Destination comparison
Brazil vs New England
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Brazil | New England |
|---|---|---|
| Region | South America & Galápagos | US East Coast & Florida |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder | Apr, Nov | Jun, Oct |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | easy to moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 15 / 10 kn | 20 / 11 kn |
| Hurricane risk | None | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | BRL (Brazilian Real) | USD |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $16,000 | $13,500 |
| Luxury tier price | $75,000 | $60,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Brazil's charter belt runs from Angra dos Reis south of Rio up to Bahia. December-March is the sunny, settled season; June-November trade winds freshen on the north-east coast - the window for Noronha and Abrolhos. Crewed catamarans dominate, with a growing bareboat scene out of Paraty.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 3 must-visit anchorages
- • 8 boats in our fleet database for this region
A short but beloved season: fleets launch after Memorial Day and haul out by mid-October. July-September delivers 75-85°F days, classic sea breezes and picture-perfect harbours from Narragansett Bay to Penobscot Bay. Fog and strong tides on the Maine coast reward careful planning.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 3 must-visit anchorages
- • 11 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Brazil averages 15 knots in winter and 10 knots in summer. There's no hurricane season, which makes year-round planning easier.
New England averages 20 knots in winter and 11 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Brazil is generally rated moderate and New England is easy to moderate. The difference matters: Brazil asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $6,000
- Mid season: $16,000
- High season: $38,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $75,000+
- Low season: $5,200
- Mid season: $13,500
- High season: $30,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $60,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Fernando de Noronha — UNESCO marine park with Brazil's clearest water and strict daily visitor caps
- Ilha Grande & Paraty — Colonial town, rainforest-clad islands and 300+ beaches inside a sheltered bay
- Abrolhos Marine National Park — Whale nursery June-November and the South Atlantic's richest reef system
- Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket — Iconic New England harbours - Edgartown and Nantucket Town on the mooring field
- Newport & Narragansett Bay — Gilded-Age mansions, America's Cup history and the best cruising chandlery in the NE
- Penobscot Bay, Maine — Granite islands, lobster harbours and Camden Hills - the cruising classic
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Brazil or New England.
Choose Brazil. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Brazil has 0 cultural anchorages vs New England's 0. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"Think of Brazil's charter coast in two halves. December-March is Paraty and Angra: warm, sheltered, party-lite island hopping between green mountains. June-November is the north-east trade-wind season and the window for Fernando de Noronha - clearer water but you earn it with a 300nm offshore leg from Recife. For most first-timers to Brazil, Paraty is the right introduction."
"New England's season is short and worth planning around. July-September is the sweet spot, but each month has its own character: July is warmest, August brings the whale-watching off Stellwagen Bank, September has the best breeze and the emptiest harbours after Labor Day. Fog is the real hazard on the Maine coast - if you see it building, tuck into a harbour early; it rarely clears before noon."
Timing and Budget: Brazil vs New England
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choose Between Brazil & New England
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