If you live in an area with cold winters, you'll probably be putting your boat away for the next few months. But during that time, you can start planning for spring – so which locations should be at the top of your list? And what steps can you take to plan the ultimate spring boating journey?
Ideal Destinations for Spring
We may be headed into winter, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming of the warm waters of spring. In a few short months, you’ll be dusting off your yacht and getting ready for a brisk, spring adventure – and these are some of the best places to do it.
In the U.S.:
- Wilmington, NC. Wilmington, in North Carolina, is perfect for all your spring break adventures, whether you’re mostly interested in playful water sports or peaceful, quiet cruising. It has tons of attractions to visit – and impressively friendly people to meet.
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL. Everyone associates Florida with spring break, and for good reason. The weather is mostly sunny. The waters are calm and expansive. And the beaches are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.
- Lake Havasu City, AZ. In Arizona, Lake Havasu City attracts thousands of spring visitors every year. It has beautiful, blue-green water, plenty of opportunities for water sports, and exciting nightlife that keeps people entertained well into the evenings.
- Lake George, NY. In Lake George in upstate New York, you can take a lake tour, ride a jet ski, go fishing, or almost anything else you can think of across more than 28,000 acres. For many boaters, it’s the perfect destination for a spring camping trip.
In Europe:
- Burgundy. The Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy, France is home to countless beautiful locations and activities, from gorgeous bike paths to rolling vineyards. It’s one of the best places in all of Europe to enjoy the earliest moments of spring.
- Venice. Most of us know Venice for its expansive canals and interesting islands. It offers some amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and all the delicious, authentic Italian food you could want. Take a classic cruise and discover some new surprises.
- Holland. Holland is a big place, but the thing that makes it absolutely perfect for spring cruising is accessible all over the country: tulip blooms. Whether you head to the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam directly or you spend the days leisurely boating, you’ll be glad you’re here.
- Canal du Midi. Another entry from France is the Canal du Midi, considered one of the most important construction efforts of the 17th century. Whether you’re a history fan or you just want more time to spend in France, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Tips for Smoother Spring Boating
These are some of the most important tips for smoother, more enjoyable spring boating:
- Start planning now. If you're reading this article as it's being published, or shortly thereafter, you're probably experiencing the slow decline into winter. But now is the perfect time to start planning for a spring trip, since you'll have plenty of time to chart out the logistics – and less competition for booking travel accommodations.
- Inspect and clean your boat. By now, you've probably already winterised your boat and prepared it for long-term storage. If you haven't, now is the perfect time to do it. Inspect and clean your boat thoroughly so it will be in a much better position when you're ready to head out. In spring, you'll need to give it a once-over to evaluate potential damage and correct any issues you find before they become a problem.
- Test your electronics. Keeping your boat in an adequate storage location should protect it from most forms of damage and decay. However, your electronics have a finite lifespan, and they may not be operational when it's time to take your vessel out. Put together a plan to test all your electronics before you depend on them in a real situation.
- Wax the hull. Before heading to any of the attractive spring destinations on this list, take the time to wax your hull. Even a thin coat of wax provides a tremendous layer of protection that can ensure your boat’s resilience in the face of a multitude of prospective threats.
- Resupply your boat safety equipment. Boat safety isn’t something you can afford to neglect. It's even more important if you're going to be engaging in water sports or other risky activities. Now is the time to stock up on all your boat safety equipment, including life jackets, signalling options, first aid items, and more. Take inventory and fill in the gaps.
- Head out early. The earlier you head out, the better, especially if you're the type of person who can't stand crowds. In spring, when the weather warms up, people are desperate to get outside – which causes massive overcrowding issues in the world's most popular spring destinations. By “earlier,” we actually mean two things. First, you should head out as early in the season as possible. The waters and weather may not be especially warm and inviting in March, but you'll be able to avoid most overcrowding issues if you travel then. Second, you should get to the water early in the morning, when most people are still sleeping. This is especially true if you're optimising for a relaxing, quiet cruise or if you want to spend your time fishing.
- Don’t forget sun protection! People have a tendency to underestimate the power of ultraviolet radiation in spring and fall, when temperatures are so cold you may not realise how much radiation in the sun is bombarding you with. But rest assured, some protection is still important. Stock up on sunscreen now and be prepared to wear a hat and long sleeves on sunny days. You’ll thank yourself later.
Are you already eager for spring to arrive so you can head back out on the water? Are you searching for a new vessel that can support your favourite hobbies and help you enjoy the warm water when it’s available? Look no further. We have countless new and used vessels for sale across the United States and Europe – take a look at what we have to offer here!