Newport
Newport Yacht Charter Guide
Located along the shoreline of America’s northeast Atlantic Coast is the quintessential yachting hotspot of New England, where you can find the coastal summer playground of Newport, Rhode Island. Once a historic hideaway for America’s wealthiest and the host of world-class America’s Cup sailing waters, today the yachting heritage remains alive, drawing in superyachts from around the world.
Begin a New England yacht charter itinerary here and explore the Gilded Age, historic sailing landmarks, and quaint streets lined with art galleries and boutiques. Enjoy wine tastings at vineyards, sample craft beers at coastal breweries, and embrace the vibrant dock-to-dine lifestyle with many of Newport’s renowned waterfront restaurants. From Newport, continue an iconic New England itinerary, sailing the picturesque coastal scenery full of harbors and lighthouses, toward Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Best Time To Visit: The peak season with the warmest weather is from June to August. New England’s ‘Indian Summer’ from September to November offers beautiful fall foliage along the coastline and fewer crowds.
Key Cruising Areas: From Narragansett Bay and the iconic Block Island, cruise from Newport to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. Or, further afield, south to The Hamptons and north to Maine.
Don’t Miss: Hike the famous Newport Cliff Walk along the rocky coastline with incredible panoramic ocean views on one side and the Gilded Age mansions on the other.
Best Spots For Wining And Dining: For lunch, grab a table at Castle Hill Inn, one of the most sought-after spots in Newport, and for dinner, head to the waterfront hotspot of Forty 1 North.
Best Local Dish: Tuck into the state specialty, Rhode Island clam chowder, at one of the many classic waterfront spots like The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar. Wash it down with Blueberry Ale from Newport Craft Brewing or a glass of ‘Great White’ blend from Newport Vineyards.
Local Culture: Delve into Newport’s seafaring roots with a visit to the Sailing Museum, learning about the former home of America’s Cup, and spend an afternoon on a classic schooner out on the water.
Best Beach: Enjoy a classic seaside spot and Newport’s most famous at Easton’s Beach, or for a more secluded atmosphere and calm waters, check out Gooseberry Beach.
IYC Recommends: Take a privately guided tour of The Breakers, the famed Vanderbilt estate, then hop into a vintage convertible to explore the island from coast to coast, taking in historical landmarks and iconic lighthouses.
More To Explore
For the IYC US team, New England isn't just another charter destination; it is home and one they know inside and out. This is the latest installment of IYC's blog series, 'Charter Experts,' which takes you inside IYC's offices worldwide. Behind our global network and many offices is the accumulated expertise of our consultants, who are closely tied to the destinations they recommend.The IYC US office brings extensive knowledge of New England, one of the most sought-after US yacht-charter destinations. With offices in both Newport and Nantucket, the US team has guided countless clients through New England, matching the right yacht to the right itinerary. With decades of combined charter market experience and firsthand familiarity with the waters, the US team offers local expertise with an international perspective.Here we share the US offices' insight, expertise, and advice when it comes to planning the ultimate New England yacht charter this summer:
'Indian Summer,' also known as a 'second summer,' is a well-known American phrase referring to the unseasonably warm weather during the late fall, stretching into early November. A typical occurrence in New England, this commonly characterized weather is ideal for extending the opportunities for a yacht charter here.New England is a quintessential American cruising ground, spanning from Maine to Rhode Island on the East Coast of the US. Deeply rooted in yachting heritage, as the birthplace of the America's Cup and from influential families spending summers here to today's classic regattas and superyachts flocking to explore the array of yachting hotspots - the likes of Newport and Nantucket.While the summer is popular for yacht charters in New England, the real attraction is experiencing the region without the busy crowds. Chartering a yacht, between Newport and Nantucket, during this Indian Summer period is perfect for embracing the region's peacefulness.
With its rugged coastline, historic harbors, and sailing heritage, New England is a yachting hotspot not to miss. And for those chartering a yacht along this storied stretch of the US, the experience is just as much about the cuisine as the epic scenery.From coastal Maine to Cape Cod and beyond, New England’s food scene is based upon tradition, freshness, and its strong tie to the ocean. Here are the top specialties from New England that we recommend you try when exploring this American yachting hotspot: