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New England Itinerary

Read the full America Charter Guide.

A 7-day private yacht charter itinerary visiting New England

Day 1

Depart Newport at noon and cruise 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. 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 cruise 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

Head 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 head 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.

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.

Day 8

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing to disembark at midday.