A Different Kind of Getaway

A luxuriously laid-back way to explore New England’s picturesque coastlines and charming towns is by way of the 116-foot charter yacht Whisper.

Built in 2003 by Holland Jachtbouw in The Netherlands, the aluminum sailing superyacht blends a timeless classic design with the modern comforts of a five-star hotel, complete with concierge services that go above and beyond.

Whether it’s over a week, 10 days or longer, each guest’s summer vacation is carefully planned and customized by Whisper’s captain, crew and private chef. It’s a chance to unplug, relax, explore, enjoy and make memories that otherwise would be…well…landlocked.

The 116-foot sloop Whisper is available for charter in New England this summer.

The Mediterranean charter season generally runs from April to the end of October, but in the U.S. an equally provocative season plays out from June to September.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary for a New England Vacation:

Day One: The New England charter adventure begins in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Guests take in the sights and sounds of Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharves before heading to Newport Shipyard to meet Whisper’s Captain and Crew for a waterfront brunch at Belle’s.

The yacht’s private chef serves a late afternoon lunch from the cockpit, while Whisper cruises south to Block Island for an overnight anchorage. Popular with summer tourists, the tiny island boasts a plethora of activities, including cycling, hiking, sailing and fishing. At the end of play, The Oar Restaurant is a must for mudslides and clam cakes.  
 
Day Two: Guests take a trip into town for some shopping and exploring before soaking up some sun on Whisper’s deck as she cruises to the famous island retreat of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Before an al fresco dinner onboard Whisper, guests visit Oak Bluffs to check out its ornate “Gingerbread Cottages” and downtown Edgartown for unique shopping opportunities.

Day Three: Martha’s Vineyard’s famed bus tours show off natural wonders such as the Gay Head Cliffs before Whisper sails guests to Chappaquiddick Island, off the eastern end of Martha’s Vineyard, for an afternoon of fishing, swimming and recreation using Whisper’s many water toys, including inflatable paddle boards, wakeboards, water skis, snorkel gear and a 15-foot RIB tender. For dinner, the crew anchors in the harbor off Edgartown and ferries everyone to shore for island-brewed pints and live music at the Wharf Pub and Restaurant.

Whisper’s teak interior is adorned with intricate inlays and carvings and includes an upper pilothouse lounge (left) that boasts a full wet bar with panoramic views of the horizon and a roomy salon (right) complete with a formal dining area.

Day Four: Guests catch the sunrise sneaking into their staterooms and have the option of spending the morning catching up on emails from the onboard office or watching the news on the widescreen TV in the salon while the crew sails Whisper to Nantucket, Massachusetts for the next overnight adventure.

Upon arrival, the crew motors everyone to Straight Wharf, where lunch at Toppers at the Wauwinet Inn provides unforgettable local cuisine and scenic views of Nantucket Bay. The afternoon is spent learning the history of the island at the Whaling Museum before a sunset dining experience onboard Whisper. For late night entertainment, everyone heads back to shore for live music at the Chicken Box.

Day Five: Whisper’s guests spend the morning catching the rays at Brant Point Beach before renting bikes to trace the island’s many nooks and crannies, including the charming village of Siasconset, on the eastern end of Nantucket. The rest of the afternoon is spent in the lap of luxury, with a series of spa treatments at the five-star hotel White Elephant, followed by a seafood dinner at the Brant Point Grille.  

Whisper sleeps six guests comfortably in its three spacious staterooms. The master suite (left) includes an office area and a private companionway.

Day Six: Guests awaken to the sounds of halyards clinking as the crew prepares for its cruise back to Newport.

After the yacht docks at Newport Shipyard, everyone spends the late afternoon perusing art galleries and boutiques in Brick Alley and on lower Thames Street before heading to Bellevue Avenue to tour the Breakers and Marble House “Golden Era” mansions. A dinner of local oysters and other delicious fare at the Moorings Restaurant and Grill is a perfect way to enjoy the sunset over Newport Harbor.

Day Seven: The scenic views of Ocean Drive, which traces Newport’s storied waterfront, are taken in while heading to Castle Hill Inn to enjoy lobster rolls and champagne from an Adirondack chair on a sprawling oceanfront lawn.

After lunch, it’s time for a short hike to the Inn’s 18th century watchtower (Castle Hill Light) located on the western-most tip of Newport before heading around the point to Gooseberry Beach for a beach barbeque.

More About Whisper:

Whisper’s three spacious staterooms sleep six guests comfortably. Its lavish master suite boasts an office area, ensuite facilities with a steam shower and a private companionway. The teak interior is adorned with intricate inlays and carvings and includes a roomy salon, complete with a formal dining area. The upper pilothouse lounge boasts a full wet bar with panoramic views of the horizon.

The yacht is fully air-conditioned and its cockpit is equipped with an awning and large outdoor table for entertaining a flurry of guests. In terms of entertainment, Whisper has televisions in its master suite, pilothouse and main salon and offers WiFi and Cable. For water activities, a 15-foot motorboat, two kayaks, two paddleboards, a wakeboard, water skis and snorkel gear stand at the ready.

Whisper charters for $65,000 per week (plus APA expenses) and is available for bookings in the New England region from July 25 to September 1, 2015. Contact your favorite charter broker to inquire.

For more information, contact  Kaisa Pace at Churchill Yacht Partners, 954-527-2626, KPace@ChurchillYachts.com or visit http://www.Whisperyacht.com/.