Top 10 summer festivals to get to by superyacht

When: 15-17 June 2017

Where: Barcelona, Spain

Why: Often thought of as the ‘thinking persons’ dance festival, Sonar’s alternative name is the International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, which should give you some idea of the intellectual crowd it attracts. The festival spreads across the entire city so book into OneOcean Port Vell marina early to get a prime position for the art installations, family events and lectures which take place alongside sets from some of the best artists in dance. Port Vell can host superyachts up to 160 metres.

Headliners: Justice, Eric Pridz, Nina Kraviz, Nicholas Jaar

When: 16-18 June 2017

Where: Las Vegas, USA

Why: Taking your superyacht to a festival in the middle of the desert may seem a little counterintuitive but, this being Las Vegas, they have it covered. If your yacht doesn’t have its own, private helicopters can be chartered through the festival organisers while VIP packages ensure you experience the best of this electronic dance music festival – including access to the VIP ferris wheel, roof terrace and free food and drink - in style.

Headliners: Andrew Rayel, Carnage, Cid, W&W, Ghastly

When: 25 June – 2 July 2017

Where: Roskilde, Denmark

Why: Fancy a festival that offers big name acts without all the expensive trappings of Europe’s other mainstream music events? Then Roskilde is for you. Despite a line-up that includes acts such as Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire, Roskilde is in fact a charity festival from which all profits are donated to support cultural development and humanitarian organisations. Surplus food is donated to those in need and Camp Aid collect leftover tents, sleeping bags, blankets and chairs, all of which are donated to different charity organisations.

Headliners: Foo Fighters, Lorde, Arcade Fire, Solange, The Weeknd, The Lumineers

When: 8 July – 19 August

Where: Halkidiki, Greece

Why: The 25th anniversary edition of Sani Festival at the luxurious Sani Resort in Halkidiki is an outdoor celebration of jazz, classical music, international sounds, homegrown talent, dance and theatre. It takes place at the foot of a mediaeval tower on a cliff that overlooks the sea. Last year, popular soul singer Joss Stone headlined alongside violinist Daniel Hope and pianist Michael Wollny. Perfect for those after a more sophisticated festival experience, superyachts up to 33 metres can moor in the nearby Sani Marina.

Headliners: Performers for Sani Festival 2017 to be confirmed.

When: 21-23 July 2017

Where: Los Angeles, USA

Why: FYF has grown to be a huge operation now owned by the people behind the infamous American music event Coachella. As achingly cool as it’s sister festival, FYF takes place in a different LA park every year and, despite its global appeal and well-known headliners, maintains a down-to-earth feel by filling the line-up with local punk, dance, garage and electronic talent.

Headliners: Iggy Pop, MGMT, Missy Elliott, Björk, Nine Inch Nails, Frank Ocean

When: 3-6 August 2017

Where: Chicago, USA

Why: Thanks to the opening of the 31st St. Harbor Superyacht Marina in 2012, there are now plenty of berths on offer for larger boats in the Chicago area, making Lollapalooza one of the biggest festivals you can reach by yacht. Set across 300 acres of Grant Park, it boasts seven stages and attracts a crowd that easily swells into the hundreds of thousands – along with a stellar line-up of chart-topping musicians you won’t want to miss. Additionally, a Platinum ticket will ensure access to VIP lounges, private bars, spa treatments, concierge, golf cart transportation and catering.

Headliners: The XX, Alt-J, Lorde, Muse, The Killers, Chance the Rapper

When: 11-13 August 2017

Where: San Francisco, USA

Why: Held in what is arguably one of San Francisco’s most beautiful spots, the Golden Gate Park, this popular yet intimate festival boasts the widest range of acts you’re likely to find this year. Anywhere that offers Duran Duran alongside Radiohead and Lana Del Rey (the 2016 line up) and is also a stone’s throw from the city’s big marinas gets our vote every time.

Headliners: TBC

When: 10-12 August 2017

Where: Gothenburg, Sweden

Why: Superyacht-sized berths in the relatively small Swedish city of Gothenburg are limited so be sure to book yours well in advance if you’re planning on taking a trip to Way Out West. Held in the centre of the beautiful and historic town, this eclectic festival features a mix of old, new and undiscovered talent and prides itself on being one of the few truly environmentally friendly festivals – even down to serving only vegetarian food.

Headliners: Frank Ocean, Mø, The XX, Feist, Lana Del Rey

When: 7-10 September 2017

Where: Pula, Croatia

Why: If underground bass beats are your thing then the unique stylings of Outlook, the largest Soundsystem Culture festival in Europe, will be right up your street. We’re guessing the builders of the 19th century abandoned fortress and two millennia old Roman amphitheatre where the festival is held never envisioned this use but thanks to their location right next to the Adriatic (and therefore the ACI Marina) they make Outlook truly unforgettable.

Headliners: Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Goldie, Akala, DJ Shadow

When: 7-10 September 2017

Where: Isle of Wight, UK

Why: One of only two of the big UK festivals that can be reached by boat, Bestival is widely regarded as a family-friendly version of Glastonbury. Big name acts aside, Bestival is so much more than just a music festival. Each year has a theme – 2017's is Pop Stars & Rock Stars – and fancy dress is actively encouraged while talks, live comedy, craft workshops and plenty of kid’s activities take place on site. For those who are after something a little more mature, the Isle of Wight festival takes place from 8-11 June with headliners including Bastille, David Guetta, Rod Stewart, The Pretenders and The Kooks.

Headliners: Pet Shop Boys, The XX, Jamie T, A Tribe Called Quest