New England is America's answer to the great European cruising grounds: a compact, varied coastline where sailing heritage runs deeper than anywhere else in the United States. The classic circuit runs from Newport to Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
Newport is the spiritual home: the International Tennis Hall of Fame ashore, the sailing museums, and a harbour that has hosted the America's Cup. Block Island's Great Salt Pond is the beloved overnight, all mooring balls and beach bars.
Martha's Vineyard brings Edgartown's whaling-captain streetscapes, and Nantucket the Boat Basin marina at the heart of one of America's best-preserved historic towns. The crossing between them is proper open water, with fog a real consideration.
The verdict: the essential American cruise. Go in September for warm water, thin crowds and the best sailing breeze of the year.
Photography: Cutiepaj, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
