Sample Itinerary – 14 days
Day One: Join the yacht in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon arrival you can see Hammersmith Farm in the distance where John F. Kennedy and Jackie had their wedding reception. Venture ashore and tour some of the extraordinary mansions, or maybe the International Restoration School located on Spring Wharf. Take a ride around the harbor or just relax on board while your crew plans some activities for the young ones to include a visit at the local fudge factory. Choose to dine aboard or at one of the many fine local restaurants.
Day Two: Voyage to Long Island Sound for a 4 hour cruise to the Mystic River Seaport. Relax on the boat deck as you head up the Mystic River. Just beyond the Mystic Bridge the river opens up to embrace the classic harbor of another century. More than a harbor, Mystic Seaport is a living museum and maritime shrine to gladden and enrich the heart of even the most jaded sailor. Classic wood boats are restored to pristine condition. Walk aboard the whaler, Charles W. Morgan, or visit the cobblestone seafaring village filled with many rustic shops. There is one of the finest nautical libraries in existence here, along with a planetarium masthead carver, boat builders, chantry singers all of which form a kaleidoscope of vintage maritime delights. Enjoy a full day of activities while dockside in this beautiful seaport.
Day Three: Depart the Mystic River Seaport for the nine hour cruise to New York City. After docking at the Chelsea Pier complex in Manhattan on the Hudson River, venture ashore to take in some of the sights that make this such a spectacular city. Take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building or maybe a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Choose to dine at one of the many sidewalk cafes in Little Italy, or take a stroll through Chinatown. If you are into shopping this is the place to do it. Shops and boutiques are abundant– all within a short walk from the yacht. While you are ashore, allow your crew to take the kids to the Chelsea Recreation Complex located right at the marina, with batting cages, video games, and horseback riding.
Day Four: After lunch depart New York for the four hour cruise to Atlantic City. Once tied up at the marina adjacent to the Trump Marina Hotel Casino, take the short drive to the famous Atlantic City boardwalk with four miles of beachfront hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Anyone who plays Monopoly is familiar with the names of it’s streets, and visitors from all over flock to tan in the sun on its wide white beach. Relax back on the yacht after an exciting day on the beachfront while your chef prepares a ” Lobster Feast”.
Day Five: Depart Atlantic City and steam towards Cape May, the most southern point on the Jersey coast. The short run through the inlet to this small fishing town will take you back in time. It’s Victorian past can be seen everywhere in what is probably the largest collection of period houses in the country. Small ginger bread houses stand close beside huge showpieces, all of which have been preserved and restored. Curlicue porches and crowded dormers have been rebuilt on houses within walking distance of Cape Island Creek’s marinas and restaurants. Take a bike ride to the boardwalk to do some shopping, or walk along the wide white beach. Allow your crew to plan a fishing trip in the tender. Once back at the yacht the chef will prepare your fresh catch.
Day Six: Today’s ten hour cruise takes you to Annapolis, the city with a small town’s heart. This is the state capital and the architecture of the waterfront and town’s center reflects a proud and long heritage. Vigorous efforts are made to keep the town’s colonial atmosphere in tact. Something is always going on here–whether it is live music, an art festival or a boat show. The United States Naval Academy entertains crowds with boisterous football games in the Fall and large sailing ships are at anchor in the harbor every summer. Tour the State House, where the first drafts of the constitution were written by George Washington, or visit the Naval Academy which is open to the public. The six acre botanical garden, Helen Eva Lynne Taws, is also a short drive away. Have dinner aboard or ashore at one of the many great restaurants specializing in Chesapeake Bay crabs and seafood.
Day Seven: After breakfast kick back as you steam southbound for Norfolk. Once dockside at the Waterside Marina, take a walk in the nearby mall or tour the battleship Wisconsin, located next to the Navel Museum. This battleship was responsible for the launching of Tomahawk missiles in the Persian Gulf War. Visit the Virginia Zoological Park or take a walk through the MacArthur Memorial.
Day Eight: Today’s adventure starts with a short run down the Intra-coastal Waterway to the beginning of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Construction of the twenty-two mile long canal began in 1793 and took 12 years of slave labor to complete. It is the oldest continually operating manmade canal in the United States. The canal served as a major commercial artery until it was badly damaged in the Civil War. By the late 1920’s commercial traffic was once again using the canal. Now, close to a century later recreational boaters cruise past a number of historical sites. Near the Virginia- North Carolina border is the famous “Halfway House Hotel” which was the spot for duels, and hide out for criminals on the run. It is the spot that the author, Edgar Allen Poe wrote The Raven. The four hour cruise brings you to Elizabeth City were you will dock at the picturesque Marina’s Wharf, located in the heart of the historic district, with parks, restaurants, and shops all in walking distance.
Day Nine: Wake to the sound of the yacht in motion as you steam towards the Historic Beaufort Waterfront. Founded in 1709, this charming city preserves traces of its nautical history as a backdrop to a thriving modern boating center. Take a ride in the tender to nearby Carrot Island to see some wild horses or, take a stroll along the docks which are lines with many shops and pubs.
Day Ten: Today’s destination can be Wilmington. Once docked on the cities vibrant waterfront, take a stroll ashore to check out over 40 restaurants and 200 specialty shops. You can see a battleship, museums, beautiful gardens, and a battlefield. Take a tour of the Orion Mansion or Clarendon Plantation.
Day Eleven: Relax and take in some sun on the upper deck as you head towards Bald Head Island on the Cape Fear River. This exclusive island, accessible only by water, is known worldwide for it’s championship golf course. It has fifteen miles of pristine white beaches and acres of marshes great for canoeing, kayaking, clamming and bird watching.
Day Twelve: Take in one final look as you depart and head towards Myrtle Beach just six hours away. After docking at the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club walk up to the poolside bar and grille for a refreshing drink or take the short drive to one of the many golf courses near by. Once back on board, join the rest of the guests for a barbeque.
Day Thirteen: Today’s destination is Charleston. Founded in 1670 by the British, Charles Towne soon received a band of French Huguenots who imparted the Creole flavor that still colors the city. Today Charleston is a city of pastel houses and tidy brick-walled gardens in the area are worth touring. White Point Gardens along the waterfront by the battery are particularly fine. If exercise is your thing, take a drive to one of the nearby courses to do some golfing or try some kayaking on the Ashley River. Take a horse drawn carriage ride or dine at one of the many legendary restaurants for which the city is known.
Day Fourteen: Depart Charleston and steam towards Hilton Head South Carolina. Once there, dock at Harbor Town marina, which offers guest all the pampering and services one can imagine. Play golf at Harbor Town Golf Links or tennis at the Racquet Club. Explore five miles of sandy beaches, or just relax aboard steps away from scores of fine restaurants, shops, and lounges.
There are many anchorages on the Atlantic Intra-coastal Waterway for guests who prefer the peacefulness of being at anchor instead of being dockside in a marina. A custom tailored itinerary can be created to suit your needs. Running at night offshore is also an option for those who wish to explore the Carolinas but have a limited time do it.
(Thanks to International Yacht Collection for the above itinerary):
