Newport, Rhode Island is a prime yachting destination located on the historic Narragansett Bay. With its picturesque shorelines, bustling harbors, and hidden beaches, it is a perfect place for sailing and exploring the area. Boaters can take part in the Newport Harbor Boat Parade, an annual tradition spanning over a hundred years that features creative and elaborate decorations from each vessel. Marinas in Newport range from small to large, with every amenity a boater could need. Sailors can stop at many ports of call, from the lively anchorages at Brenton Cove and Coddington Cove to more isolated and intimate settings like Sakonnet Point and Potter Cove. A great alternative to marinas are moorings, which offer safe, affordable overnight accommodations. Take in sweeping views of the bay during a stroll or bike ride down the Cliff Walk, or explore the charming shops, galleries and restaurants of Newport's historic downtown. Newport truly is an oasis for yachting enthusiasts of all levels.
20 years before the Mayflower arrived, the island was used as a sassafras harvesting outpost, making it one of the first European settling point in North America. For a long time a dreamed-of destination for the New England boating elite, Cuttyhunk is known for its shellfish and fishing, in particular great bass. While there, it is a treat to make use of the floating raw bar which will deliver your order straight to your boat. Other eateries include the seasonal pop-up taco shack, Isla Tacos, and Sopranos Pizza. It is well worth a visit to the island’s fish market at the dock which will take orders of fresh boiled lobster for evening collection. This is a place to chill, with no night-life to speak of. During WW2, Lookout Hill, the highest point at nearly 50 metres, was used as a Coast Guard lookout station. The remaining bunkers are now picnic areas. If an off-board stay is part of the plan, luxurious accommodation is available at Avalon, the inn on the island. Apart from walking, cycles and golf carts, which may be rented to Avalon residents, are the permitted transport on the island.
Martha’s Vineyard, better known as The Vineyard, is an island summer destination south of Cape Cod and is best known as the location of the film Jaws. It is one of only five place names in the USA to contain an apostrophe. The islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick are permitted to produce wines with names classified by the American Viticulture Association’s wine-of-origin nomenclature as Martha’s Vineyard AVA wines. The island is also known for the craft beer brewed by Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery in Edgartown where one can also share platters of mainly locally sourced food in the Tap Room. The island has six towns which can all be reached by bicycle, cab or bus. Film festivals devoted to arthouse, independent, international and African-American films are held at various times each year on the island. The islands are not renowned for wild nightlife and are best visited for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, picnicking, beach activities, visits to oyster farms and the annual film festivals.
Nantucket is known for its springtime daffodils. The island’s wealth was founded on the whaling industry which was established in the seventeenth century and lasted until the 1830s when it was destroyed by fire. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is one of the notable points of interest which also include other noted museums and galleries. The island is not renowned for having a hectic nightlife and may be described as typical New England. It is home to several beaches and lighthouses which are necessary considering the shipwrecks and maritime collisions which have occurred in the past. Restaurants on the island cater for all tastes. For those who enjoy locally made drinks, Nantucket has its own winery and a craft brewery which creates brews from locally sourced ingredients, both traditional and fruit based.
head back to the Vineyard to explore further anchorages and take in the scenery again.
Tarpaulin Cove is a fairly wide inlet on the south eastern side of Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Island group. The island is privately owned, and, although trips to the beach in your tender are allowed, trips beyond that to inland are not permitted. It is a place to “park” the boat, sit on deck and enjoy the views and ambience.
Sail back to Newport and anchor Off James town for the evening to enjoy the sights from across the harbor.
Head back to Newport for disembarkation.