Crewed Insider:
From Lobster Rolls to Lighthouses: New England Yacht Charter Experiences
While people flock to the Caribbean for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and year-round warm weather, a New England yacht charter offers a unique sailing experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
With a New England yacht charter, you will sail through historic ports and quaint seaside villages and take in stunning scenery that includes rocky coastlines, lighthouses, and charming fishing harbors.
Sailing New England is about as traditional as it gets. From some of the first recorded US history to landing spots of our fore fathers. New England sailing is reputable all around the world. Some of the world’s greatest sailors of the past, such as, George W. Bourne and Benjamin F. Simmons, have sailed in and out of the Northeast US coast.
Newport, RI is one of the most famous sailing destinations around the globe. People travel long distances to walk the cobble stone streets of Newport, RI to see the old colonial buildings that line the main town with fun bars and restaurants all geared around the history of sailing.
If you think about it, without sailing none of us would be here. At sunset you will see all types of historical yachts from beautiful old schooners to retired J Class America Cup yachts all tacking up and down the river. However, Newport is only the first stop!
Just outside of Newport, roughly 25 miles off the coast, is the first of many little islands we like to call the BVI of the Northeast. Dozens of large islands in a chain separating Buzzard’s Bay and The Vineyard encompass the Elizabeth Islands.
You have endless little coves and islands that you can spend days tacking up and down as you’re working your way northeast towards Nantucket. The Vineyard and Nantucket are like a step back in time. Rich with whaling history and a strong traditional culture, this is a place not to miss.
This 7-day itinerary combines days of relaxation and days of exploration. There is truly something for everyone cruising the North East.
Day 1:
You will meet your yacht in Newport Harbor Yachting Center. If you’re not from the area, this is only a twenty-minute ride from Providence Airport.
After boarding and settling in, we will cast off for a harbor tour on our way to Block Island for the night.
Day 2:
You will wake up in Block Island where we will spend our first full day. Block Island is full of stunning beaches, amazing cliff walks and views.
Block Island has less than 1,000 full time residents. The island is full of live music every night and quaint little towns with lots of local art, hand made clothes, and very nice restaurants.
Block Island is a big wedding destination with its rolling hills, dramatic landscapes and bluffs.
This is a day of fun. You can rent mopeds, or bikes and cruise the island.
Day 3:
We will set sail for Cuttyhunk. This is a 50-mile sail full of whales, tuna fishing, and a favorite for islands of the Northeast.
Cuttyhunk is the western-most island of the Elizabeth Islands that separate Buzzard’s Bay and The Vineyard.
Arguably Cuttyhunk’s claim to fame, a colony of Englishmen settled here to harvest sassafras in 1602 thus making Cuttyhunk the first English settlement in New England. In 1943 Cuttyhunk became one of many WWII coastal defense sites looking for subs.
Today it is still a booming little island. The inner harbor has a small area for yachts, but mostly they produce oysters, scallops and lobsters.
In the afternoon you will get a visit from some young kids with ice-cold oysters, scallops, clams, and lobster for sale.
There is a stunning walk to the old fort to watch the sun go down over the mainland.
Day 4:
After breakfast we will set sail for The Vineyard. This is a few hour ride between the Elizabeth Islands and the large island, Martha’s Vineyard. This is usually a lovely, relaxing sail.
During the Victorian era, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were known for whaling. This is where the famous New England phrase, “That was a Nantucket sleigh ride!” came from. Today, nothing but love for whales and the old buildings are left of that!
Vineyard Haven is a very relaxing town front with hundreds of little old wooden schooners, cobble stone streets, lovely restaurants and nice shops.
Day 5:
After breakfast we will set off across shallow sand banks with vibrant blue-green color water, usually full of sea life. This is a great whale watching area.
Nantucket is nearly 15 miles long and 3–6 miles (5–10 km) wide, sand varying. It is of glacial origin and has wide, sandy beaches that you can walk for days.
Wampanoag Indians inhabited Nantucket when it was visited in 1602 by the English navigator Bartholomew Gosnold.
Long renowned for its historic significance, Nantucket was one of the major islands in the whaling industry back in the 1600 – 1700’s.
Today Nantucket is very laid back, full of nice shops and scenic restaurants that shouldn’t be missed.
Day 6:
We will set sail back across the banks heading for Woods Hole. Hadley Harbor lies a short sail west of Woods Hole, a few minutes north of Martha’s Vineyard, and slightly to the east of Cuttyhunk.
Hadley Harbor is known for its scenic quiet harbor, spectacular little rock islands, visiting seals, plentiful quahogs, quiet nights and cool breezes.
Hadley is a very scenic place, almost like a creek lined with large oak trees and tall grass. It’s very peaceful. There is nothing to do here besides relax and take it all in on the bow with a drink as the sun goes down.
Day 7:
We will wake up and wait to catch the outgoing Buzzard’s Bay tide as we make our final approach back to Newport for a night in Jamestown.
Jamestown is one of Rhode Island’s most historic towns, located within Newport County on lovely Conanicut Island.
The city has been ranked as one of America’s wealthiest towns, known for its gorgeous preserved historic architecture dating all the way back to the 18th century.
This will usually be an evening onboard with the Jamestown Bridge and Newport in our views.
We will likely arrive during the evening sunset sailing from Newport passing tall ships and old America’s Cup boats racing for the sunset.
Maine has over 3,400 miles of coastline, making it larger than the California coast and has over 4,165 islands.
It is filled with quaint hidden harbors, intricate rugged coastline, spectacular coastal cliffs, lighthouses and plenty of fishing villages with a thriving lobster industry. It is also home to “Somes Sound”, the only “fjard” on the Eastern shore of North America.
Some charters begin in the picturesque town of Southwest Harbor, Maine. Southwest Harbor is easily accessible from Bangor International Airport. It is approximately 45 minutes to an hour drive.
Southwest Harbor is the quintessential Maine town with lobster boats, clapboard buildings, weathered wood, eateries, galleries, museums and home of the famous Hinckley Company. Southwest Harbor is the “jewel” of Mount Desert Island and the Acadia National Park region. It is a quaint and vibrant town with true “Down East” hospitality and unsurpassed beauty!
Some of the wildlife you will see on your charter include: harbor seals, gray seals, harbor porpoise, minke whales, bald eagles, osprey, black guillemots (relative of puffin), terns, double breasted cormorants and many other species. It is truly a breathtaking cruising area that represents the true charm of Maine!
Itineraries can be custom-made to fit your taste so you can experience all the many islands have to offer.
Following below is just a sample of what a 7-night/8-day charter would be like.
Day 1:
Begin your charter at Dysarts Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor, Maine. After your check in and safety briefing we will begin our trip sailing up “Somes Sound”. The only natural “fjard” on the East Coast. Porpoises are a normal sighting here.
Depending on the arrival time we will stop at Valley Cove and anchor. It is a short dinghy ride to the beach where you can hike the Flying Mountain Trail. A beautiful scenic hike overlooking the cliffs 600’ high.
We will continue from here up the Sound to Somerville. The very first settlement on Mount Desert Island. Somerville is a quaint little town with one of the most photographed bridges in the US.
We will overnight here in a quiet little anchorage and enjoy the solitude.
Day 2:
After breakfast we will sail back down Somes Sound where at the Southern entrance we will pass Bear Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse marks the entrance to Somes Sound.
From here it is a short sail to Little Cranberry Island. We can go ashore here to the cute town of Isleford.
Isleford has artisan shops, pottery shop, cafe, museum, working lobster pier, and hiking trails. Lunch will be here.
From here we will continue to Great Cranberry Island. From the town dock there is a hiking trail to Whistlers Cove Historical Museum at Cranberry House.
We will anchor for the evening here where you will see spectacular views of Acadia National Park. Beautiful sunsets here.
Day 3:
After breakfast we will set sail for Swans Island. Swans Island (also the name of the village) has a thriving lobster industry.
Here they have the Swans Island Lobster and Marine Museum, Fine Sand Beach (great for swimming), and Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse.
We will anchor for the evening at Burnt Coat Harbor, one of the best protected harbors on the Maine coast. There is an old quarry that is now used for swimming.
Day 4:
Our next stop is Isle Au Haut, a remote island outpost of Acadia. The “High Island” is the name given by Samuel Champlain during his explorations of the Maine coast in 1604.
Scenic mountains to climb here. This is now part of Acadia National Park. There are 18 miles of trails to explore (rocky shorelines, marshes, bogs, fresh water lake, and the Isle Au Haut Lighthouse).
We will anchor in Duck Cove for the evening.
Day 5:
After breakfast we will sail to Brimstone Island where we will anchor for lunch. Dinghy ashore to see the black stone beach. There are also numerous hiking trails.
A short stop here and then we are off to Vinalhaven (Fox Islands). The 2011 movie, “Islander” was filmed in its entirety on this unbridged island.
Vinalhaven is a thriving lobster community. There are two swimming quarries (Booths and Lawson’s). The granite from these old quarries was used to build the Brooklyn Bridge, along with many other buildings in that time.
There are restaurant and shopping opportunities along Main Street. Other activities include: State Beach, Tip Toe Mountain, and miles of hiking.
We will anchor here overnight in the pristine harbor. Meals ashore are an option here.
Day 6:
Continue through the Fox Island Thoroughfare. We will anchor in Seal Cove for lunch.
As we wind our way through the Fox Island Thoroughfare you will see breathtaking beauty. Wildlife is abundant here.
We continue on to North Haven. The granite obelisk, “The Monument & Brown’s Head Lighthouse” marks the entrance for Pulpit Harbor where we will continue to Cabot Cove for the evening.
Here you can take the dinghy to the town dock under the bridge and explore. There are a few restaurants, shops, and the Brown Boatyard. They have spectacular sunsets here.
Day 7:
From North Haven we will sail through Penobscot Bay to Stonington at the tip of Deer Island. A lovely untouched region. Here we will have lunch and go ashore to explore.
After lunch we continue through Casco Passage to Bass Harbor. Bass Harbor has Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse which is one of the most photographed and recognizable lighthouses in America. It was built in 1858. This is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island.
Bass Harbor/Tremont is home to the famous Morris Yachts. There are shops, galleries, and eateries to explore in this quaint little fishing village.
We will overnight here in a beautiful anchorage where we will watch another spectacular sunset.
Day 8:
After breakfast in the morning it is just a short distance back to Southwest Harbor where you will disembark.
More days can be spent on land exploring Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor area. There is an abundance of things to do in and around Southwest Harbor.
New England is famous for its rich maritime history, cultural attractions, and fresh seafood, making it a great destination for those who want to combine sailing with exploration and relaxation. While the Caribbean has its appeal, a New England yacht charter offers a chance to discover a different side of yachting that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Popular New England Charters
Fun Times On The Water!
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…Send us your pictures/videos when you submit your charter review!
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Bareboat Charter in the BVI
VI Sailing Team
“Joann is always responsive and easy to work with!”
Charter Company
“Having served in the army for a quarter of a century, I’ve done some ‘once in a lifetime’ things. I’ve climbed and kayaked/canoed all over the world, I rode one of the Queens horses on two royal weddings and a diamond jubilee. I raised the Union Flag during the London Olympics.
I parachuted, rode a bike down a mountain during the winter in Scotland, I drank a Coke Zero in the Grand Canyon and went to a few places most people wouldn’t dare to.
Nothing, let me say that again. Nothing, compared to the sailing trip I just went on.
Sun, sand, a beautiful colored sea, perfect weather, delicious food, the best rum cocktails I’ve ever had, a great crew, and the most awesome friends I guy could ask for!
Best trip everrrrrr!“
– Don Taylor
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Bareboat Charter in Tahiti
VI Sailing Team
“Very pleased with the whole team again! For this reason we have used VI Sailing and Joann 3 times now. I appreciate how helpful, kind and responsive the whole team has been. Thank you.”
Yacht & Crew
“Exceptional. Mrs Sophie was so kind and helpful during the whole stay.
If we needed anything the whole team was very responsive as well!”
– James Nardo
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BVI Bareboat Charter
VI Sailing Team
“Everything went great and was smooth as always. Since this was our 3rd time using VI Sailing, we know what to expect both from a booking and trip standpoint.”
Yacht & Crew
“Everything was extremely smooth. Yacht was perfect.
3rd time in the BVI’s. We love it. It was good to see a lot of the old staples were back.
We finally got a chance to meet Melody’s mom at Myett’s. She was so sweet. She saw us at dinner and surprised my 4 year old with a shark tooth necklace…. he absolutely loved it.”
– Tolga Guceri
Bareboat Insider:
Introducing a New Skippered Charter Package from The Moorings!
Whether you are a long time bareboater or you are now considering your first yacht charter, having a local skipper on board takes your sailing vacation to a new level!
The skipper takes on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the yacht so that you can truly kick back and relax. Yet, you can still experience the fun of being behind the helm as much or as little as you would like.
This new package is available aboard the award-winning Moorings 4500L and Moorings 5000 (4 cabin) sailing catamarans in the world-famous cruising ground of the British Virgin Islands, and the Moorings 4500 sailing catamaran in Croatia.
The package includes a fully-equipped yacht, a dedicated skipper who will already have their own designated cabin and be familiar with the yacht, full skipper provisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi, taking the guesswork out of planning your next trip.
Captains selected for these charters live aboard the yacht full-time, similar to The Moorings all-inclusive Crewed Yachts, which will ensure each captain is personally familiar with the subtleties of the vessel and will add an enhanced layer to the yacht’s maintenance.
Every professional skipper is fully qualified with an abundance of sailing experience and has been carefully selected to ensure each guest’s sailing vacation is exceptional. Skipper provisioning, which includes all the skipper’s food and drink is also included, as well as Wi-Fi on board.
This new Skippered Charter Package is now available for BVI charters departing October 2023 and after, and from Agana, Croatia departing May 2024 & after.
News & Events:
Rum Away This Summer!
Run (did someone say rum?) away this summer on an all-inclusive yacht charter, and treat yourself to an immersive VIP Rum Experience!
Like much of the Caribbean, sugarcane production in Belize began in the later 1800s leading to the birth of rum distilling in the 20th century. Over the years, Belize has upped the ante on the quality scale, and today it proudly produces some award-winning, small-batch artisanal rums recognized globally.
Sail Belize this summer and enjoy these tasty Complimentary Perks:
Mixology Class & Premium Rums Tasting
Embark on a sensory journey with your chef, tasting premium rums paired with bite-size morsels that accentuate the flavors, followed by a mixology class featuring avante-garde libations and your favorite classics.
VIP Rums Upgrade
Your Ship’s Bar will be upgraded to highlight some Belizean premium rums, including:
- The agricole-style Copalli Rum (barrel rested, cacao varietals) from the country’s southernmost coastal town “Peini” (Garifuna for Punta Gorda),
- The multi-award-winning Tiburon aged rum, and the rather risque Placencia brand “Big Titty Rum” (you will be educated on the origins of the brand’s name during your charter!). Despite its “spicy” branding, the results are superb, and the range includes island-spiced, go-bananas, habanero varietals, and the demerara dark.
Don’t miss this chance to Rum Away!
Hidden Gems: A Spanish Virgin Islands Bareboat Charter Adventure
In sailing terms, the waters of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean could be said to be the most crowded in the world yet just ten miles downwind from St. Thomas in the USVI there’s a hidden paradise…
…a group of islands that cruisers have forgotten and many bareboaters have yet to discover – the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Head on over to our latest blog post to learn all about sailing the Spanish Virgin Islands. We’ll give you the inside scoop on why it’s the ideal way to experience this paradise and how to make the most of your adventure.
Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month
~ JUNGLE BIRD ~
As you set sail on your vacation, let the exotic flavors of the Jungle Bird transport you to a world of tropical paradise.
The perfect blend of dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and lime, in this refreshing cocktail will tantalize your taste buds with every sip.
Whether you’re lounging on the deck or soaking up the sun on the beach, the Jungle Bird is the perfect drink to quench your thirst and bring a touch of the tropics to your yacht charter experience.
Ingredients:
~ 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
~ 3/4 ounce Campari
~ 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
~ 1/2 ounce lime juice
~ 1/2 ounce simple syrup
~ Pineapple wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Sit back, relax, and let the flavors of this classic cocktail whisk you away to a world of sun, sea, and sand.
Cheers!
Destination Spotlight
Isla de Culebra
Have you ever dreamed of a paradise island getaway? Well, look no further than Isla de Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands. It’s an absolute hidden gem.
Just a short sail away from Puerto Rico, this stunningly beautiful place is just what you need to relax and unwind. The beaches are breathtaking with crystal-clear waters and white sand as far as the eye can see.
While visiting there are several must-see spots to explore and discover. Playa Flamenco is one of the most popular destinations, and with good reason. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just sunbathing.
If hiking is more your thing, you can also hike up to old military tanks left behind by US forces who used Culebra as a bombing range until 1975. They provide an interesting backdrop to the beach while offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Cayo Luis Peña is an uninhabited island off the west coast of Culebra. It’s one of the best sailing spots in the area and perfect for snorkeling, with its coral reefs and colorful fish.
If you’re up for some more hiking there are trails that wind through lush forests that offer stunning views of both the island and the sea and plenty of bird watching opportunities.
Bahía de Almodóvar, on the southern coast of Culebra, is a beautiful bay that’s perfect for anchoring after a long day of sailing. The crystal-clear water and majestic surroundings make it an ideal place to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature’s beauty in all its glory. You can take in breathtaking views from the shoreline or cool off with some swimming or snorkeling in the refreshingly calm waters.
Culebrita, off the eastern coast of Culebra, is also a small uninhabited island and is part of a national wildlife refuge that is home to many species of seabirds, sea turtles, and other marine life.
One highlight on this island is hiking to its old lighthouse from the 1880s. The hike is short but steep, and provides breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you in awe.
After the hike it’s time to cool off in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy some snorkeling and exploring the nearby coral reefs. There are several secluded coves offering calm turquoise waters which make it ideal for relaxing after an adventurous day out at sea.
Zoni Beach is located on the northeast coast of Culebra. It is a charming secluded spot so you can enjoy some peace and quiet away from crowds. The crystal-clear waters are inviting and the pristine white sand is just waiting to be explored. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
Isla de Culebra is perfect for sailing enthusiasts who want a peaceful and serene experience. Crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and an abundance of marine life will make your sailing trip one you’ll never forget. Set your sails and take advantage of all that Isla de Culebra has to offer!
Contact us today to help you get started!
