Sailing Adventures

Leave your cares on land with one of these breezy New England escapes.

KIM KNOX BECKIUS

f all the ways we’ve harnessed elemental forces to carry us from place to place, sailing is most exhilarating … and serendipitous. Aboard a tall-masted relic of the Age of Sail, a racing yacht, or a pleasure boat, you can let go of the need for an itinerary. Embrace the all-hands-on-deck camaraderie, or be as idle as you’d like. A sailboat can be your floating hammock, your refuge, your passage to uncharted waters within.

The sleek yacht heels over, shifting your equilibrium; the flapping of sails tickles your ears. You might reach 10 knots (about 11.5 mph) on a cruise aboard Intrepid , American Eagle, Weatherly, or Nefertiti , and it’ll feel like flying. As America’s Cup winners or contenders during the ’60s and ’70s, these sailboats were born to race. And they still do: The whole fleet will compete when Newport hosts America’s largest-ever gathering of historic 12-meter yachts July 8–13. Newport, RI. 401-849-5868; americascupcharters.com

In all the world, there is no collection of boats quite like this: Four are National Historic Landmarks; the newest windjammer—Heritage —was hand-built by its long-married captains in 1983. And while accommodations are varying degrees of rustic, your sail on Penobscot Bay will be softened by the sounds of guitar strumming, the mystic glow of moonrise, and the promise of unlimited lobster. From a three-day jaunt to a 10-day voyage, the experience will make real-world reentry bitter sweet. Rockland and Camden, ME. 800-8079463; sailmainecoast.com

Entrepreneur and lifelong sailor Chris Bartick invested 10 months of loving labor getting the Moment, a classic Stevens 47, shipshape—and the result can be your special vessel for a proposal, “weddingmoon,” or just a few hours of gliding on southwesterly breezes in sheltered Provincetown Harbor. Captain, chef, and ordained minister Craig Hawley takes the helm for most charters and will cater to your whims, whether you want to moor and swim or lounge and savor lobster guacamole. Up to six people can enjoy a two-, four-, or six-hour cruise; one or two couples can book a 48-hour jaunt that includes time ashore in Wellfleet and Plymouth before they’re rocked to sleep in their private staterooms. Provincetown, MA. 347-857-7245; momentsailing.com

In their playful banter, their devotion to preserving nautical traditions, and their obvious care for the 83-foot Mystic Whaler and its guests, husbandand-wife captains John Eginton and Pat Beck set the tone for every sailing. And no boat in the region undertakes a more diverse lineup for all tastes and budgets: A luncheon, sunset, lobster dinner, or Sunday brunch cruise is an easy way to get out on the water, while two-to-five-night themed trips with enticing ports of call like Block Island and Jamestown and bright, comfortable cabin accommodations make a sailcation attractive. This 52-year-old tall ship, modeled after a late-1800s cargo schooner, docks steps from New London’s train station, so even carless city dwellers have no excuse for staying ashore. New London, CT. 800-6978420; mysticwhalercruises.com

Winds are moody on Lake Champlain, and that makes sailing a challenge and a treat for captain Hannah Langsdale and her crew. Langsdale owns Friend Ship , a replica of a 1901 lobstering sloop, which departs two to five times daily for private charters and two-hour public tours on New England’s most lore-rich lake. Dangle your feet in the water and listen to tales of battles fought on Champlain before, during, and after the American Revolution. Never mind that a rumored sea monster lurks beneath the surface: You’ll feel carefree and inspired, especially late in the day, when the sun sinks behind the Adirondacks, turning clouds into wisps of ruddy-purple fire. Burlington, VT. 802-825-7245; whistlingman.com

CONNECTICUT Bruce Museum

1 Museum Dr. • Greenwich, CT 203-869-0376 brucemuseum.org

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main St. • Essex, CT 860-767-8269 ctrivermuseum.org

Mystic Seaport Museum

75 Greenmanville Ave. • Mystic, CT 860-572-0711 mysticseaport.org

Nature’s Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. Montville, CT 860-443-4367 naturesartvillage.com

Quinnipiac University

3011 Whitney Ave. • Hamden, CT 203-582-6500 ighm.org

MAINE Camden Premier Inns Camden, ME camdeninns.com/yankee

Pejepscot History Center 159 Park Row • Brunswick, ME 207-729-6606 pejepscothistorical.org

MASSACHUSETTS

Emily Dickinson Museum 280 Main St. • Amherst, MA 413-665-2805 emilydickinsonmuseum.org

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens 281 Greenfield Rd. • South Deerfield, MA 413-665-2805 magicwings.com

Memorial Hall Museum 8 Memorial St. • Deerfield, MA 413-774-3768 deerfield-ma.org

The Mount Edith Wharton’s Home 2 Plunkett St. • Lenox, MA 413-551-5111 edithwharton.org

Russell Orchards, Farm & Winery 143 Argilla Rd. • Ipswich, MA 978-356-5366 russellorchards.com

Salem Witch Museum 19-1/2 Washington Sq. • Salem, MA 978-744-1692 salemwitchmuseum.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE White Mountains Visitors Center 200 Kancamagus Hwy. • N. Woodstock, NH 603-745-8720 visitwhitemountains.com

Family-owned farm and unique store featuring their own produce, local goodies, and ice cream. Animal barnyard, u-pick fruits in season. Specializing in award-winning fruit wines, with wine tastings Friday-Sunday. From-scratch bakery serving cider donuts and fruit pies. A beloved tradition for families and a must-see destination. 978-356-5366 www.russellorchards.com

MA

Sat & Sun

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a wonderful place to escape, explore and create unforgettable memories. Experience towering peaks, stunning scenery, spectacular waterfalls, limitless recreation and 17 legendary attractions that have provided a lifetime of memories and cheer for generations of visitors.