With summer winding down, think the charter season is over for the northern ports? One of our favourite destinations to escape to in the autumnal months is the east coast of New England, filled with pops of red and gold along the coastlines and pods of whales to snap photos of in the deep blue ocean. Read on for why this region really comes to life in the cooler fall months.
Escape to the Old Country
The New England Coast, stretching from Long Island Sound in the south to Maine in the northeast, offers many opportunities for memorable sailing adventures. The founding shore of America; New England has a unique heritage feel.
The ‘Old Country’ nature of this cruising destination will see you exploring picturesque islands, coves and quaint cobblestoned villages. New England offers opportunities to wine, dine and unwind in a charming colonial environment.
Cruising with a difference
Lined with white sand beaches and rolling sand dunes which give way to rock outcrops and pine forests heading further north, and dotted throughout with beautiful historic lighthouses, New England has plenty to offer.
Cool New England waters are teeming with a top-shelf array of seafood: scallops, clams, mussels and oysters, as well as beautiful Maine Lobster, Halibut and Codfish.
New England, in climate and weather conditions, can show huge variation. Summer is extremely hot and humid, peaking around August. This is ideal if you are looking to swim, kayak and explore the beaches, or for a family-friendly adventure.
However, New England comes alive in fall, pumping up the romance and scenery. Autumn tours are breathtaking, with the fall foliage in its full splendour: orange, yellow, scarlet and gold enveloping the coast, making for a scenic cruise of a lifetime.
One of the must-see attractions are the mansions lining the shores of Newport, Rhode Island, ‘The City by the Sea’. These homes, once country cottages to the affluent New Yorkers of the Post Civil War era, are impressive, all set on majestic grounds, sure to impress.
Explore these majestic manor houses from the water or by foot; a beautiful way to spend an autumn afternoon.
Culture in Comfort
Hyannis, the hub of the marine community, should also be on your to-do list, the ‘Capital of the Cape’ is a beautiful sailing destination, the natural harbour full of islands to explore. Venture down the historic main street, then to the West Beach Club or the Hyannis Port Yacht Club; the humming marine centre of Hyannis, Cape Cod’s yachting hub.
Portland, another onshore destination, the southern sea town of Maine, is an artist’s haven, littered with galleries and eateries and quirky boutiques. The old port is a seamlessly revitalized warehouse district, running down to the waterfront which boasts top-end retail, fine dining and entertainment galore.
With a multitude of deep sea anchorage spots and charming attractions to boot, New England offers a uniquely serene summer sailing destination, not to be missed.
Home to many boat shows, regattas, festivals and the maritime museum, New England is paradise for keen sailors. Add the priceless historic setting, the beautiful dining, boutique shopping, art galleries galore and cruising adventures and New England really is the trip of a life time.
Whale Watching
One of the highlights of the whole coast, of course, is the chance to whale watch. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise from one beautiful spot to the next, for the finback whales, humpbacks, minke, pilot and false killer whales calling these waters home in July and August.
Whether you’re after sightseeing in some of the world’s most famous cities, or relaxing in nature, New England has plenty to offer.
It’s not too late to book your fall yacht charter along the New England coast! Contact us to start planning today. In the mean time, enjoy this suggested itinerary to start daydreaming!
