According to Yacht Expert Juan Monteverde, the New York area was built for boating.
From the deck of his 52-foot Prestige, the born Spaniard turned New York lawyer has explored the tri-state area from the Jersey Shore to Greenwich Harbor. Along the way, he found a few favorite spots and was gracious enough to share them with us.
“It’s an unbelievable area,” said Juan Monteverde. “No matter what you’re into—whether it’s experiencing nature, seeing historic sites, spending some real quality time with your friends and family—if you’re the kind of person who wants to do that on a yacht, you can’t beat the New York area.”
Monteverde docks his boat in Mamaroneck, New York. From there, he regularly sails with his family through the Long Island Sound and along the Gold Coast of Connecticut, occasionally venturing out to explore the neighboring states.
For families, Monteverde suggests taking in the rich scenery of Connecticut’s shoreline, then dock their yachts at Greenwich Harbor and explore the charm of a classic New England coastal town.
From the natural splendor of Babcock Preserve, where families can hike and ride horses to the laidback greenspaces and playgrounds of Binney Park, Greenwich has plenty of places for families to enjoy themselves. Nearby attractions, like the Bruce Museum and the beach at Greenwich Point Park, hold appeal for older kids as well.
For couples, the town of Greenwich is dotted with romantic inns and high-end restaurants, as well as a quaint downtown brimming with art galleries, spas, and shopping.
“If you really want to take a weekend for your entire family, where you can get out on the boat and then disembark for an amazing few hours, Greenwich is a great choice,” Juan Monteverde said. “The harbor there is just gorgeous, and the people are always friendly.”
To see another side of Connecticut, yachters can head up the Mystic River to enjoy the picturesque scenery and downhome quaintness that characterizes the state’s southwestern coastline. Sailing past old lighthouses and docks that once catered to more than six hundred ships a day engaged in maritime trading and the fishing industry.
Visitors can enjoy a slice in the small hamlets like Mystic and Old Mystic or increase their marine knowledge with a visit to the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, where they can see playful beluga whales in action.
“Connecticut is one of the jewels of the country, from a yachter’s perspective,” Juan Monteverde said. “The coast is just bursting with history. You can see the old shipyards and really get the sense that you’re on the same waters that have been important to this country for hundreds of years. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
For those who want to voyage the other way, Monteverde has a few suggestions for the yachters bent on enjoying the 130 miles of coastline New Jersey offers.
“What I love about this area is what a wide variety of experiences you can have,” Monteverde said. “Jersey has a different feeling than Connecticut or New York, and sometimes that’s the feeling you want to chase.”
The draw of Cape May is hard to ignore, he said. The beaches, the boardwalks, the endless rows of stately Victorian houses—every part lives up to the hype. Although it’s a popular destination, it delivers on the promise.
“Any time of year, there’s something to do at Cape May,” Juan Monteverde said. “I know so many people who go back again and again at every time of year. There’s a lot to do and it’s easy to navigate with kids.”
The cape features art shows, a zoo, an aviation museum, and a modern bazaar of quirky shops and entertainment options. Whether you’re in the mood for Cirque du Soleil or a funnel cake, the Jersey Cape can fulfill your craving with style.
For a less crowded experience, Juan Monteverde suggested piloting your yacht down the Manasquan Inlet until you hit Pier 281, then docking and enjoying the charm of Brick Township.
One of the best-maintained marinas in the area, Pier 281 is surrounded by natural beauty. The marina itself offers family friendly fun, and the township just a short way away features amazing attractions like Point Pleasant Beach and a thriving boardwalk.
For those who want to stay closer to Manhattan, Juan Monteverde is partial to the views of the Long Island Sound. The marine ecology is unrivaled, and, thanks to its protected status, the wildlife makes every single visit a completely unique experience.
But if you need a different kind of experience, try Island Park. A perfect weekend getaway in the summer, Island Park offers lessons in watersports like wakeboarding and waterskiing as well as fun beaches and pleasant restaurants.
“Really, anywhere you go with your family on your yacht is going to be a good time,” Monteverde said. “But if you have to go somewhere, you just can’t beat this place.”
