There are numerous nautical boltholes to visit across its states – on a Maine yacht charter you can try lobsters cooked on a grill as you recline on the jetty listening to an impromptu blues jam or take yourself off for some solitude amid the rugged slopes of the White Mountains.
Meanwhile, on a Connecticut yacht charter, you can get a taste of New England wine at one of 25 vineyards, visit luxurious spas and nose into Long Island, or carry on a little further east to Rhode Island for some of the sunniest and most stylish beaches this side of the Atlantic.
From the yachting capital of Newport, you can cruise easily to the fashionable Hamptons, while in and around picturesque Cape Cod, you can discover why Martha’s Vineyard is such a favoured summer colony and shop to your heart’s content among the high-end boutiques of Nantucket’s cobbled streets.
New England’s yacht charter season runs from May to October, when there is a busy social and cultural calendar. The weather can vary a lot from south to west – author Mark Twain famously wrote: “One of the brightest gems in the New England weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it.”
The southern half of New England tends to be sunnier and hotter than the north, with temperatures in Connecticut and Massachusetts around 80-90 °F (27-32 °C) in June, July and August. That said, some people swear by an autumn charter here when the colours of the skies and trees are at their best.
Restaurants in the posh Hamptons can change as frequently as their summer visitors. What makes the east-end of Long Island special is the abundance of local produce and access to both the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean for fresh seafood. From breezy, curb-side clam shacks to high-end Italian eateries, the cuisine of the Hamptons alone will have you wanting to come back year after year.
These are many cool beach bars along the New England coastline, but few are better than Ocean House on Rhode Island where you can eat the freshest seafood while admiring the sea view from the veranda. Afterwards, unleash your inner Gatsby at the achingly fashionable Newport Yacht Club.
Visit the ‘gingerbread cottages’ in Oaks Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard – a fairy-tale-village where bright Victorian-style cottages are reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel.
Visit the Museum of African American History in Boston to learn about the region’s role in the slave trade and take the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6-mile walk that takes in Underground Railroad stations as well as sites once used by a pre-Civil War free black community and learn about the white abolitionists who supported them.
Anchor in Acadia National Park and spend your days exploring the 47,000-acre nature reserve on foot or by kayak or bike and look out for moose, bears and whales as you go.
Just below Cape Cod’s southwestern tip is the extraordinary island of Martha’s Vineyard, one of the most unique and visually stunning places in the world.
In the town of Vineyard Haven, you will find some of the very best seafood restaurants Martha’s Vineyard has to offer, plus the peaceful West Chop Woods, an 85-acre forest with scenic walking trails.
Head to Edgartown for your beach fix – noteworthy beaches include State Beach and South Beach. However, one of the Vineyard’s best- kept secrets is East Beach on Chappaquiddick Island, an easy hop on your New England yacht charter.
Nantucket is a small island about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod that was once the whaling capital of the world. Little has changed in the town’s architecture since the 17th century, as seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamps still line the streets of the island, a designated National Historic District.
The 110-mile coastline of Nantucket is filled with pristine beaches. Nearly all are open to the public, with Madaket Beach the best place on the isle to watch the sunset.
Resting at the very northern tip of Cape Cod is Provincetown, home to the nation’s oldest continuous art colony.
Experience the town’s liveliness at its colourful and eclectic downtown ‘Commercial Street’, an oasis of quirky stores, funky outfits and people dancing to music all over. Numerous galleries and restaurants line the street, alongside clusters of nightclubs, cabarets and specialty shops.
Every summer, New Yorkers escape the heat of Manhattan by heading to the east end of Long Island, where an entirely different and refreshing region of New York awaits. Between the private beach trails, dramatic dunes and shingled windmills, it is the perfect environment for relaxation.
From luxury estates and chic shopping in Southampton, to top-notch restaurants in East Hampton, white sand beaches in Westhampton, and surf-worthy waves in Montauk, the Hamptons provide endless options for an accessible, luxurious lifestyle.
Situated on the Hamptons’ north side waters is Sag Harbor, made the first official port of entry to the United States in 1789, and whose later role in the whaling trade led it to become immortalised in Herman Melville’s classic tale Moby Dick.
Sag Harbor has also been home to a wealth of artists and other notable people, who found inspiration here, including writer John Steinbeck and sculptor John Chamberlain. From its busy marina and beautiful bay views, to antique shops and gourmet eateries on Main Street, Sag Harbor truly encompasses small town charm.
Caribbean-blue waters surround this island, 12 miles south of Rhode Island’s mainland, which is an idyllic place for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing and surfing. One popular hike is to the 150-acre Clay Head Preserve. Explore its trail known as “The Maze” for a memorable journey with what might be the most sensational views in all of New England.
During the colonial period, Newport was in competition with Boston and New York as the leader of New World trade and prosperity and became part of the infamous Triangle Trade through its rum production.
Although rum distilleries still exist in and around Newport, the city is known for much more than just liquor. Its rich yachting history is a large part of Newport’s distinction as a world sailing destination. Several regattas are held here throughout the year between mid-spring and mid-fall, with America’s Cup being the pinnacle yachting event.
Become one with the sea in Boothbay, the boating capital of New England. This seaside community makes for a unique getaway in the great outdoors. There are miles of hiking trails, from relaxed strolls for beginners to challenging treks for more advanced hikers. Locals say the best way to discover Boothbay is by water. Whether kayaking or cruising on your yacht, do the seafaring yourself to get a true glimpse of this lovely coastal community.
Get acquainted with the roots of Maine’s largest city with a visit to the picturesque Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse dating back to 1791. The former keeper’s quarters have been converted into a museum and shop. The surrounding grounds belong to Fort Williams Park – 90 acres of coastal hiking paths, gardens and beaches.
Known as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast”, the town of Camden is as postcard-perfect as they come. Centered around a busy harbour, the town embodies quintessential New England and is one of only two places on the Atlantic seaboard where the mountains meet the sea. The pristine architecture of the 19th-century homes and buildings found in the High Street Historic District truly showcase the charming character of the town.
Acadia National Park is found on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off Maine’s coast, a region often referred to as “Down East”.
Acadia’s Park Loop Road, 27 miles of rocky roadway winding around high coastal ridges and inner wooded valleys, has lots of scenic lookouts, perfect for photo shoots, while elsewhere there are freshwater lakes to swim in, mountains to hike and tons of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
What is the currency of New England?
The US Dollar is the currency of New England.
Language spoken in New England
English is the official language of New England.
Time zone in New England
New England adheres to Eastern Standard Time and it also follows Daylight Saving. So in the summer months it is GMT-5, while in autumn and winter it is GMT-4.
Yachts to charter in New England
When it comes to your New England yacht charter, don’t spend weeks of your time searching for the best New England yachts – let our brokers guide you to find the perfect New England boat rental for you.
