gourmet dining to Dutch-side boutiques and lively markets, the island is a playground of culture and cuisine. Its central location makes it easy to hop between neighboring islands like Anguilla and St. Barth’s, turning a single week into a festive mix of world-class sailing, upscale experience, and a unique European- Caribbean holiday you won’t find anywhere else.
Why Owners Love St. Martin for a Short-Notice Winter Escape
- Effortless Island-Hopping: Quick passages to Anguilla, St. Barth’s, Tintamarre, and Grand Case make a flexible itinerary easy
- Luxury At St. Barth’s: This island is the winter playground for the rich, famous, and European royalty, offering upscale French dining, boutiques, and glamorous anchorages
- Chic Holiday Dining: Enjoy French-Caribbean menus, beachfront lunches, and festive Christmas or New Year’s meals
- Vibrant cultural experiences: Explore markets, cafés, and boutiques on both the French and Dutch sides
Sunsail Owner’s Favorite Holiday Moment:
Many Sunsail Owners start Christmas Eve in Grand Case with gourmet French-Caribbean dining, then wake up on Christmas morning anchored off Tintamarre, enjoying quiet beaches and crystal-clear waters. For a glamorous holiday finale, a stop in St. Barth’s offers front-row access to one of the world’s most famous New Year’s celebrations, with superyachts, exclusive beach parties, and the rich, famous, and European royalty in attendance. From island-hopping to market strolls and sunset sails, St. Martin puts the very best of Caribbean luxury and festive adventure within easy reach.
Why These Sunsail Bases Are Your Ideal Last-Minute Holiday Escape
Whether you’re after lively islands with festive nightlife or quiet, remote anchorages for a peaceful year-end reset, Sunsail’s global destinations offer everything needed for a memorable holiday.
From effortless passages to festive events and picture-perfect anchorages, here’s why these bases are the ultimate choice for last-minute, stress-free winter escapes:
- Reliable December Weather: Smooth sailing, sunny skies, and steady trade winds make winter holiday sailing effortless.
- Easy, Stress-Free Cruising: Short hops and flexible itineraries let you make the most of your time on the water. Perfect for those sailing with kids or bringing family and friends who are new to sailing.
- Cultural And Seasonal Experiences: From local festivals to charming holiday traditions, every base offers something special and unique.
- Scenic, Picture-Perfect Anchorages: Ideal for private family celebrations, sunset cocktails, or simply soaking in the unique view at every destination.
- Tailored Holiday Experiences: Customize your sailing week and festive itinerary at your own pace, without the crowds.
With Short-Notice Bookings, Sunsail Owners can turn unexpected free weeks into spontaneous winter escapes—without the stress of peak-season planning or crowded resorts. From vibrant holiday hubs to tranquil hideaways, Sunsail lets you celebrate the season your way, combining luxury, adventure, and the freedom only yacht ownership can provide.
From vibrant islands alive with festive events to secluded anchorages perfect for a peaceful year-end retreat, Sunsail Owners enjoy unparalleled flexibility and freedom over the holidays.
Make This Holiday Season One to Remember
This holiday season, celebrate Christmas or New Year’s exactly the way you want—sail under fireworks in the BVI, anchor in a secluded Seychelles lagoon, or drift through Thailand’s dramatic limestone cliffs at sunset.
With Sunsail’s short-notice points, last-minute winter escapes are effortless, letting you craft a holiday that blends crystal-clear anchorages, vibrant local culture, and festive moments, all at your own pace. Trade crowded resorts for the freedom, luxury, and adventure of a Sunsail sailing holiday, and turn this season into a truly extraordinary escape.
Ready to plan a spontaneous winter escape? Use your Short Notice points to book your December getaway and enjoy the holidays with Sunsail, exactly where you want to be.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanire Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
