There’s a rich maritime tradition in the Constitution State: preppy, upscale yachting haunts sit side-by-side with a rustic boating and fishing heritage perched on some of New England’s finest coastline. At over 24 vessel registrations per 1,000 people you will have plenty of opportunity to charter, acquire or hitch a ride on some of the nation’s most prized watercraft. While boating here is possible all year round, perhaps the best time to head onto the water in Connecticut is in the summer months, when coastal temperatures hover around the 80-degree mark during the warmest time of the day, with a refreshing sea breeze on hand to keep you cool.
Connect with boating aficionados at the storied Indian Harbor Yacht Club, an institution dating all the way back to 1889 that has recorded more entrants in the Newport Bermuda Race than any other yachting club in America. Or for something a little more laid-back, check out the large and welcoming Ischoda Yacht Club, an historic destination with plenty of old-world charm located on a timber pier in Norwalk Harbor.
The most popular yachting activity in this state has to be sailing into the misty Long Island Sound to explore countless coves, endless bays and the sorts of islets and sandbars that barely show up on the map. Perfect for larger motoryachts and small dayboats alike, the Sound also attracts boaters from out of state, not least due to its relative proximity to New York City. Navigate your way to the captivating Thimble Islands, an archipelago of some 365 islands and islets off the coast, or round the Norwalk Islands using the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse as your marker. As a base for your sailing, you will have your pick of stunning marinas along the shore, including large facilities along the East Branch in Stamford, a 150-slip destination at Burr’s Marina in New London and an impossibly picturesque bolt-hole at Byram Shore Boat Club.
It’s not just coastal or offshore adventures available in Connecticut. For the Tri-State area’s largest inland marina, you have to head to Echo Bay Marina, a 300-slip facility on Candlewood Lake in the northern reaches of the state. Explore 60 miles of lakeshore, enjoy motorboating, sailing and fishing in these pristine surrounds, or scuba-dive to a depth of 40-feet to discover a lost town submerged when the lake was created back in the 1920s. Another popular boating experience can be found on the Mystic River, an atmospheric tidal estuary lined by timber-framed homes, whose banks play host to the Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum, a must-visit for boating buffs.
Since 1964, SI Yachts has been helping our clients through the processes of buying and selling boats, many times it's their 10th or more boat sale with us. We take service very seriously and we are able to retain some of the best service talent in the industry giving us an incredible advantage when it comes making sure our customers enjoy their boating lifestyle. When you buy a yacht from us, our industry-leading mobile service team is just a phone call away. With a service facility located in Staten Island and mobile service throughout the Northeast and South Florida, SI Yachts has a true north-to-south connection for our seasonal cruising clients.
