January 18th, 2023
Yachting – the very word conjures images of the rugged New England coastline while the hull cleaves cleanly through the water.
There’s a reason for the connection between sport and geography: this is where America’s yachting history began. From Rhode Island to Maine and all points in between, we’ll explore some of the best New England summer 2023 events so you can plan your excursion.
What to do Summer 2023 Events:
CAPE COD MARITIME DAYS | CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS | SEPTEMBER 2023 | CAPECODXPLORE.COMThis annual event celebrates maritime history and culture. Cape Cod Maritime Days includes boat tours, boat building demonstrations, fishing clinics, lectures on maritime history, live music, and food.
This event is usually held in September and takes place in various locations around Cape Cod including the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center in Sandwich.
THE NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL | NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND | AUGUST 4-6, 2023 | NEWPORTJAZZ.ORGThe annual Newport Jazz Festival takes place in Newport, Rhode Island and features a lineup of jazz and related music, including blues, soul, and funk. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world and has been held every summer since 1954.
The Newport Jazz Festival is held at various venues around Newport, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Fort Adams State Park, and the Newport Casino. The festival attracts top musicians and music lovers from around the world and has featured performances by legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets for the festival typically go on sale in the spring.
MAINE LOBSTER FEST | ROCKLAND MAINE | AUGUST 3-7 2023 | MAINELOBSTERFESTIVAL.COMThe Maine Lobster Festival is an annual event that takes place in Rockland, Maine, a coastal town located on Penobscot Bay. The festival celebrates the lobster industry and features a variety of activities, including lobster dinners, cooking demonstrations, live music, and craft fairs. There are also carnival rides, games, and other entertainment for children.
FIGAWI SAILBOAT RACE | CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS | MAY 2023 | FIGAWI.COMThe Figawi Sailboat Race is an annual sailing event that starts in Hyannis and ends in Nantucket, with a stop in Martha’s Vineyard in between.
The Figawi Race is known for its challenging course and attracts sailors from all over New England. The race typically takes place on Memorial Day weekend and is open to sailors of all skill levels and features classes for different types of boats. In addition to the race, there are also social events, such as a kickoff party and a post-race awards ceremony.
NANTUCKET FILM FESTIVAL | NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS | JUNE 21-26 | NANTUCKETFILMFESTIVAL.ORGThe Nantucket Film Festival is an annual film festival that takes place on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. The festival is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the work of screenwriters and filmmakers, and it features a variety of film screenings, panel discussions, and special events.
The Nantucket Film Festival attracts top industry professionals and film lovers from around the world, and it features appearances by various actors, and directors.
Where To Go:Want to make the most of your New England excursion? There’s so much to see and do in the area that it can be challenging to fit it all in.
NEWPORT, RINewport, Rhode Island is a popular destination for boating and yachting, with its beautiful coastline and numerous marinas. It’s one of the nation’s most historic cities and it’s steeped in maritime lore (as well as colonial lore). You can explore the Cliff Walk, which is a National Recreation Trail that runs along the rugged coast, or hit Bannister’s Wharf for a bite to eat and a cocktail.
Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina: Full-service marina and concierge service on Goat Island. www.newporthotel.com
Newport Yachting Center: Full-service marina and on-site restaurant in the heart of downtown. www.newportyachtingcenter.com
Availability at these marinas can be limited, especially during peak season, so it’s best to book ahead of time.
BLOCK ISLAND, RIBlock Island covers just 25 square miles, but you’ll find plenty of things to explore. Block Island is dotted with picturesque lakes, historic landmarks, and 17 square miles of beach to enjoy.
Champlin’s Marina and Resort: One of New England’s largest resort marinas. www.champlinsresort.com
New Harbor Boat Basin: Full-service marina and ship’s store. www.newharborboatbasin.com
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MAMartha’s Vineyard is synonymous with relaxation and a popular getaway for the affluent for many years. Make sure to visit Edgartown for an elegant, old-time feel, and take in the sunset from Menemsha Beach. We also recommend a stop at the Black Dog Tavern located in Vineyard Haven if you want to enjoy some of the area’s best chowder.
Oak Bluffs Harbor: Largest marina on Martha’s Vineyard offers unrivaled access to the rest of the Island. www.oakbluffsmarina.com
Edgartown Harbor www.edgartownharbor.com
NANTUCKET, MANantucket is steeped in maritime history and whaling culture in particular. Make sure to stop in at the Whaling Museum while you’re there. If you’re looking for somewhere to buy unique toys, we recommend The Toy Boat. The White Elephant Hotel’s Brant Point Grill offers a great view over the harbor, as well as delightful seafood dishes.
Nantucket Boat Basin: A full-service marina located in historic Nantucket. www.nantucketboatbasin.com
Nantucket Moorings: 125 moorings available that can accommodate boats up to 85′ in length. www.nantucketmoorings.com
CUTTYHUNK , MACuttyhunk is just a bit south of Newport and within easy reach of Nantucket, too. It’s the southernmost tip of a stunning archipelago, and if you hike to the top, you can see the entire thing strung out to the northeast. Note that a fun pastime here is watching boats attempt to anchor in the small harbor, although the small town is prime for exploration.
Cuttyhunk Marina www.cuttyhunkmarina.net
BOSTON, MATime to explore Boston, one of the oldest cities in the US. It’s synonymous with seafaring and whaling, and you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do here. We recommend a visit to Quincy Market, as well as the New England Aquarium while you’re in town. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world, and the Union Oyster House is a must for any seafood lover.
Constitution Marina
In Boston’s Inner Harbor, with all the amenities you would expect at Boston’s Finest Marina www.constitutionmarina.com
Constitution Marina
A premier full-service marina in downtown Boston with facilities to accommodate everything from sailing vessels to mega-yachts. www.thebostonyachthaven.com