Long Island has an unhurried quality that suits a classic yacht well. At 80 miles long, it occupies a full week of sailing without any need to rush. The western coast offers a series of natural anchorages in quiet coves and sandy bays, ideal for a traditional vessel with a deeper keel than a modern planing hull. The pace, the landscape and the historic character of Clarence Town all feel in keeping with a classic yacht charter.
The classic fleet available for a Bahamas charter numbers around eight yachts, from elegant wooden ketches of 25 metres to larger aluminium schooners. These vessels are well suited to a passage of 150 miles from Nassau and the week of coastal sailing that Long Island offers. Experienced crews know the western anchorages and the tidal patterns along the Bahama Bank edge.
Weekly rates for classic yacht charters in the Bahamas begin at around 50,000 euros per week and reach approximately 200,000 euros for a larger and more elaborately fitted vessel. An advance provisioning allowance of roughly 30 percent covers fuel, food, berthing and drinks. The classic fleet books early for peak Caribbean season from December through April.
Sailing south from Cape Santa Maria, a classic yacht anchors each night along the western coast before reaching Clarence Town, where the twin-domed churches of Father Jerome provide a striking backdrop visible from the anchorage. The Blue Hole north of the town is accessible by dinghy on a half-day excursion.
