Independence Day: The best yachts to charter this July 4th

Stats: 31.39 metres, Brooke Marine, 1939, 8 guests, 6 crew

After a Caribbean season that saw her cruising around the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Guadeloupe and The Grenadines, classic schooner Eros has returned to the US this summer. Available for Independence Day holidays in New England, charter guests will be able to enjoy cruising in the classic yachting destinations of Maine, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Newport in traditional style aboard this 1939 sailing yacht once owned by British lords and Greek shipping tycoons. Guests’ itineraries might include competing in a classic regatta around Narragansett Bay, sampling fresh local seafood like crab and lobster cooked up by Eros’ chef, or playing around in the waters with her fleet of toys including kayaks, paddleboards and deep-sea fishing gear. After an action-filled day along the East Coast, guests can unwind in Eros' original teak-panelled interiors or enjoy an al fresco meal under the summer sun.

Charter cost: Eros is managed by Classic Charters, with a weekly rate starting from $44,000.

Stats: 39.62 metres, Westport, 2008, 12 guests, 7 crew

Go off the beaten track this Independence Day on board All Inn as she cruises the famed Inside Passage of the ice-covered state of Alaska. A destination known for striking glacial scenery as well as vibrant wildlife, an Alaskan charter might include fishing in Frederick Sound, whale and bear watching, exploring waterfalls and national parks by foot or by chopper followed by an afternoon unwinding in a local hot spring on enjoying a drink back on deck cooled with freshly-carved glacier ice. To make the most of your cruise, All Inn boasts a cosy saloon with a fireplace and panoramic windows to aid wildlife sightings while on board. Ample al fresco lounges and dining spaces ensure guests can make the most of the views during the Alaskan midnight sun season, complemented by a hot tub, barbecue grill and cocktail bar.

All Inn is managed by Fraser with a weekly rate starting from $130,000.

For an all-American holiday this July fourth, step aboard classic superyacht Cetacea. Owned by the commodore of the New York Yacht Club, this 1970s beauty – last refitted in 2019 – will be exploring the homeland of America’s founding fathers this Independence Day on her cruise around New England’s picturesque coastlines. Whether you’re taking in historic sights in Boston or enjoy the scenery of Newport and Nantucket, you’ll have the perfect place to stay on board Cetacea with her traditional interiors and expansive outdoor spaces. Start your morning with a lesson from the on-board yoga instructor then enjoy the afternoon with a July fourth barbeque on the upper deck as the chef grills up a feast. Watch the sunset with a drink in hand up on the sundeck and get ready to watch the firework shows come dark.

Cetacea is managed by Camper & Nicholsons International with a weekly charter rate starting from $80,000.

Stats: 31.7 metres, Gulf Craft, 2020, 12 guests, 6 crew

Currently cruising along the shorelines of Florida, Santosh is available for charter guests wanting to celebrate Independence Day in the buzzing southern hubs of Miami or Palm Beach. The recently delivered yacht sports contemporary interiors finished in light woods, offering a formal dining area and casual lounge expanded with fold-out balconies. Outdoor spaces include an al fresco Teppanyaki grill, cocktail bar and open-air cinema for enjoying the balmy Floridian evenings while the night sky is lit up by July fourth fireworks. Santosh also carries a fleet of toys for spending time in the warm waters, including a Subwing, scuba gear, Jet Skis, SeaBobs and a drone camera for capturing all of the action.

Santosh is managed by Burgess with a weekly rate starting from $95,000.

Stats: 38.1 metres, Palmer Johnson, 2003, 10 guests, 7 crew

If you want to celebrate Independence Day in a classic setting, head to the East Coast. Milk and Honey, which recently underwent a major million-dollar refit, is in prime condition. Soon she will be cruising New England’s Atlantic coastline, offering stop-offs in scenic locations steeped in tradition. A perfect option for water sports lovers, Milk and Honey’s captain and four of her crew are PADI certified and can provide unique diving excursions for guests. Her toybox is packed with two tenders, a pair of brand-new underwater sea scooters and toys including new floating lounge chairs and a floating platform. She also features a large sundeck with an al fresco lounge area and a deck hot tub surrounded by a drinks bar and sunbeds – the perfect spot to soak up the sun or watch firework displays.

Milk and Honey is managed for charter by Merle Wood & Associates with a weekly charter rate starting from $98,000.

Stats: 35.36 metres, Deep Sea Marine, 1987, 10 guests, 5 crew

Fresh from a 2022 refit, El Rey will spend July cruising the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and on to the icy reaches of Alaska. Described by her broker as “an explorer yacht mixed with a sportfisher,” El Rey is specifically designed for fishing adventures in the rich waters of both of these destinations, offering a full set up of six custom wrapped poles or tuna sticks, a Penn International Vis reel and Lite casting reel, bait fishing rigs and heavy trolling setups. At the end of the day, watch the chef prepare your fresh catch in the open plan galley with a drink from the nearby bar, before heading out to enjoy an al fresco meal. Afterwards, head to the foredeck to enjoy the stunning vistas from the Jacuzzi. Other toys carried on board include Jet Skis, scuba kit, paddleboards and wakeboarding gear.

El Rey is managed by Northrop & Johnson with a weekly rate starting from $105,000.

Stats: 52.43 metres, MIE Shipyard, 1980, 12 guests, 10 crew

Big Eagle combines classic lines with all the latest water toys including water slides, Jet Skis, paddleboards and gear for scuba diving and fishing. She’s also ideal for summertime entertaining, with ample al fresco areas, a Jacuzzi and dedicated “sports bar” for watching all-American sporting events taking place over Independence Day weekend. Available for charters along the East Coast, guests on board Big Eagle will be able to explore New England’s famous yachting hubs from Newport and Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod – there are even bicycles stored on board for exploring on shore, where vibrant July fourth festivities will be held throughout the region.

Big Eagle is managed by Fraser with a weekly rate starting from $175,000.

Stats: 36.5 metres, 1991, Feadship, 8 guests, 6 crew

If a yacht charter this Independence Day would be your first time on board, opt for Lady Victoria. Recommended by her broker as the perfect entry-level boat for first-time charterers, Lady Victoria is a typical “gentleman’s yacht” that offers classic appeal with modern amenities. Her timeless interiors with traditional nautical touches by De Voogt are refreshed following a 2019 refit and offer elegant living spaces for guests to celebrate Independence Day. As she makes her way past the scenic East Coast and its picture-perfect New England towns, guests can unwind in her sundeck hot tub, enjoy a celebratory meal al fresco or a drink up on the top deck while watching firework shows. Active guests can also make full use of her well-stocked toybox, which carries kayaking, kneeboarding, paddleboarding, fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding gear, – plus a range of towable toys on board for kids to enjoy.

Lady Victoria is managed for charter by Merle Wood & Associates with a weekly charter rate starting from $67,000.