Martha’s Vineyard & the Cape Cod Islands, New England, USA hosted by Narragansett Sailing School
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Rob Lawnsby

Let’s go to Martha’s Vineyard and the Cape Cod Islands. Captained by ASA instructor who has sailed these waters for over 30 years. September is the BEST month to see these quaint New England villages. We will stay in the harbors of Cuttyhunk and Vineyard Haven, plus visit some of the historical towns in Rhode Island including Newport and Bristol. You can count on incredible seafood, lots of history, and fabulous winds for sailing.

Martha’s Vineyard

Playground of presidents, film location of “Jaws”, and burial place of John Belushi. This area has fascinating history, has a very eclectic mix of lifestyles and interesting people, and wonderful harbors to either relax with tranquility or party with the best of them. You will not be bored.

Martha’s Vineyard is one of a cluster of islands formed when the last glacier halted 10,000 years ago. Lots of rocks around here, and fog, some very strong currents and 20 miles of ocean to get there. You need to know what you are doing. All that said, it is one of the most special cruising grounds in the United States. If you love seafood you will be in heaven!

The gateway to the area is Cuttyhunk Harbor. Getting to Cuttyhunk from Narragansett Bay is straightforward with little current and few ways to get into trouble. From our base it Barrington it is 35 miles, so it is a full day, but not an exhausting one. If you break it up with an overnight near Newport it is an easy hop.

Your Flotilla Leader

Rob Lawnsby. Twice awarded ‘Instructor of the year’ he has been sailing these waters for over 30 years. He lives year-round on his 35’ boat in Rhode Island, and has cruised extensively all along the Eastern Seaboard and the Bahamas.

Flotilla Itineraryactual itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and/or other circumstances beyond our control

1Day One, SaturdayAt the marina getting organized

You arrive at the charter base In Barrington, RI during the day and get checked out. Stay at the slip, get provisioned with the grocery store a few steps away, go the marina swimming pool, look over the charts, and get organized for the morning departure. Clambake that late afternoon is included and we’ll have a nice presentation of what to expect during the week including chart briefing.

2Day Two, SundaySail To Cuttyhunk

Up and at ‘em early and take off. Mornings in Narragansett Bay are usually calm winds, so you motor down the bay, over to the Sakonett River, and down to the ocean. The winds start to pick up around 11:00 which is about when you turn towards the island where Cuttyhunk is located. You have a broad reach up and over the ocean swells and arrive at the island around 3:00 PM. You pick up a mooring (they have about 50 of them inside the harbor and about 20 outside.) Cuttyhunk is a completely protected harbor and the land that time forgot. One room schoolhouse, cell coverage is weak, seafood market on the main pier with the freshest seafood anywhere, and a delightful village to explore. This was a village before Plymouth colony was founded in 1620.

3Day Three, Monday Vineyard Haven

We wander out of Cuttyhunk to the Vineyard. We must head down a bit of Buzzards Bay to “Quicks Hole” to cross between the islands to get to Vineyard Sound. This a pounding wet (long) passage to Vineyard Haven. We have already checked and the tides will be in our favor today! This town is the commercial center of the island. With the normal Southwest winds it is comfortable harbor. Lots of moorings to rent outside the breakwater. Inside the breakwater the harbormaster (channel 9) may be able to accommodate you with a mooring, or there are slips at the Black Dog Wharf or Vineyard Haven Marina for about $5/foot. This is a tourist town. Lots of restaurants, shopping, grocery store, as well as the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. This is an interesting place to just sit on the boat and watch the ferries, classic boats, and all manner of harbor activities going on. Only an 18” tide here, 4 feet in Newport, and 8 feet in Boston. Go figure.

4Day Four, TuesdayMenemsha

Now for something different. How about a sleepy little harbor/village with complete protection, but with a wonderful sandy beach! A place that makes Cuttyhunk look like a big city. Maybe I am exaggerating, but Menemsha is a special place. Menemsha is part of the town of Chilmark, and is the remote end of the island. It is where much of the filming of Jaws took place, and not far from the Gay Head lighthouse. It has a seafood market that will steam you up some lobster and clams and you feast on their picnic table. You can take your dingy to Menemsha pond, or rent bicycles and wander around.

5Day Five, WednesdayBack to Narragansett Bay and Newport

Newport is the next destination and it is about a 25 mile sail from Menemsha in the Atlantic. Almost no current in this leg, so it is an easy trip. We will arrive in Newport Mid-Afternoon and pick up a mooring. So much to see and do here. Tour a mansion or two, hit a museum, taste the cuisine, or just gawk at the boats in the harbor. Some folks may want to spend two days here and then catch up with us in Bristol.

6Day Six, ThursdayTo Bristol

Only 10 miles up the bay from Newport, so a just a short sail. If I am going to spend a day or two in Narragansett Bay, my choice would be in Bristol or in Potter’s Cove near Bristol. Bristol is not a tourist town; it is an interesting mix of history, great restaurants, interesting architecture, and a wonderful maritime museum. It would be very easy to spend several days here. …and my goodness Quito’s restaurant has SUCH good seafood!

7Day Seven, FridayPotter’s Cove

Potter’s Cove is across from Bristol on Prudence Island. It is nestled in a nature sanctuary with walking paths and, well; nature! Go swimming here, or clamming on the gravelly beach. I personally spend more time at Potter’s Cove than anywhere on the bay as I love the tranquility and serenity if offers.

8Day Eight, SaturdayBack to home base

Time to head back to home base in Barrington. From Bristol or Potter’s Cove it is about an hour and a half back to Barrington and planned arrival is about noon. Pull right up to the fuel dock and our crew will meet you and get you squared away. You can spend the night at the marina or head off that evening depending on your schedule.

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