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DESTINATIONSNEW ENGLAND The coast of New England and Maine has numerous harbors, a rich seafaring history, historic towns and countless islands. From the charming but busy towns and marinas along Long Island Sound to the rugged and pine-tree-clad coastline further north with occasional remote lighthouses, deep sheltered inlets and hidden beaches. This is a most interesting and rewarding yacht charter cruising destination. What more stunning and convenient a place than Manhattan to start a charter! Leave from Battery or Chelsea Pier and head up the East River through “Hell’s Gate” and into Long Island Sound. Numerous ports and anchorages line both sides although not all can take a large yacht. Overnight perhaps at Oyster Bay, one of the major natural harbors on the north shore of Long Island. It was from here in the 1920s that many of the rich and super rich commuted to their New York City offices by boat and Oyster Bay was the summer home of President Roosevelt.
Shelter Island has vast tracts of protected wetland and marshes and nearly one-third of the island is and kept in a “forever-wild” state. The reserve has nature and bird-watching trails. Newport also serves as the jumping-off place for many charters in New England. It’s an enjoyable city to visit and home to a large number of old mansions dating back to the late nineteenth century. Some of them are open to the public. Newport is the home of many superyachts each summer as well as being the host to a summer jazz festival and the Newport Bucket. Block Island has rolling green hills, outlying beaches and spectacular bluffs. You can easily enjoy Old Harbor on foot or rent a bicycle or taxi to explore further afield. Martha’s Vineyard, despite its presidential connections, has quaint villages, stunning beaches and haute cuisine and is one of New England's most appealing destinations. And Nantucket an Island 30-miles south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts was once the whaling center of the New World, and a visit to the Whaling Museum is a must. It would be nice to spend a full day here as Nantucket has so much to offer: restaurants, shopping, golf, fishing, natural beauty, scenic walks, pristine beaches, surfing and a generous dose of history.
Maine is an exceptionally beautiful area to cruise. There are endless anchorages and lots of fun things to do especially for the outdoor minded. An ideal place to start is Camden. For shopping, it offers boutiques, art galleries, custom jewelry and lots more. For children aboard there is “The Planet” a great children’s store with every imaginable trinket and for the energetic, the walk up Mount Battie is a must. The view from the top over looking Penobscot Bay is breath taking.
A favorite overnight anchorage is Seal bay on Vinal Haven. This is a place of spectacular beauty, peace and quiet. Seals and the occasional bald eagle are often sighted. An evening cocktail cruise up Some Sound is most enjoyable, rocky cliffs, beautiful homes and distant views of Cadillac Mountain.
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Liz Marlow |
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