Ring in the New Year

It may just be a change of date, but seeing in the New Year is a festival enjoyed throughout the world. Expectations are high for this important event to be celebrated in style; everyone is looking for a party to remember. Corks should be popping while fireworks fill the sky and your guests certainly will not want to miss out. The question is: where are the best places to see and be seen and make merry on this significant evening?

Many boats will be in the Caribbean at this time of year and, as most will know, the top hangout by far on New Year’s Eve is the famous island of St. Barths. Anybody who’s anybody will be fighting for mooring space with many yachts docking months in advance to ensure their spot for one, glamorous night. Your guests will not be disappointed by the party held at the restaurant La Plage. This exclusive dinner and after-dinner party is by invitation only so to guarantee your guests are on the list, contact the restaurant directly at laplagestbarths@gmail.com.

If mingling with the glitterati isn’t quite up your guests’ street and they are looking for a more informal, but still rocking party, why not consider heading to the beautiful island of Mustique and join revellers such as Mick Jagger and Kate Moss at the world renowned Basil’s Bar? The owner, Basil, was flown in to mix cocktails for Kate Middleton the night before she married Prince William earlier this year, so surely he knows how to throw a party! For more information on their New Year’s Eve schedule, call their office on 784-488-8407.

It’s hard to find a party venue that would top most superyachts and cruising in the Caribbean offers you the perfect backdrop for holding your own New Year’s Eve bash on board. To top it off, why not consider an anchorage where you are guaranteed a sensational firework display for your guests to enjoy as they raise a glass to 2012?

As well as the fabulous displays on offer in St. Barths and Mustique that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own boat, there is also a wonderful display in Antigua over the historic English Harbour.

Other sensational parties to consider are Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas’s thrilling party to see in the New Year (for more information call +1 340-775-6454 or email AHY@igymarinas.com). If you want to remain a bit more coastal, then maybe a short Bahamas trip to the sedate Staniel Cay Yacht Club (954-467-8920) or join the extravaganza on offer at Atlantis in The Bahamas with a breathtaking carnival celebration (tickets $1,000 per person, call +1 242-363-3000 for more information or +1 242-363-6068 for the marina).

Not all boats are Caribbean based for the festive season; if you happen to have ventured to Australia then you are perfectly placed to enjoy what is reputed to be the world’s finest fireworks display in Sydney Harbour. Does it get any better than toasting the New Year with a view of Sydney’s magnificent Harbour Bridge and celebrated Opera House? For information on all that Sydney has to offer visiting yachts on New Year’s Eve, contact NSW Superyacht Industry Association Inc. on info@superyachtsydney.com.au.

Here’s to an astounding New Year’s Eve and a very happy 2012!