{"id":44494,"date":"2015-02-28T01:25:52","date_gmt":"2015-02-28T06:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=44494"},"modified":"2023-05-09T16:37:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T20:37:31","slug":"new-england-charter-a-blissful-backyard-romp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/new-england-charter-blissful-backyard-romp\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Charter: A Blissful Backyard Romp"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Sailboat <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Rhode Island’s Sakonnet Point served as a scenic backdrop on day one of the charter.<\/span>\n Paul Rezendes<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Our first full-time experience aboard a boat larger than a skiff in waters off the tiny state of Rhode Island<\/a>, where we live, work and play, went something like this: Capt. Bo van der Zanden steered us into quiet anchorages and gave my husband, Derek Luke, a fishing rod to see if he could catch dinner; chef Tory Peters served us plate-licking meals and cleaned the dishes nonstop; we met new friends; we kayaked into Menemsha Pond on Martha\u2019s Vineyard; and we saw some incredible views only a few nautical miles from our front door. Sound uncomplicated? It should. These activities were quite possibly the most drama-free we could have experienced during our crewed charter aboard the Jeanneau 53 Zuma<\/i>. Since Derek and I are small-business owners in Newport, Rhode Island, we run ourselves ragged as the responsible problem-solvers in our respective fields \u2014 beer and rum brewing and publishing \u2014 and are unaccustomed to indulgence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our sailing experience had been limited to pleasure cruises around Narragansett Bay and a couple of deliveries I did a lifetime ago. But when fresh sushi was served for lunch and later, bottles of my favorite pinot noir were uncorked for dinner in the airy cockpit at the start of this trip last September, we were happy to subscribe to Zuma<\/i>‘s ways, as well as the crewed charter ideology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow can you not have a good time out here?\u201d Tory asked with a smile, pointing to the endless horizon of Rhode Island\u2019s coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could not (and would not) argue, so I settled into a lovely, relaxing routine of, well, enjoying every moment. We’d plotted an easy course from Zuma<\/i>‘s summer berth in the waterfront village of Wickford on the mainland, out of Narragansett Bay and east toward the Sakonnet River, planning to anchor at Third Beach in Middletown on Aquidneck Island, before heading to Cuttyhunk, the fourth largest of the Elizabeth Islands off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We were eager to follow a flexible itinerary, to let the winds take us where they would for the three-night, four-day charter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Fishing <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n A crewed charter offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in activities that might not fit in your normal schedule. Derek Luke tries his hand at fishing during his four-day charter.<\/span>\n Annie Sherman<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Casting off, cocktails that we fortified with Derek\u2019s signature product, Thomas Tew Rum, were firmly in hand. As is customary, Derek had trouble sitting still \u2014 hence the fishing rod. So while he entertained himself, I closed my eyes and let the sun kiss my cheeks as Bo hooked a soft southerly out of the bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Derek stowed the fishing rod and asked to drive for a bit, which prompted a sailing lesson. He peppered Bo with questions about boat speed, wind direction and electronics. The gracious captain didn\u2019t seem to mind. After all, we had time on our side and the wind behind us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost charter guests are done with the sailing element after the first hour. But the guests who enjoy sailing and want to get involved, well, that\u2019s better and more fun,\u201d Bo said. \u201cThis boat is ideal for people who enjoy sailing but still like to be taken care of.\u201d So it appeared that we had the best of both worlds: a weekend in which I could relax and enjoy stress-free time aboard, with a crew who could engage my hyperactive husband. Perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zuma<\/i> herself was indeed a good lesson for us newbies, and we quickly learned that she’s a comfortable floating hotel with two capable attendants. Launched in 2013, she is a neophyte in the charter fleet, and is now represented by the brokerage Nicholson Yachts Worldwide, based in Newport. At 53 feet, she sleeps four guests comfortably, two in the forward master suite plus two in an aft guest suite. The bright cabin feels gigantic, with plush leather and large ports at the waterline, a galley about the size of our own kitchen and separate crew quarters. “We have to be quite intimate with people on this size yacht,” Bo said, “but there’s plenty of room, and more often than not, guests are topside taking in the activities. She sails nicely too, and as soon as there’s a puff of wind, she just goes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Cuttyhunk <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Peaceful Cuttyhunk Pond is a popular anchorage during the summer months.<\/span>\n Paul Rezendes<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

And that she did. Derek drove; 8 knots of wind in the bay picked up to 16 as we rounded Beavertail Point on Conanicut Island heading east, hugging the shoreline past Sachuest Point on Aquidneck Island. \u201cIt is really lovely to sail this,\u201d Bo said as he took the wheel, relishing the breeze. \u201cThe wind is fluky around here, so we\u2019re following it, just cruising.\u201dLess than 14 nautical miles from our starting point, Third Beach, on the banks of the Sakonnet River in Middletown, came into sight. Though this voyage was intended as an escape, I was content to return to this familiar spot for the night: I was raised nearby, and the beach is not far from our Newport home, so I walk it weekly. We saved the jaunt ashore for the next morning, however. Our first evening aboard Zuma<\/i> was for dropping anchor within view of my parents\u2019 house on the bluff, calling them to brag about how lucky we were and popping open that bottle of wine as the sun cast a brilliant orange glow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That was Tory\u2019s cue. While the fishing resumed and I tried to photograph the sunset, she was down below whipping together a fine three-course meal: macadamia nut-encrusted scallops with zucchini, oysters and Portobello mushrooms, and saut\u00e9ed ginger salmon with red peppers and sugar snap peas. Apparently I had written on our pre-charter preferences questionnaire that we loved seafood and veggies, wine and rum. And homemade chocolate cake for dessert, because that came next, a la mode. Not one to sit idle, Derek set the table, and we all dined in the saloon happy as could be. After the feast, we retired to our royal cabin and let Zuma<\/i> rock us to sleep as the stars twinkled through the hatch overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Sakonnet <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Zuma<\/em>‘s relaxed itinerary included a stop on the Sakonnet River, Cuttyhunk island and Martha’s Vineyard.<\/span>\n Shannon Cain Tumino<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

The next morning, we all took the dinghy to the beach for a quick walk. It was a cold, wet ride back to Zuma<\/i> in 15 knots before we motored out of the cove, with Cuttyhunk our destination. Luckily the sun escorted us for the rest of day. \u201cIt\u2019s a little bit chilly, a bit choppy. A true New England sailing experience,\u201d Bo said, laughing. \u201cWe just need some fog now.\u201d After enjoying eggs Benny in the cockpit, Derek hoisted the jib, I winched up the main and Bo cut the motor, gingerly guiding us along the shore at 7 knots. We soon spotted Cuttyhunk, 15 miles away, right where the wind was coming from. \u201cJust our luck,\u201d Bo said. \u201cIf we were going to Block Island, the wind would undoubtedly be coming from that direction too.\u201d No matter. We were here to go sailing, and sail was what we intended to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we approached the shipping channel at Buzzards Bay, Bo explained that the incoming current was against the tide and the northeast wind, making the seas confused. But Zuma<\/i>\u2019s sharp bow and gently rounded beam allow her to cut through waves better than other boats her size, so our chariot wouldn\u2019t be uncomfortably bouncy, he said. Luckily, we were content to chill. With my sea legs beneath me as I nestled into the cozy cockpit, Derek remained determined to catch dinner while holding on to the rail.”Oh, look at that lovely little beach over there,” Tory said as we closed in on Cuttyhunk a few hours later. \u201cThat looks like a nice place to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I directed my gaze where she was pointing. \u201cIsn\u2019t that where we\u2019re going?\u201d I eagerly asked. Indeed it was, but we had a few more tacks to make before passing Penikese Island and rounding in to Cuttyhunk Pond with the genoa aloft. Delicious smells soon wafted up from the galley, but Tory made us wait until we anchored to devour her rosemary roasted chicken with potatoes. We dined on deck, enjoying our new view and watching the other cruisers capitalizing on southern New England\u2019s warm autumn weather. There was a calm vibe here, yet we all knew we must pack every moment in before the fall frost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Jeanneau <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Zuma<\/em>, a 2013 Jeanneau 53<\/span>\n Marianne G. Lee<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

That afternoon, Bo took Derek and me in to shore to look around, and on the way, we noticed our neighbors relaxing on deck, with cups of coffee and books. Ashore, we wandered through this sleepy island of less than a square mile, with shingle-sided houses, where 52 year-round residents drive golf carts and shutter their seasonal businesses after Labor Day. Heading up to Joe\u2019s Bunker, a former U.S. Navy lookout, we enjoyed panoramic views from the island\u2019s highest point. The fog rolled in quickly, just as Bo had requested. As we headed back to Zuma<\/i>, he said rain was coming, so it might be a wet night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back aboard, I hopped into our cabin\u2019s stall shower. It was pouring rain by the time I was clean and eagerly awaiting another great meal. What is it about sailing and all this fresh air that made me so ravenous? I never got my answer. But I did get an heirloom cherry- and sangria-tomato salad with basil, cheese and olive oil, with scallop and shrimp pappardelle pasta, and for dessert, cheesecake. \u201cPretty much everything I make is an experiment. I just go to the farmers markets and throw a fresh meal together,\u201d Tory said. \u201cThat\u2019s one of the best parts of being in Wickford for the summer \u2014 access to fresh local seafood, veggies and meats.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Dinner <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Chef Tory Peters whipped up delicious meals.<\/span>\n Annie Sherman<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

The next morning brought bright blue skies and a howling 20-knot wind. While Derek woke early for a knot-tying lesson, the banana pancakes and freshly squeezed juice were my alarm clock. After another jaunt ashore so Derek could kiteboard, we motored toward Martha\u2019s Vineyard and dropped anchor at Menemsha Bight, off the entrance to Menemsha Pond. The wind had died and the sun was heating up by midday, so after fish tacos and lure tying, we took Zuma<\/i>\u2019s inflatable two-person kayak for a spin into Menemsha Pond. We were able to float most of the way back, letting the ripping current carry us out past sunbathers and fishermen on the beach and tourists licking ice cream.I thought it was a mirage when I spotted a lovely spread of creamy Camembert and chevre cheeses awaiting us in the cockpit. Good cheese is another favorite that I had noted on our preference sheet, and which Tory had heeded, and it was just the thing to put me into a trance while lounging in the sun. Grilled New York sirloin and corn on the cob were on the menu, with red wine and a special panna cotta for our last night aboard, which was also a celebration of Derek\u2019s upcoming 39th birthday. We dined again in the cockpit, telling stories and watching the stars, reminded while looking for a blanket how chilly it can be at night here, despite the day\u2019s heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Bo <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Captain Bo van der Zanden gives Derek instruction on the helm.<\/span>\n Annie Sherman<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

After all the paddling, hiking and fresh air, not surprisingly I slept like a baby as the light waves tapped Zuma<\/i>\u2019s hull. But Derek was up at dawn to cast his fishing line again \u2014 and this time he had company. Men in kayaks floated around the pond\u2019s entrance, and the breachway was littered with fishermen. I don\u2019t think Derek had as much luck as they did, but he did catch a small red gurnard fish, which wasn\u2019t edible, so he threw it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the hungry fisherman and the rest of the crew, bacon and eggs were served for breakfast, with fresh juice from Tory\u2019s fruit press, as morning bloomed into full sun. For the sail home, Bo prepared the Code Zero. \u201cIt unfurls like a kite and you have to pull as fast as you can,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cWe don\u2019t need the mainsail, as it\u2019ll block all the wind. Now we\u2019re going as fast as we were with the motor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Buzzards <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The view up Buzzards Bay from a high point on Cuttyhunk looks over Penikese Island.<\/span>\n Mark Pillsbury<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

The slight current and outgoing tide carried us out past the Elizabeth Islands again, and as the mainland hove into view 10 miles away, the 5- to 10-knot breeze proved a little too variable for the code zero. Half a mile from the Buzzards Bay buoy, we stopped going forward. \u201cThis is not the angry sea we sailed through on the way over,\u201d Derek noted. So on went the motor, and it stayed on for most of our return to Wickford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Annie <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The author, Annie Sherman, and her husband, Derek Luke, enjoyed ever-changing views during meals in the cockpit.<\/span>\n Courtesy of Annie Sherman<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

After lunch, we spotted the Newport bridge span on the horizon, and though we knew home was so close, we didn\u2019t pull into Zuma<\/i>\u2019s dock until dusk, after cruising up Narragansett Bay\u2019s East Passage. \u201cIt\u2019s almost like coming back home here now, like pulling into your driveway. It\u2019s all familiar,\u201d said Tory. \u201cNewport and Wickford are two of the top friendliest ports we\u2019ve ever been to. The locals gave us the jackets off their backs, their cars for running errands, and really welcomed us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Night falls on Narragansett Bay<\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

We didn\u2019t want to leave, so we did the next best thing by inviting our new friends to Derek\u2019s birthday dinner at our home, vowing to visit them in their winter port in the Caribbean. We couldn\u2019t shake the permanent smiles and relaxation that had overcome us in just four short days by letting someone else take care of us. After a charter like that, it\u2019s no wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For details about chartering Zuma<\/i>, contact Nicholson Yachts Worldwide<\/a>. Other brokers who book bareboat and crewed charters include: Ed Hamilton & Co.<\/a> Virgin Island Sailing, Ltd.<\/a> Ocean Charters<\/a> For more about chartering and companies, consult the charter section<\/a> of the Cruising World<\/i> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annie Sherman is a writer, editor and the author of Legendary Locals of Newport. Her husband, Derek Luke, is a co-founder of Coastal Extreme Brewing Co. in Newport, Rhode Island. This article first appeared in the March 2015 issue of Cruising World.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A four-day crewed charter aboard a well-appointed Jeanneau 53 in southern New England is just the thing to put a young, career-driven couple at ease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28793,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Annie Sherman","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"20150228","hydra_display_updated":false,"arc_story_id":"IC2KG7LC5LLYSZTAWYWZMKBASE","arc_website_url":"new-england-charter-blissful-backyard-romp\/","arc_subtype":"right-sidebar","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"ad_targeting":"","sponsored_image":false,"sponsored_url":"","social_share":true},"categories":[161],"tags":[169,1917,205,588],"class_list":["post-44494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-charter","tag-charter","tag-charter-planning","tag-destinations","tag-new-england"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44494"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44494\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}