A yacht charter on the New England coastline this summer

New England, on the east coast of the USA, is blessed with a magical climate resulting in warm weather throughout the summer right up until October. The coastline is steeped in history, from ancient whaling stations to the original landing point of the Mayflower in 1620,  and the picturesque beaches are perfectly complimented by the excellent seafood cuisine. We take a look at some of the best elements that make a New England yacht charter something to explore this summer.

Culture

Newport is the popular place to start a New England yacht charter. It is known as the sailing capital of the world and has a long and rich history to explore. The Museum of Yachting and old mansions are an interesting way to spend the morning, and most of the buildings stand unchanged for many years. A life connected to the sea runs strongly through the culture along the whole New England coastline and the historical significance of the regions whaling and sea-trading past can still be experienced in many of the ports and islands visited on a yacht charter. Nantucket is the most famous of these historical whaling hubs. First settled in 1659, the town is characterised by its unpainted cedar-shingle buildings and some 700 shipwrecks surrounding the island. Step into the Whaling Museum for a detailed account of the island’s past and wander through the streets discovering the many shops and restaurants it has to offer. Although popular with tourists, the island boasts crisp waters and bountiful wildlife along its shores.

At the top end of Cape Cod lies Provincetown. Thought to be original Mayflower landing site in 1620, it is known for its vibrant culture with numerous galleries and restaurants serving fresh local lobster. Across Cape Cod bay, Plymouth also offers an immersive experience into the history of the founding pilgrims, and here you can visit the Mayflower II, a replica of the original sailing ship that crossed the Atlantic.

Cuisine

New England rightly boasts some of the finest seafood restaurants on the East coast of America and this is mainly due to the abundance of locally caught fresh fish and lobster that appears on all restaurant menus. Newport has an abundance of restaurants to choose from such as the White Horse Tavern and Black Pearl, dating back to as early as 1673. Boston is another major stop on a New England yacht charter itinerary and boasts some of the top fine dining experiences on the coastline, combining fresh New England ingredients with dishes and cuisines from around the world.

For guests wishing to dine on board, locally sourced, or evenly personally caught, fresh fish are easy for the chef to prepare and creates a wonderful way to experience New England cuisine first hand.

Activities

With the title ‘sailing capital of the world’, it is no surprise that sailing yachts of all sizes are a common sight all around Newport. Accommodating complete beginners and seasoned skippers equally, the New England coastline has favourable conditions for excellent sailing experiences and yacht charters. Reflected in the restaurants onshore, New England is also home to some top fishing locations, such as Block Island, either from the shore of straight from the yacht. The nutrient rich water supports a vast diversity of fish, including striped bass, Atlantic mackerel, and Atlantic cod for extended seasons throughout the summer months, so a bountiful day out is guaranteed.

For guests wanting more land based activities then there is an abundance of active and cultural things to do. Enjoy a round at the Farm Neck golf course at Martha’s Vineyard or visit the wildlife sanctuary at nearby Chappaquiddick Island before heading to Menemsha beach for sunset. Provincetown is known for its vibrant culture with numerous galleries, but guests can also follow the bike trail down the outside of the Cape to admire the expansive sand dunes and beech forests trails.

Boston is a city rich in culture and history, combined with the city’s localised ambience, make it an exciting place to finish a charter. Follow the 2-mile Freedom Trail stopping at 16 historical sites for exposure of Boston’s interesting history. Equally, head to the renowned Museum of Fine Arts revered for being one of the oldest in the country. Be sure witness one of Boston’s acclaimed sports teams play, such as the Red Sox, to experience the city at its most energetic.

Accessibility

A yacht charter along the New England coastline is perfectly positioned to combine exciting cities with authentic charming towns that send you back in time. Islands such as Martha’s Vineyard have been home to many prominent figures including a number of presidents. Its popularity stems from a laidback and rustic atmosphere making it a quaint escape from bustling city life. For many American citizens, a New England yacht charter offers a local and easy escape, but there is also direct access from major international airports, meaning that Europeans looking for an alternative holiday destination this summer can also consider visiting the New England coastline.