INTRO
The Islands
give horses purchase when hauling goods from the wharf on muddy days in the 1800s. On Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown is architecturally stuck in the Federalist era, by John Galluzzo frozen by the crash of the whaling industry, lovingly restored as the finest gathering of that hough worlds apart in culture, having evolved architectural style in the world today. Oak Bluffs, on the same island, is independently of each other over time, Nantucket renowned for its decorative Victorian and Martha’s Vineyard share a common whaling past. cottages. Nantucket still has its old Nantucketers built and owned the ships; Martha’s “gaol” (jail), and Martha’s Vineyard Vineyard provided the labor force. Together, the islands has its Pulpit Rock. Old lighthouses stand at numerous points around the grew rich off the trade. The tales of those days are told at the islands. Martha’s Vineyard Museum, at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Nantucket’s Siasconset (pronounced and in the stray, odd sightings of a whale jawbone here, and a “’Sconset” locally) still has artistic rosecovered cottages, and the Gay Head whaling sea captain’s home or whaling church there. Cliffs of Aquinnah still shine in the sun when approached from the west. Life on the islands was relatively isolated until World War Walking trails abound on both islands and oftentimes II, when America’s servicemen “discovered” the islands, as either end up at the water’s edge or skirt right along it. Bartholomew Gosnold did in 1602. They returned with their Fishing charters promise the possibility of big game, and families, some for short stays, some to remain permanently. the annual events calendar is studded with stellar traditions: Today, the islands are fighting to preserve their heritage and music festivals, film festivals, open-air concerts, and more. open space in the face of encroaching celebrities, from sports Dinner is served with a side of sea view. stars to captains of industry and finance. Yes, the islands have been discovered—but that doesn’t Not all is lost, by any means. Visitors to Nantucket are mean they can’t be rediscovered, time and time again. still greeted by the same cobblestone streets laid out to
T
www.captainsguidemagazines.com
Captain’s Guide MEGA YACHTS 2013
133