Marinalife

New England has long been a paradise for boaters, with its mix of historic harbors, rugged coastlines and picturesque seaside villages. While places like Newport and Martha’s Vineyard often steal the spotlight, there’s a world of lesser-known anchorages, charming waterfront towns and must-see maritime festivals waiting to be discovered.

Imani Black doesn’t look like a traditional Chesapeake Bay waterman. She’s in her early 30s, a woman and African American. Yet, she embodies a waterman — a time- honored title for someone who makes their living oystering, crabbing, net fishing, eeling and more on this seafood- filled estuary. Born and raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Black’s family has a long history of watermen from Rock Hall, Cambridge and Crisfield, dating back over 200 years. “I grew up on the water,” says Black.

Exploring the tri-state area is sure to keep mariners busy. Its glacially sculpted namesake — Long Island — borders the south, with Connecticut along the northern shores and the Big Apple shining from the west. This 100-mile tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean stuns boaters from working waterfronts to quiet coves and everything in between. Starting from New York City, embark on this journey along the East River into the Long Island Sound to Connecticut.

The multi-faceted Chesapeake Bay is without doubt one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. For the energetic folks who want to “go and do,” you will find an abundance of historical sights dating back to the 17th century, festivals nearly every weekend, museums galore and crabs prepared every which way. For laid-back types who prefer to just “be,” spacious anchorages and wildlife refuges line the shores.

Bays and harbors reach into vibrant villages and hamlets on Long Island. Surviving mansions from the Gilded Age (think The Great Gatsby) and esteemed yacht clubs lend a nostalgic air to the North Shore. The North Fork is chock-full of farms and wineries; the South Fork is known for affluent seaside destinations and world-class fishing. Everywhere, you’ll find crowd-pleasing events, museums, beaches and parks.

The Chesapeake Bay is a spectacular cruising ground covering more than 64,000 square miles along the Mid-Atlantic and home to 150 major rivers and streams. The Chesapeake region offers tons of options for boaters from urban areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to smaller historic towns like Oxford and St. Michaels. The vibrant tiki bars, fresh seafood, historic sites and waterfront events will keep you busy.

With a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty, the New England coastline boasts an array of must-see boater destinations. Starting from Montauk, the easternmost point of Long Island, cruise to popular destinations in New England. ‍ ‍ This quintessential beach town stretches across miles of coastline lined with vintage boutiques and exquisite cuisine. Montauk, or “The End” as locals call it, has morphed from fisherman’s enclave to a polished surf town.

We dreamed about a week-long boat trip exploring some of the finest passages, harbors and islands in the world. When we explored Maine’s legendary coast from Rockland to Mount Desert Island, it became our best cruise ever. Captain Greg and I boarded our sailboat charter, a 1990 Sabre (made in Maine) Lucky Dog in Rockland. We were happy to zip through town just as the popular August Maine Lobster Fest parade was finishing.

Discover Connecticut, New York City, Long Island and the New Jersey coasts this summer. Go beyond the mainstream to the hidden gem destinations, activities and events that make for an extra memorable day trip or part of a more extended cruise. ‍ ‍ DOCK, DINE & WINE One of the best places to dine with a waterfront view of the New York City skyline is in New Jersey.

Whether you admire National Harbor from an aerial perspective from the 180-foot- tall Capital Wheel or from the deck of your boat, the view is always unmatched. National Harbor Marina is situated along the Chesapeake Bay where the tranquility of the Potomac River meets the liveliness of Washington, D.C. The marina offers 81 floating docks just steps away from tons of attractions.