When spending the summer in New England, most megayacht owners and charter clients think of Newport, Nantucket, and ports in Maine. But there is so much more to discover and enjoy. We asked Ann Lagasse, owner of Ocean Havens waterfront destinations in Massachusetts, why her home of the Bay State deserves more attention. Therefore, “3 Days by Superyacht in the Bay State” focus on her favorite destinations of Boston, Provincetown, and Gloucester Harbor. They’re in close proximity to each other—50 miles, to be exact—but, Lagasse asserts, the experiences at each are worlds apart.
BOSTON
I recommend starting in Boston, since Logan International Airport and Hanscom Field in Bedford offer easy access from commercial and private aircraft. The city won’t disappoint. One of the most historic cities in the United States, Boston is beautiful, friendly, and walkable. Even if you have come to Boston in the past, do not write it off. The city continues to grow and offers surprising new experiences.
Our guests love the central location and services at the Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina in the North End, a.k.a. Little Italy section. A short walk from the marina brings you to Hanover Street, the main thoroughfare, where Italian restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and grocers surround you. Here, too, you can start the Freedom Trail, which takes you to Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church, and Bunker Hill. A new museum, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, is a hit for patriots of all ages, where you can dump tea in Boston Harbor. Stop by James Hook & Co., practically next door, for the “Best Lobster Roll” in the city.
The list of iconic sites to visit is endless: Fenway Park, the country’s oldest ballpark; the Museum of Fine Arts; and Harvard Square and Art Museum. A quick tender across the harbor to Yacht Haven’s sister marina, Fan Pier Marina, takes you to the new Seaport district, with excellent restaurants and fun night life.
PROVINCETOWN
After the big-city charm of Boston, head south for day two by superyacht in the Bay State to Provincetown. It’s on the tip of Cape Cod. The journey itself is exciting, since you’re sure to encounter whales and dolphins.
Using the newly renovated Provincetown Marina (above) as your base, you’ll see why Provincetown is known for its beautiful beaches (a quick tender ride), welcoming restaurants, and amazing art galleries. As America’s oldest continuous art colony, Ptown is a favorite LGBTQ destination, celebrating individuality and freedom of expression. We have enjoyed clambakes on the beach courtesy of Art’s Dune Tours. Crews especially like taking the pedicabs, which whisk them to Commercial Street to enjoy the restaurants and bars. The Pedal Ptown Bike Tour is a fun adventure to Race Point, too, one of the top beaches in the country. A new funicular brings guests up to the Pilgrim Monument and Museum, where you learn the history of the pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. Most of my clients leave Provincetown with shopping bags and new pieces of art, a sign of a great destination.
GLOUCESTER HARBOR
Move on to anchor in Gloucester Harbor (above), with its historic waterfront and active commercial-fishing community. Take a short tender ride to Smith Cove, and spend a fun lunch or dinner at the Studio Restaurant in the heart of the eclectic Rocky Neck Art Colony. Visit the Gloucester marine railway, the oldest continuously operating marine railway in the country. Our clients enjoyed a tender ride up the picturesque Annisquam River and around the coast to Rockport as well. Straight out of Central Casting, Rockport Harbor is home of the legendary Motif No. 1 (top), arguably the most painted building in the United States. It’s definitely one of America’s coveted destinations.
Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina thebostonyachthaven.com
Fan Pier Marina fanpiermarina.com
Provincetown Marina ptownmarina.com
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