It may still be blustery outside, but it is not too early to be planning a boat trip. Going online I found several marinas already sold out for certain dates – usually the ones around local festivals etc.

Friends of mine are planning a multi-boat trip this coming summer. The debate is over going east or west. The west-favoring group is looking at departing from Warwick and spending the first night anchored in the Harbor of Refuge at Pt. Judith, or maybe going as far as Watch Hill. Here there are concerts on the beach some nights, and a quaint village to stroll, with the country’s oldest carousel and the famous Olympia Tearoom.

The impossible street parking won’t bother the boaters who dinghy in. Another great stop going west is Mystic Seaport. You wait a few minutes for the train swing bridge to open and then watch the Bascule Bridge raise the road so you can pass underneath. You can tie up right next to museums, fountains, and antique boats, including an 1800’s whaling ship.

Admission to the whole seaport for all aboard is included with your dockage and there are programs and demonstrations all day for kids as well as adults. They can do model boat construction in one building or try their hand at remote control boats outside, and experiment with the hands-on exhibits throughout the seaport. A horse-drawn wagon is available for tours, and a chantey-man entertains at the gazebo. The planetarium show is excellent, and there are nighttime astronomy classes on the docks. An old fashioned tavern serves lobster rolls and beef stew etc. under the trees, or you can try the Galley, a cafeteria style café. A fine restaurant on the grounds offers a full range of meals too.

If you can tear yourself away from this trip back in time, heading further west will bring you to Long Island, N.Y. You pass between the sheltering arms of the North and South Fork. Even the most wary boaters will be relaxed in here. A number of great marinas are inside, but reservations well in advance would be wise. You will be in wine country then, and perhaps a bike ride away from vineyards and wine tastings. Some shuttles have pick-ups at certain marinas. Heading further west you come to Shelter Island which has moorings – free if you dine at the Shelter Harbor Inn. Prepare for a delightful dinner,  on the wide porch overlooking a rolling lawn leading down to the water. The next day you could be on your way to Greenport – a charming Victorian town. Townsend’s Marina is small and secluded with a nice pool and lawn leading down to the boats. There is a B&B on the property so landlubber friends could join you for a few days. We have been here before and cooked boiled clams and lobsters which we enjoyed sitting in their Adirondack chairs. After relaxing here, head out to Sag Harbor for some great strolling and unique shopping.   If instead you want some adventure for the kids you can go in the direction of Riverhead, but beware of the height requirement. There is a bridge with a low clearance- 25 ft – so know your boat height, including antennas and any outriggers, use your chart, and figure it out. If you go in a group, maybe one of the smaller boats could ferry the others up for the day. There is also a very narrow channel with 1-3 feet of water just outside in some places in that area. Do download the Coast Pilot. Just Google it -it’s free. If you have more time, stop at Sag Harbor. High-end boutiques and great shopping as you stroll the shady streets of this lovely village. There is even a theater. Marinas in this whole area aren’t cheap – you are in the Hamptons, after all. Go online or call ahead to avoid sticker shock. So many options! The would-be west travelers are considering a stop at Block Island on the return trip. A mooring in New Harbor can give you some time away from the crowd, and opportunity to kayak around the little inlets.

Decisions, decisions! Next time we’ll see what the east-favoring crew is planning.

Whichever way you are planning to go this summer, you want it to be fun and safe. Have your family take a safe boating course. North Star Flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary has a safe boating course starting March 14. For the old salts who have already taken a course, we have advanced navigation as well in another classroom, and a sail course too. Go to www.northstarflotilla.com and sign up. Let’s make this the best summer yet!