Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

1 8 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Arctic fox on Yankicha Island Explore the Kuril Islands with Cookson Adventures. Explore the Kurils with Cookson Adventures The climate on the islands is generally severe, with long, cold, stormy winters and short and notoriously foggy summers, however there are windows of opportunity when exploration is ideal. Peak times to visit include August when the salmon run is in full flow, which means both bear viewing and fly-fishing opportunities are plentiful. For yachts equipped with a helipad, travelling by helicopter to salmon fish the streams and rivers higher up the mountains is a must, followed by an exhilarating descent by mountain bike. Alternatively, the months of April and May offer some of the best heli-skiing in the world. Few experiences can rival an adrenaline-fuelled ski to the water’s edge down Nemo Peak, on powder snow with active volcanos smoking in the background. A gentle sail into Onekotan Island’s caldera lake or a relaxing dip in one of 200 thermal springs is the ultimate way to finish, before repeating it all again the following day. Yachts looking to explore these waters include the new SeaXplorer 77 superyacht La Datcha, which is looking to visit as part of its maiden voyage in 2020/21, while luxury expedition vessel Sherakhan is also planning to pass through on its 2020 world voyage. “The mystifying Kuril Islands offer a huge, untapped potential for adventure,” says owner and captain of Sherakhan, Jan Verkerk. “This anticipated stop on our voyage is bound to break new territory for yacht charters in the region.”