Spring Welcomes Boating Back To Newburyport! by Newburyportguide.com

PHOTO: Copyright Valley Patriot Inc. (c) 2013
PHOTO: Copyright Valley Patriot Inc. (c) 2013

By: Rebeccah Pearson – May, 2015

The season is changing, and with warm weather brings dreams of being on the open water. Here in Newburyport we have a fantastic array of outdoor boating that can not only be done alone, but great for the whole family. From renting your own boat, to whale watches and boating schools here in Newburyport your “wind in your hair and sails above your head” can be enjoyed at reasonable prices.

AMERICAN MARINE AND BOAT SALES tops our list for boat brokers here in Newburyport. Their selection of power boats range from 18ft to 53ft. Whether you wish to be on the water for a day with the family, a getaway fishing trip with your best buddies or to show off your amazing 53 footer that has a washer and dryer in it, American Marine located right on the docks of Newburyport is your best bet for finding your new pre-owned boat this year! Check them out online at www.UsedPowerBoats.com and your bound to find the boat of your dreams!

NEWBURYPORT HARBOR MARINA, Hilton’s Marina, Windward Yacht Yard and the Newburyport Boat Basin are located along the Merrimack River in historic Newburyport, Massachusetts, with more than 500 slips for seasonal/transient dockage and accommodations for boats ranging in size up to 125′. If you are a boater and looking for a place to dock your boat for the summer these are your guys and girls of Newburyport!

Four premier marinas offering full-service facilities and a total of 500 slips-Newburyport Harbor Marina, Hilton’s Marina, Windward Yacht Yard and the Boat Basin. For more information on docking your boat this year please find them online at www.newburyportmarinas.com

BOAT CAMP INC in Newburyport is a great learning in the field that connects your students more deeply with the coastal landscape by immersing them in the natural world. Their field studies courses include tide pools, salt marshes, maritime forests, upland forest, fields, estuaries and barrier beaches. They have also led primitive skills to support literacy curriculum around Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain. In these programs they strongly emphasize sensory awareness and student-driven exploration.

These programs can be held at any of the numerous natural areas in the North Shore area near your school, or right at Four Rock, our private 30-acre parcel in Newbury. Their floating lab trips, they work with you to create custom-built field trips that explore the Lower Merrimack River and Gulf of Maine watershed.
Onboard equipment includes a bottom-sampling otter trawl, plankton net and magnifiers, bottom sediment dredge, water sampling for temperature and salinity, traveling onboard touch tank, binoculars and field guides for seabird and seal sightings, and navigation discussion with the captain.
They also can do a variety of fishing and dissections. For larger groups or classes of 25-50+ students and chaperones, they typically use the Captain George or Captain’s Lady on Plum Island. These vessels are U.S. Coast Guard inspected annually and can carry upwards of 125 passengers. These are the perfect vessels for two classrooms of students to attend at a time! Check them out online at www.merrohawke.org

9TH WAVE SAILING CHARTERS is located at the West end of the “Boardwalk” on Newburyport’s historic waterfront. All of their public sails are two and a half hours long. They leave through the mouth of the Merrimack River and sail to no particular destination along the coastline or directly out to sea, choosing the best wind angle for maximum speed. As conditions permit, they encourage our passengers to take an active role in the handling of the boat: raise the main, trimming the sails or taking the helm under the tutelage of one of our experienced captains. Learn about the region’s colorful past and experience a fun and relaxing sail aboard Newburyport’s only fast sailing catamaran. Reservations for public sails are strongly suggested; please call 866-984-9283.

9th Wave is also available for 3hour private charters for everything from corporate outings to private parties. They have USCG certification for up to 48 passengers can arrange for catering or you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages as you like. They also have a well stocked bar aboard for those of you who prefer a “fortified” beverage. Give them a call and book early for your favored date/s. Find more information online at www.9thwave.net

THE NEWBURYPORT WHALE WATCH – The 110′ Captains Lady III can carry up to 149 passengers comfortably to the whale feeding grounds. Their journey departs from Newburyport, down the Merrimack River and into the Gulf of Maine where they can find a variety of marine life including, but not limited to, humpback, fin, and minke whales as well as dolphins, seals, sharks and sea birds. The open ocean holds many mysteries, making every trip unique and exciting. Their season runs from May through October and can take you to either the feeding grounds of Jeffreys Ledge or Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Both of these locations are within the 36,000 square miles of the Gulf of Maine. During your trip, one of their experienced naturalists will share with you their passion and knowledge of the marine environment. Viewing whales in their natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime, join them today! For more information check them out online at www.newburyportwhalewatch.com

COASTAL DISCOVERIES with Adventures aboard the Erica Lee II, The 48-foot Erica Lee II is owned and operated by Captain Bob Bishop and is available for all-day deep-sea fishing charters, evening bass & blues or sunset cruises, kayak trips, and more! Kids 12 years old or older are welcome to take part in the Mass. State Safe Boating Course taught aboard the Erica Lee II. Your child will learn navigation, boat handling, and how to be a safe, responsible boater. For 26 years Coastal Discoveries has been making the important connection between land and sea, sea creatures and man. For more information check them out online at www.coastaldiscoveries.org

Welcome to 2015 summer spring boating season in the Greater Newburyport Area! Let the sails fly, the ocean breeze surround you and the smell of the salt water make you smile!