As the Caribbean summer draws to an end, our favourite yachts pull up their anchors to navigate towards their European destinations.  The Haute Today team chased the endless summer between Europe and Australia last year, and had plenty of opportunities to test the most luxurious private cruisers in the world. We bring you some of our favourites.

A new and vibrant addition to the Mediterranean in 2010 was Sunrays (below), which has been now spotted cruising around the Maldives. We suspect she will be back in Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, then spending time in Antibes. This lady looks spectacular in the flesh, especially in the jewel coloured ports of the Med. We at Haute Today also commend her matching helicopter.

An unusual favourite was the Norman Forster designed 40 Signature Series Yacht, which commanded our attention every time it zipped past.

As much as we love things on a grand scale, we do believe there is truth to the theory “it’s not the size of the prize, it’s the motion in the ocean” and subsequently we are impressed by the 90th anniversary creation for Gucci. The Italian fashion houses’ creative director Frida Giannini has teamed up with Riva to create Aquariva x Gucci.

Giannini has added a green hue to the crystal windshield, customised the coverings with the classic Guccissima pattern, and even selected a particular shade of white for the fibreglass hull, which comes with a plimsoll line in the fashion house’s signature red and green. Included with purchase are custom Gucci accessories.

The only downside to cruising is the inability to flaunt our most prized heels while on deck, so after a sunny day on the water, tell your captain to hit the shores and finish off the day of jet skiing and canapés with dancing.