Sitting right next to the New York state border, Greenwich receives plenty of Big Apple boaters who come here for the affluent and urbane atmosphere, while yachters based in town can voyage all the way down to Manhattan, explore the area’s stunning offshore islands or even make a trip out across the Sound to Long Island’s windswept north shore. After you’re done hoisting your sails up or landing bluefish and striped bass you can dock at the city’s numerous marinas and enjoy Greenwich’s charming historic district, stroll past hundreds of waterfront mansions or sample the salubrious restaurants and bars of the idyllic Downtown area.
The biggest marinas in town are found up the Cos Cob Harbor on the east-side of the city, a vast inlet that also doubles as a mooring field. Anchoring this harbor to the south is the iconic Riverside Yacht Club, a large on-the-water marina and staple of the upper-crust sailing scene in Greenwich since 1888 that was immortalized in art by impressionist painter Theodore Robinson. More marinas can be found a few minutes further north, including the Cos Cob Marina and the neighboring Mianus River Boat & Yacht Club. Added together these two facilities offer 221 wet-slips, while just across the water you will find the Palmer Point Marina, a riverside destination with 140-slips for boats up to 65-feet in length. Also on offer here is the Beacon Point Marina, a large 250-slip facility with three outdoor pools and a plush club-house that is part of the genteel Greenwich Water Club. If you prefer using your biceps rather than revving up your outboard motor then make sure to check out RowAmerica Greenwich, based in the upper reaches of Cos Cob Harbor, for a warm welcome and plenty of rowing opportunities.
There’s also a good selection of marinas closer to Downtown, including the 67-slip Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club and a set of floating marinas on Grass Island, while upper Greenwich Harbor itself features quayside docking for vessels in the Megayacht class. On the western edge of the city, meanwhile, you should head to the beautiful Byram Shore Boat Club, a 170-slip coastal marina that is connected to an archipelago of islets, while the Belle Haven Yacht Club offers 40 rental slips, one of the area’s most impressive club-houses and nearby beach access with an outdoor lido. For a taste of how boating used to be in Greenwich head to heritage destinations like the Old Greenwich Yacht Club, a remote destination on a scenic peninsula surrounded by beaches and lapping waters, or the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, an institution founded all the way back in 1889 that has entered more competitors in the Newport Bermuda Race than any other club in the world. Though these clubs may have heaps of vintage appeal they also regularly organise races and regattas up to this day, including the annual Geartester race and the yearly USS America Regatta.
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