 Day
1 – Depart Newport at
noon and sail to Block Island, just
12 miles southwest, and one of the premier yachting
ports-of-call of your New England yacht charter. Renowned
for its fresh and salt water fishing, it has two fine
harbors:
New Harbor on the
west side of the island, boasts the beautiful Great
Salt Pond. This completely enclosed salt pond has three
large marinas, 100 town moorings and anchorage for 1,000
yachts. It’s a three-minute taxi ride or 15-minute
walk to town or to Crescent Beach.
You can always catch something
in Block Island's Great Salt Pond, surfcasting off the
20 miles of island beaches, or by taking your friends
on a fishing charter trip offshore. Most beaches have
public access, and skiffs or kayaks are available to
rent for the day or the hour.
Old Harbor on the
east side of the Island is the center of town. A breakwater
protects it, but there is limited space for dockage
at the town dock.
Day 2 –
Depart Block Island for Martha’s Vineyard.
It’s approximately 28 NM east to Menemsha, a small
fishing village located in the town of Chilmark. Martha’s
Vineyard is well accustomed to greeting visitors who
arrive by sea. Many towns offer mooring, marina, launch
and fuel service. Your New England yacht charter takes
you to historic towns that are close to harbors, and
mariners will find a wonderful variety of shops, restaurants
and services within easy walking distance. There’s
a public beach adjacent to the harbor and the bicycle
ferry.
Day 3 – Depart
Menemsha and sail northeast to Edgartown. One of New
England's most elegant communities, Edgartown was the
Island's first colonial settlement; it has been on the
county seat since 1642.
Main Street’s harbor and waterfront
is a picture book setting. To view and fully appreciate
this town, walk its streets. North Water Street has
a row of captains' houses, many which predate the whaling
era.
You’ll find excellent public
beaches on your New England yacht charter. Norton's
Point, known as South Beach or Katama, is a barrier
beach providing surf bathing and the opportunity to
explore Katama Bay on the other side of the dunes. Lighthouse
Beach, located off North Water Street near the town
center, offers calm water and views of harbor activities.
Make a lunch stop at Quik’s Hole or Tarpauliu.
Day 4 – Depart
Edgartown and sail southeast to Nantucket Island,
approximately 20 NM.
On your approach to Nantucket, you
may be greeted by harbor seals, often found sunning
themselves on the jetties. Once you round Brant Point
Lighthouse, you will discover one of the most beautiful
places on earth... Nantucket Harbor.
Anchor or tie up at Nantucket Boat
Basin. Just two blocks from Nantucket Town, it’s
a charming, historic seaport with fascinating shops,
unique galleries and world-class restaurants.
Your New England yacht charter will
take you to wide sandy beaches are as beautiful as any
in the world. Swim in the sparkling waters of Nantucket
Sound to the north, or brave the mighty Atlantic along
the island’s south shore. Try your hand at surfcasting
for stripers and bluefish, or charter a boat for deep-sea
fishing.
For those who prefer a more tranquil
experience, dinghy to your own private beach on Coatue
or head up to Wauwinet Harbor; enjoy a picnic or have
a grand lunch at the Wauwinet House. Fishing, clamming
and swimming are all available.
If you have small children, don’t miss a dinghy
ride to Children's Beach...where you will find a playground
and a lifeguard on the beach. Take a guided tour of
the island or pick up a picnic lunch and rent a bike,
a good way of discovering Nantucket for yourself.
Day 5
–Sail northwest to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s
Vineyard. Oak Bluffs is a short run from Newport, Block
Island, Cuttyhunk, Boston, the Cape and Nantucket. As
a result, it is a nice stop as either a multi-port cruise,
or an exciting port-of-call.
The largest marina on
Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs not only has the most
slips, but is situated right in the midst of a historic
gingerbread campground, and offers easy access to the
rest of the island.
As you enter the harbor,
you will see the Oak Bluffs Marina office on your port
side. There are 80 slips, 45 moorings, and med-moorings
for yachts up to 105' in length. Hail "Oak Bluffs
Marina" on VHF channel 71, and the staff will direct
you to a slip or a suitable mooring. Slips fill quickly
on weekends, so book a day ahead.
Day 6
– Depart Oak Bluffs and sail northwest to Woods
Hole, less than 10 NM (a great lunch stop), or on to
Cuttyhunk Island.
Woods Hole is a salty,
sea spray village that brings the Nobel Laureate and
the local angler together in harmony.
Take a short walk along
the beach road, Church Street, to historic Nobska Lighthouse
for sensational views of Vineyard Sound, Woods Hole
and Martha's Vineyard.
If you wish to linger
for the day, visit Spohr's Garden on Fells Road. It’s
hard to find, but the spring sea of daffodils in this
waterfront garden is spectacular. A visit to the Bradley
House Museum to explore the history of whaling and the
Woods Hole Historical Collection is a "must"
for history buffs. Serene Quissett Harbor is perfect
for peaceful walks any time of the year. Just follow
the path that leads to the "Knob," a little
chunk of land overlooking Buzzards Bay and perfect for
viewing crimson sunsets.
Plan your arrival and
departure for slack tide. The currents in Woods Hole
Passage can exceed 7 knots -- some of the swiftest in
the world! Use good, up-to-date nautical charts of the
area, as the buoy set-up is tricky.
Cuttyhunk Island
rests 12 miles south of New Bedford, MA and 8 miles
west of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard. Cuttyhunk has two
harbors. The main harbor lies between Cuttyhunk and
Nashawena Island to the east. Follow the narrow channel
to the west to find a deepwater basin in Cuttyhunk Pond.
The scenery in the harbor is beautiful.
A great place to do
a whole lot of nothing, Cuttyhunk has a small beach,
a great harbor, good fishing, a few dozen houses, some
great ice cream, and some beautiful hiking trails. There
are no discos, bars, malls, party life, video games,
parking lots, traffic or much action.
What Cuttyhunk does
have is a quiet, isolated, beautiful, ocean environment,
perfect for getting in touch with yourself and your
family, or just catching up with your reading.
Day 7
– Sail from Cuttyhunk to Newport, RI,
about 20 NM. Newport is synonymous with yachting at
its most glorious, and nothing is finer than a New England
yacht charter in the summer. Refresh yourself with golden
sunrises, steaming lobsters and fresh salt air. Elegant
mansions, historic inns and exquisite restaurants line
the cobblestone streets of Newport’s historic
shorefront. You’ll see America’s Cup yachts
racing in the harbor, modern racing machines moored
beside legendary traditional yachts, class boats and
dinghies of every type.
Stroll the breathtaking
Cliff Walk, and wander through lush Topiary Gardens.
Visit the Museum of Yachting and the Tennis Hall of
Fame.
For a mouth-watering
getaway, enjoy a tour and tasting at the three local
vineyards followed by a memorable dining experience
at a waterfront restaurant.
Offering Sailing
Vacations, Caribbean Sailing, Luxury Cruise, Crewed
Yacht Charters, New England Vacation Cruise
Sample Itineraries:
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