The insiders guide to New England

New England will forever be associated with glamorous figures like John F Kennedy and JD Rockefeller, who spent their summers sailing here. The beauty and heritage of New England’s coastline is like a dot to dot map of cultural highlights, offering something for everyone with gorgeous scenery and charm in abundance. It is the quintessential American cruising ground.

These ragged coasts and rocky isles have always been home to seafaring folk, so chartering a yacht is the perfect way to discover New England. Deeply proud of its produce, the region has endless events celebrating local delicacies, such as Maine lobsters, Wellfleet oysters and Vermont beer. History has never been more alive – or more delicious – than along New England’s coast.

Below, we highlight the very best areas to visit during your charter and we include two interviews with our most experienced captains who share their first-hand knowledge of this wonderful cruising ground.

Chart of New England

One of Long Island's best kept secrets, Sag Harbor is not simply a physical memory of days gone by nestling amid celebrity mansions, it is a destination in its own right. The old whaling town is edged with historic homes and you'll find a number of fine restaurants and shops on its main street. Down by the water is a windmill commemorating former mayor and author John Steinbeck who spent the last years of his life in Sag Harbor.

The white sandy beaches, laid back vibe, and island time mentality of Block Island have earned it the nickname 'Bermuda of the North'. Stroll along the beach, which stretches for miles to the north of Old Harbor, cycle around the island's rolling farmland and get to know the calls of the many migratory bird species in the National Wildlife Refuge (above) in the island's northern tip. Then head to South East Light atop the Mohegan Bluffs, the best place on the island to watch the sunset.

The most famous landmarks in Newport have to be the Newport mansions, built in the mid-1800s by wealthy socialites and great New York families like the Astors and Vanderbilts as summer getaways. Cliff Walk provides beautiful views over the back gardens of these famous properties. A walk at Sachuest Point has stunning views and a cooling breeze, or a bike ride down Bellevue Avenue allows for some sightseeing of fabulous properties. Cool off with a quick dip at Easton’s Beach, which lies to the east of the town.

'The Vineyard' has long been the vacation destination of choice for many former Presidents. Best known for its wild beaches and red-orange clay cliffs, the island is rich in history and an emerging gastronomy scene attracts foodies the world over. From the port town of Oak Bluffs, the bustling Vineyard Haven and cosmopolitan Edgartown, to the quaint fishing villages of Menemsha and Chilmark, the island provides the perfect blend of downtime and diversion. Cruise through Katama Bay along the shores of Chappaquiddick where you can browse the boutiques and art galleries or grab a clambake.

Famous for its 'Nantucket-gray' weathered beach houses, this is the place to head for old school, barefoot relaxation. Explore 80 miles of coastline and 23 named beaches, cycle the island’s sandy trails and cool off with a dip in Nantucket Sound. Catch the famous sunsets at Madaket, said to be the best in all New England, before enjoying a fantastic choice of restaurants in Nantucket Town. Alive with history, its cobblestone streets are still lined with the whaling company owners' grand mansion houses, all perfectly preserved in their 19th century style by Nantucket’s historic society.