Boat Trip! The Best International Trips
Written by Jason Lowder
Boats are still one of the classic and exciting ways to explore this great big world of ours. Offering trips to remote places and vantages otherwise impossible, boat trips can be a source of major adventure. Here are some of the best boat trips in the world.
And if you’d like to explore some of these waterways with your own boat, Schumacher Cargo can help get it there with ease. Check out some shipping options for your boat.
Antarctica–Nothing like a boat trip to access one of the most remote and mystifying places on the planet. Two hundred years ago, maybe even 50 years ago, no one would have ever thought the public would be able to make Antarctica a destination for tourists. Aboard these mid-sized cruise ships capable of holding between 100 and 200 passengers, you’ll be able to see mouth-dropping locales and wildlife with all the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Alaska & Norway–Though in two different sides of the world, both Alaska and Norway boat tours feature much of the same kind of geography, glaciers and fjords. And each has their own specific features, like Norway’s medieval architecture and Alaska’s Native American culture and history.
Mediterranean (Greece)–Island hopping is one of the most exciting boat trips you can ever take, and the Mediterranean is one of the best places to do so. Turquoise waters, fantastic climates and hundreds of potential stops on islands that have made it to world history and mythology. Re-chart Odysseus’s journey or stop over to Crete and see if the Minotaur will join you for happy hour.
Vietnam–Speaking of island hopping, Vietnam boasts some of the best Asian island hopping around. Like Greece, you get an abundance of islands to hop to; some 3,000 in Halong Bay–in jade waters, some of which even have secluded beaches and grottoes. And instead of sailing on yachts or cruise ships, you’ll be sailing on traditional wooden boats for an exotic twist.
Amazon–Not for the faint of heart, the Amazon is one of the wildest and most dangerous rivers on the planet, with so many areas still left unexplored, hostile wildlife and indigenous tribes. With that in mind, it might also be one of the most rewarding.
Philippines Island Hopping–With the climate of the Caribbean and the vast selection of Vietnam, the Philippines is one of the most majestic places to tour by boat this side of paradise…which it very well might be. Some of the best beaches and most exotic fish in the world can be found here.
Boundary Waters–Channel your inner frontier explorer, grab a canoe and head out into the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada. With literally thousands of waterways to choose from and explore, this is a great boat trip for those seeking something a bit more rustic.
Written by Damien Shields
Boats have come a long way from the dug-out canoes and catamarans of nautical ancestry. Some have become as big as skyscrapers and others as fast as sports cars. Let’s look at some of the fastest classes of the boat currently cutting through the waters today.
Looking to take your boat overseas for a new aquatic adventure? Schumacher Cargo can help ship it to your next destination safely and securely. Check out a few tips and see some of our recommendations for preparing a boat for shipping.
So without more delay…
Here Are the Fastest Boats On the Planet:
The “Problem Child” Top Fuel Hydroplane
Reading over the specs of this boat would seem about on par with a jet plane, staggeringly fast for a car and just mind-blowing for a boat. With a 500 cubic-inch, 8000-Hp hemi engine, this beast is capable of speeds up to 260 mph–on water! Owned by “Fast” Eddie Knox, the “Problem Child” is the current champion of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series.
The Francisco
Speaking of jets, this catamaran is actually powered by jet engines! Two 59,000 horsepower gas turbine engines, the same used in 747s, power this speedy ferry. That’s right…this boat is used to ferry commuters between Argentina and Uruguay at 67 mph!
The Earthrace (or, My Ady Gil)
The Earthrace is a 100% biodiesel powerboat that holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation by a powerboat. The boat was skippered by Pete Bethune who, after the circumnavigation, enlisted the Earthrace to help fight against Japanese whaling, adding Kevlar and taking on the name Ady Gil. Unfortunately, the boat was destroyed after being rammed by a Japanese whaling vessel, leading to Pete’s incarceration.
The AC72
Of course the boat that just won the 34th annual America’s Cup would have to be on the list. What makes this boat so fast isn’t just the huge 130 foot wing, but the hydrofoils that allow the boat to very-literally fly over the water the same way a plane flies through the air. The foils lift the boat out of the water and give it an additional 10-15 percent boost of speed. So far these boats have hit speeds of 58 mph but are expected to go much faster as the technology increases.
If history teaches us anything, it’s that records and innovations are always primed to be beaten. We can only imagine what the coming years hold for the next fastest boats.
Written by Alex Bach
You’d be hard pressed to find someone in this great big world who’s never heard of the Panama Canal–unless you’re asking indigenous tribes of the deep Amazon or uncharted Pacific Islands. The creation of the canal in 1914 marked not just a major geological and engineering feat but a huge international and economic event as well, ushering in our modern industrialized age of global politics. Let’s take a look at just why the Panama Canal changed the world.
And if you’re looking to ship your own boat overseas don’t worry, you won’t have to dig your own canal or brave Cape Horn; Schumacher Cargo can assist with all your shipping needs.
Before The Canal:
Before the canal was built, ships would have to sail all the way around Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America, a long and precarious journey full of strong winds and cold waters that was a nightmare for many captains. But what if you could somehow cut across Central America and skirt South America all together? Well, then you’d have a much, much shorter and safer trip.
Why Panama?:
Panama offered the shortest land gap between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, just 60 miles of relatively flat land in an otherwise mountainous terrain (the area is only 100 meters above sea level). The French first tried to dredge out a canal in the late 1800s but failed, although their excavation paved the way for the American engineers who followed after.
American Involvement:
The Panama Canal project came to the Americans by the insistence of Theodore Roosevelt, who believed–as almost all presidents after him–that the Canal was a vital strategic point for America to control. However, the area for the canal was part of Columbia and they failed to ratify a deal giving the Americans access. Still hungry for the canal, Roosevelt convinced the Panamanian locals to revolt against Columbia with US backing. Panama won its independence and Roosevelt won the Canal; but this would not mean Panama didn’t suffer the consequences of subsequent poverty and poor labor conditions in years to come.
The Power of the Canal:
The idea of the Panama Canal as a strategic asset has not been lost among the US, nor any other country. Controlling the world’s most trafficked waterway supplies a bounty of power and the US has fought vigorously to maintain such control, utilizing covert economic strategies and CIA methods to ensure that the US did not lose control to either the Panamanians or any other country–tactics that were then used in other Latin American countries, Africa and the Middle East. Other countries have since adopted those tactics, even using them on the US.
The Canal Today:
In 1999 President Carter handed majority control of the Canal back into Panamanian hands. And now the Chinese have taken an interest in the Canal and have even drawn up plans for a Nicaragua Canal; the tides of power are turning. And so the Canal remains a vital part of international politics even in a world of flight, satellites and the internet.
Written by Jason Lowder
Whether gliding through canals on a gondola or relaxing on the front porch of your houseboat, boats offer all sorts of ways to see and get to know a city. So if you’re considering taking an exploratory cruise or living the life aquatic, these are the best cities in which to do so.
Here are…
The Top Cities to Explore By Boat
Venice, Italy
It goes without saying that Venice would have to be the first on this list. When you’ve got a city with more waterways than streets it kind of has to be at number one for aquatic city exploration.
New York City, NY
With two major rivers, the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean all at this iconic North American city’s doorstep, you’ve got an abundance of waterways for small and mid-size vessels to help you explore this great city. Zip up and down the East River or the Hudson to take in Manhattan’s jaw-dropping skyline or visit the islands in the area such as Staten Island, Ellis Island, Liberty Island, or, of course, Long Island. Pull up to port in Red Hook, Brooklyn’s oldest fishing village.
Zhouzhuang, China
Aka China’s Venice, this ancient city has been in the works for over three dynasties, lining the waterways that make up the town’s main passageways with an array of astonishing architecture.
Seattle, Washington
You know it’s a big boating city when executives of Microsoft can boat to work. The prevalence of outdoor lifestyles in Seattle–including many who live aboard houseboats–makes your boat the go-to vehicle.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is Seattle’s twin-sister to the north. While both Vancouver and Seattle have great mountain-scapes, Vancouver’s are a bit closer and more encapsulating.
Annapolis, MD
The fact that the US Naval Academy is housed in Annapolis should give you some indication that this is going to be a big boating city. And a great city for boat watching as well, where you could easily see a sleek new clipper followed by a Naval Destroyer or a Spanish galleon.
Hong Kong, China
Just off the South China Sea, this major Asian city also has entire communities of people who’ve set up residence on their boats. The Aberdeen Harbor houses the Tanka people, now the Yau Ma Tei “Boat People,” who initially set up residence as typhoon refugees in 1916.
Got a question about shipping your own boat overseas? Schumacher Cargo Logistics has shipped thousands of boats internationally and can help you get yours to some of these amazing cities around the world.
Written by Alex Bach
The glory and mystique of the sea voyage has been around since the dawn of our recorded age and the advent of the first canoes.
As the mystique grew over the years and as our shipbuilding got better, our awe only continued to rise for epic sea voyages. Now, we’ve entered an age when solo sea voyages are possible and the mystique continues to grow.
At Schumacher Cargo Logistics (where we take part in sea traveling by shipping hundreds of boats overseas each year) we’re always looking for the latest stories on exciting solo ventures.
Here Are a Few of the Latest Crazy Solo Sea Voyages:
Eric Loss–don’t let the last name fool you–set sail on his solo sea adventure in November of 2011. Eric set out to circumnavigate this crazy ball of water and land and more water, taking his 36-foot boat, the Oddysey, 2000 pounds of food, 110 gallons of fresh water, a Kindle and himself. Eric even had to undergo a full capsize during his voyage, but made it out safely and continued on his journey.
A 16-year old girl from the Netherlands became the youngest person ever to complete a solo circumnavigation. Laura Dekker, took off on a 518 day voyage from Gibraltar when she was just 14 and arrived in the Caribbean in January of 2012 all by herself. This would be an impressive journey from anyone but is just astounding for her age.
Recently, a 64-year old woman, Diana Nyad, made a 53-hour solo swim from Cuba to Florida…without a shark cage. Other than a body suit, gloves and a protective mask at night to prevent against jelly fish, Diana was unprotected in these notoriously dangerous waters.
Reid Stowe took his 70-foot schooner, Anne, on the longest sea voyage in history, a mind blowing 1,152 days at sea. Reid had started out on the journey with the company of his girlfriend, Soanya, who had stayed aboard for 300 days before succumbing to homesickness, which turned out to be pregnancy. Stowe had to wait until he pulled his schooner into New York to meet his son.
What could make this record breaking story even cooler? The schooner Reid took was home-built, constructed by his family three decades before his adventure.
