Schooner & Sailboat Cruises in New England

To a great extent, much of New England history and culture is washed by the waters of the world’s oceans – from the arrival of the Mayflower on the shores of Cape Cod, MA in 1620 to the departures of whaling vessels from the docks of New Bedford, MA, to every corner of the world. An absolutely memorable New England adventure is a cruise along the region’s bays, coves, and rocky coasts on a schooner or other sailing vessel. Sailing ships along the coast – starting, at the northward tip, with the majestic windjammers of Maine -- offer cruises of a few hours to a few days.

A Schooner Cruise Along the New England Coast is the Height of an Authentic Adventure

With the wind at your back, schooners and other similar-sized vessels – variations include sloop, cutter, and ketch – carry you and your family and friends on a breezy coastal tour, with views of bustling harbors, fishermen at work, remote mansions, lighthouses, rocky shores and islands, seals, bald eagles, and other magnificent ships. A boat ride on a schooner is a wonderful and so-New England way to host a family reunion, wedding celebration, or simply an adventure among work friends. In most cases, the passengers can be involved and support the crew in a variety of ways like adjusting the sails (sometimes even taking control of the helm). As with any good tour, your captain and crew will describe the history of the area and most likely come up with a few salty tales of the sea, touching on real stories of wrecks, rum runners, and pirates. A schooner cruise could very well be the peak – and most authentic -- experience of your New England vacation.