Summer Cruising: Why You Should Visit New England On Your Next Yacht Charter
Hugging the shoreline of America’s northeast Atlantic coast, New England is the epitome of yachting. Its rugged coastline stretches from Maine to Newport and is full of iconic American destinations to cruise throughout the summer. The landing site of Pilgrim’s Mayflower and the birthplace of the America’s Cup, New England, is steeped in cultural and historical yachting significance. There is plenty to do here on a yacht charter, from wandering charming villages, exploring the art scene, outdoor pursuits, enjoying the beaches, or simply savoring a lobster roll or two.
With offices in Rhode Island, Newport, and Nantucket, our expert and local charter consultants have put together the top reasons why New England should be your next yachting destination:
Picturesque Island Hopping
The best time to visit New England on a yacht charter is late spring to early fall. The highly accessible area boasts a variety of cruising grounds, each with a unique character perfect for any yacht charter group. Whether you are looking for adventure or a laid-back vacation, with short hops between islands a lot of destinations can be visited in just a single week here.
From the picturesque harbors, rocky shores, and fishing villages in Maine to the colonial architecture and mansions of Rhode Island, the varied destinations offer something for everyone. As a yacht charter destination for the summer, New England is the ideal blend of scenic views, coastal village charm, and maritime history.
Rich Maritime History
New England is linked closely to the sea, from the whaling history of Nantucket to the America’s Cup legacy in Newport; sailing these cruising grounds is full of stories from the past. The coastal regions retain their historic charm with preserved colonial architecture, historic lighthouses, and maritime museums. As one of America’s most historic seaports, you can wander the historic mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, and learn about its rich sailing history.
In the historic downtown of Nantucket, delve into its whaling history at the museum and wander the charming cobblestone streets. While cruising New England, you can spot the various iconic lighthouses of Maine, including Portland Head Light and Bass Harbor Headlight. The most photographed one is at Cape Cod, the Nauset Light in Eastham.
Beach Life
With plenty of coastline to explore within the region, this gives rise to an abundance of great beaches to visit. There is undoubtedly a beach for all occasions while cruising here.
The secluded spots such as Long Beach on Deer Isle, Maine, or the picturesque dunes of Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, beaches with dramatic cliffs such as Mohegan Bluffs Beach, or the family-friendly Children’s Beach, Nantucket, and also those beaches best for surfing such as Second Beach, Newport. On a yacht charter, it is the perfect opportunity to anchor in the idyllic coves and bays to explore and delve into the yacht’s toy box. There are destinations here best for certain watersports to include on a New England itinerary, from windsurfing off Cape Cod, jet skiing the waters surrounding Rhode Island, or scuba diving in Maine.
Local Wine & Dine
As a seafood lovers paradise, New England offers plenty of local produce. Maine, hailed as the ‘lobster capital of the world,’ is the ideal location to indulge in the area’s signature dish, fresh lobster rolls. From oysters to clam chowder, there are endless menu specialties to enjoy onboard a superyacht and ashore.
The culinary scene is as varied as the coastline, from fine dining to seaside shacks. Whether you want dinner at a sophisticated spot in Portland, Maine, dining with a view at the waterfront restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket offers plenty for the wine connoisseurs. All culinary treats can be washed down by visiting one of the many New England breweries and vineyards.
Adventurous Days
A summer yacht charter in New England isn’t just about savoring the tastes but also the varied activities and experiences in every region. In Maine, for active days out, visit the Acadia National Park, which is full of popular hiking trails, including Cadillac Mountain.
If you prefer the help of two wheels, New England is a cycling haven with various scenic coastal trails, from the family-friendly Nantucket island Madaket Bike Path to cycling the Cape Cod Rail Trail through the pine forests. With an abundance of seafood to enjoy, it isn’t a surprise that there are also fishing opportunities here, with a perfect spot at Higgins Beach in Maine. For golfing enthusiasts, there are various options, from Miacomet Golf Club in Nantucket to the Highland Links in Truro, Cape Cod, both with scenic Atlantic Ocean views while teeing off. At night, you can jump in the yacht's kayaks or stand up paddleboards and cruise the bioluminescent waters of Martha’s Vineyard.
Vibrant Art Scene
Aside from New England’s stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and gourmet treats, the region also boasts a vibrant art and cultural scene that comes alive, especially during the summer. The art culture isn’t surprising thanks to the region's rich history, landscapes, and traditions serving as inspiration.
The numerous galleries and studios in Martha’s Vineyard have a selection of exhibitions throughout the summer. There are also various festivals that are held throughout the summer such as the Newport Jazz Festival and the Nantucket Film Festival.
Food is another focus for events, where you can try more of the local treats, Martha’s Vineyard hosts the Agricultural Fair, there is the Wellfleet Oyster Festival and also lobster festivals in Maine.
Contact our expert charter consultants in our New England offices, who can help you curate a tailored itinerary for an unparalled summer yacht charter in New England.
Photos by Michael Denning on Unsplash, Kyler on Unsplash, STUDIO ZENY on Unsplash,