Among all the places for yachts and megayachts to cruise in the United States come summertime, New England is a perennial favorite. Between the historic towns and charming locales, it’s no wonder. Equally attractive is the fact that there are a few different ways to experience the area. Megayachts can pick guests up in New England and stay solely in the area, exploring the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Or, they can head south and explore parts of New York, especially Long Island’s East End.
No matter where they go in New England, Cindy Brown, president of Ultra Marine Yacht Charters, says that most clients request itineraries lasting three to five nights. In fact, she created the following itinerary for good, long-time charter clients who lived locally and wanted to get to know the areas a bit better by water.
Brown notes that the itinerary is intended to be flexible, and of course weather-dependent. The ports mentioned are all close enough that you and the charter captain can make decisions fairly close to last-minute. In addition, tours on land can be tailored to your tastes. “Whether you want to generally explore the areas, shop, delve into history, check out prime real estate, beach it, or just relax onboard, Newport and the islands are a must for the quintessential New England experience,” Brown says. Among the yachts she recommends for the region are Newvida (above) and Ohana. Both offer enough alfresco space to enjoy dinner under the stars or a little sunning, yet also enough enclosed space for chilly or foggy days.
Day 1: Newport
Upon arrival in Newport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the yacht. Once you have settled in, take a 12-mile cruise up the east passage of Narragansett Bay to Bristol, home of the Hereshoff and America’s Cup Museums. Sail back to Newport for the evening and dine onboard. If desired, go ashore and stroll the lively town, which is hopping at night.
Day 2: Newport to Martha’s Vineyard (50 nm/2 hrs)
In the morning take a tour of Newport, and a visit to one the mansions can be arranged. Highlights include: the Touro Synagogue (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tours begin every half hour, closed Sunday, Aug. 19), International Tennis Hall of Fame, International Yacht Restoration School, and Cliffwalk (above). Then there are the famous mansions: The Breakers, Rosecliff, or Marblehouse are recommended.For Newport in general, Go Newport is a very useful site. In the afternoon depart for Martha’s Vineyard, approximately a two-hour cruise.
Day 3: Martha’s Vineyard
Explore the Vineyard today. Highlights include a stroll through Edgartown, a meal at the Charlotte Inn, the fishing village of Menemsha, Chappaquiddick either by car or bicycle, and the Gay Head Cliffs.
Day 4: Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket (20 nm/1 hr)
A short cruise in the morning to Nantucket (below). Considered by some to be more sophisticated than Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket (the town has the same name) is filled with quaint inns, cobblestone streets, interesting historic sites, and pristine beaches. Scores of shops and galleries occupy wharf shacks on the harbor. Useful website: http://www.nantucketislandresorts.com/
Lunch or dinner at Topper’s at the Wauwinet is highly recommended. In summer, lunch is served on a spacious deck overlooking the water; at dinnertime and in cooler weather, a crackling fire warms the elegant dining room. Go by private tender or catch the Wauwinet Lady. Bettina Landt, the general manager, is a friend and will provide any clients of Ultra Marine with VIP attention.
Day 5: Nantucket to Block Island (80 nm/3.3 hrs)
Named by the Nature Conservancy as “one of the 12 last great places in the Western Hemisphere,” this sleepy little 11-square-mile seaside resort is filled with rolling green hills and dramatic bluffs reminiscent of Ireland. The beautifully restored Victorian hotels and inns preserve the elegance of a bygone era. Long public beaches and 365 freshwater ponds are the main attractions of this tiny island, whose people are strongly devoted to preserving the ecology. The Block Island Nature Conservancy operates a large trail system on the island, offering walking and hiking paths through grassy meadows, quiet woods, and along the sandy shore. Shops and restaurants are abundant in bustling Old Harbor. Useful website: http://www.blockislandinfo.com/
Day 6: Block Island to Sag Harbor (50 nm/2 hrs)
Leave Block Island and cruise past Orient Point around Shelter Island through the Peconic Bay, one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the Northeast, into Sag Harbor for disembarkation.
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