Whatever your maritime style, there’s an Insta-feed that will get you craving an adventure on the water. Here are seven of the best boating Instagrams to follow for nautical inspiration.
THE YACHT WEEK
Imagine seven days of living like a billionaire playboy in Croatia. Or Greece. Or Italy. Or Thailand. Or Montenegro. Or Spain. Or the Caribbean. The Yacht Week is a famously hedonistic experience in some of the world’s dreamiest destinations, packed with beautiful people, beautiful boats, beautiful backdrops, and all the partying you can handle. Think of it as spring break for cashed up adults.
AMERICA’S CUP
First contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. As yachting’s biggest prize, the event draws a worldwide roster of business and industry tycoons (like Oracle’s Larry Ellison) and larger-than-life sailing figures. Spectators can follow the action of the ‘Auld Mug’ all year round on the official Instagram account.
SAILING WORLD
Sailing World magazine is an essential starting point for anyone who loves life on a lean. The publication aims to engage with passionate performance sailors who are obsessed with the technology and techniques of speed under sail. Check out the website for news, reviews, and how tos, and follow the IG feed for a steady stream of visual inspiration.
THEYACHTGUY
Known simply as TheYachtGuy, this cultivated chap lives for the finer things. Most of his account gallantly upholds its name with a flood of envy-inducing yacht shots, but the occasional travel photo sneaks in, as do a few watch snaps and selfies. The high life aquatic looks mighty good to us.
SANDER VAN DER BORCH
Dutch photographer Sander van der Borch specializes in event and commercial photography covering major sailing events like the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race. These days he’s the official team photographer for Artemis Racing, a pro team founded in 2006 by businessman and sailor Torbjörn Törnqvist, which means lots of heart-stopping action shots.
SECRET SAILING
It’s unclear what’s so secret about Secret Sailing, but it’s obvious that whoever’s behind it has a deep appreciation for life on the high seas. The Instagram feed showcases a mix of professional sailors and hobbyists, and various kinds of vessels in the throes of adventure. Tag #secretsailing to be featured.
VOLVO OCEAN RACE
Since 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has provided one of the world’s toughest tests of sailsmanship. The 2017-18 edition will be the longest course in the history of the race, taking competing teams 46,000 nautical miles around the world. They’ll cross four oceans, touch six continents, and stop in 12 iconic host cities during the eight month journey to the finish line.