Ten Great Sailing Trips For This Summer

Author of Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die lists his top ten

ByABC News
June 29, 2009, 10:05 AM

June 29, 2009— -- Annapolis

MarylandCitizens of Newport have been known to dispute Annapolis' moniker as "America's Sailing Capital," Santella says, but the city is undeniably the hub of the mid-Atlantic sailing community. "While it is home for some high-profile races — and the U.S. Naval Academy — a favorite nautical amusement for many Annapolites are the Wednesday night races, sponsored by the Annapolis Yacht Club, where 150 boats or more may compete," he says.

Marblehead

Massachusetts"Quaint Marblehead is custom-made for sailing, with water on three sides and a deep natural harbor," Santella says. "Historically, it was where Bostonians came to moor or race their sailboats." The port is a popular spot for starts and finishes of numerous races. "If there's one week to soak in the ambience of Marblehead, it would be the Marblehead Race Week, held each year at the end of July," he says.

Newport

Rhode IslandHome to America's Cup races, this historic vacation spot for the well-heeled is a sailor's mecca. "Newport has it all: a deep-water harbor, a large navigable bay, easy access to the ocean and a great funneling sea breeze," Santella says. "Making landfall in Newport via the East Passage with the wind behind you is one of sailing's great moments."

Biscayne Bay

Florida"Biscayne Bay boasts beautiful turquoise waters, extending some 35 miles south from Miami to Key Largo," Santella says. "One highlight of the racing season is the Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta, an Olympic qualifying event that draws 600 of the most talented sailors in the world." Santella suggests heading to Biscayne National Park, where "the 40 islands give a sense of what Florida was once like." 305-230-7275,

Resurrection Bay

Alaska"Alaska has more than 47,300 miles of shoreline, but sailors can get a good sense of the 49th state's sailing opportunities on Resurrection Bay, adjoining the town of Seward," Santella says. "You can sail south and anchor in a fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park and take in the glaciers, cast a line for a fresh coho salmon and watch sea lions, porpoises, orcas and gray, humpback and minke whales swim by." It's not all aquatic wonders you'll spy on this bay. "Moose, grizzly and black bears may also make an appearance on shore to complete your Alaska nature experience," he says.