On the evening of 12 August, the most dramatic partial solar eclipse in almost 30 years will take place. Millions of people will gather across Europe to view this solar spectacle, in which the Moon, Sun and Earth align in space.
While the eclipse will be most visible in the northernmost parts of the world, including Greenland and Iceland, there are still opportunities to see it in action farther south – and what better way to take in the spectacle than from the deck of a superyacht?
BOAT rounds up some of the best places in Western Europe to experience the eclipse by yacht, from popular cruising grounds to secluded anchorages.
For party central, head to Ibiza
Despite the Mediterranean region being the last place the eclipse will land, yacht-goers can still catch a glimpse of this wondrous display with a cruise through the Balearic Islands.
Ibiza's western side near the Sant Antoni de Portmany waterfront and Cala Comte are prime locations for eclipse spotting, as is cruising along the island's colourful Ses Variades (Sunset Strip).
For a more intimate experience, sail to the tiny natural cove of Caló des Moro near the southeastern market town of Santanyí. In true Ibizian fashion, the island is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the eclipse. Disembark and head to the Feels Like Eclipse festival, which will take place on S'Arenal beach in San Antonio. Alternatively, the pine-forested Benimussa Hills will be welcoming partygoers to DJ Harvey presents Phoenix Rising. Nearby, Woomoon, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the eclipse, will see DJ Sven Väth headlining.
On the water, superyachts should anchor near Sant Antoni de Portmany and head to ECLIPSE: The Day The Sun Sets Twice, a three-hour boat party sailing along the island of Es Vedrà as the skies turn dark.
Soak up the views in Mallorca
Ibiza's Balearic sibling is expecting record crowds to witness this spectacular event. Superyachts looking to avoid the crowds can sail along the island's west-facing coastal areas, particularly the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, to witness the eclipse.
Areas of the south-west coast around Andratx and Calvià will also provide peak viewing opportunities, as will the white-sand Playa de Muro, another hotspot for those wishing to disembark and experience the eclipse on land.
Think a little deeper in Iceland
If you're looking to escape the heat of Europe, head to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, where private events will be held at the Harpa concert hall, the Reykjavík EDITION hotel and the Sky Lagoon thermal baths.
Away from the capital on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the five-day Iceland Eclipse festival will mark the eclipse with a lineup of artists, scientists, musicians, explorers and wellness experts.
For something a little more remote, head to the Westfjords of Iceland, which offer very little light pollution - perfect for superyacht guests hoping for clear views.
Join the locals in Portugal
The district of Bragança is set to be the best place to view the eclipse while visiting Portugal.
Superyachts should anchor near the Douro Marina at the mouth of the Douro River, and guests should head to Bragança City Hall, where the Ciência Viva Agency and the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences will host events for the locals.
The western coast of the Iberian nation is also home to several spots, including Aveira, Coimbra, Setúbal and Leiria.
Northern exploration in Italy
The key to finding the perfect spot in Italy is to keep sailing north, more specifically the north-west regions close to alpine territory and the French border.
Particular standout locations include Piemonte, Valle d'Aosta, Asinara and the Ligurian coast - all of which are expected to provide the ultimate views of the eclipse while on board.
If you find yourself docked in the shimmering waters along the Amalfi Coast, explore the rest of the Tyrrhenian coast to find a spot on a sandy beach to take some Instagram-worthy pictures of the event.
Explore the fjords in Greenland and Svalbard
For a truly unique eclipse experience, the Scoresby Sund's clear skies are ideal. Located in Eastern Greenland, this sprawling system of fjords provides yachters with a backdrop of clear skies and dramatic scenery.
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard offers perhaps the best view of the eclipse anywhere in the world. The full one minute and 51 seconds can be experienced in the island's capital and largest settlement, Longyearbyen, which is accessible by yacht via the Port of Longyearbyen, known locally as Bykaia.