Rhode Island is the epicenter of yacht charter in New England, a region that stretches from Connecticut northward to Maine and the U.S. Canada border. Generally speaking a one week charter will take place either in the Newport area or in Maine, with longer itineraries able to encompass both destinations with stop- overs in cities such as Boston.
Maine offers a different atmosphere, with scenic cruising from, Portland up through Southwest Harbor. In Portland, you’ll discover cobblestone streets and delightful shopping while, in places such as Bar Harbor, you’ll see croquet matches on the front lawns of elegant summer homes. These are the spots to relax aboard your charter yacht at anchor, sipping iced tea and enjoying a Maine lobster served with freshly squeezed lemon and ladles of melted butter. Below is a sample itinerary along the Coast of Maine.
Day One: Embark Kennebunkport. Have lunch aboard. Pursue specialty shops in this quaint, historic, seaside town.
Day Two: Portland. The old port area is fun and funky with lots of good restaurants and coffee shops. Explore harbor islands, in particular, Peaks Island close to downtown. Portland lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington. See the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Days Three/Four: Bath, Boothbay. Head to Bath, famous for its shipbuilding and marine history. Then visit scenic Boothbay with its rocky coastline, charming village shops and lighthouses.
Days Five/Six: Camden, Penobscot. Travel 45 nautical miles or so to picturesque Camden then venture up the inland waterway to Penobscot (Fort Knox), another 20 nautical miles. You’ll experience remote islands and Native American Culture.
Days Seven/Eight: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, By now you are nearly all the way “Down East”. Shore visit Thunder Hole and view Otter Cliffs. Take in breathtaking Cadillac Mountain from offshore. Eat more lobster.