Photo credit: Betsy Corsiglia, courtesy of MV Chamber of Commerce RELATED LINKS Return to City Guide: Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard has a long and distinguished maritime history, from the Native American fishermen who inhabited the island in pre-Columbian days to the big whaling ships of the early 19^th century to today's well-heeled recreational boaters. The surrounding waters make scenic sailing ground for cruisers and day-trippers, and Edgartown in particular is a prized destination for yachtsmen. Even if you don't know port from starboard or a sheet from a halyard, the Vineyard is a perfect place to experience the joys of wind-powered watercraft, ranging from tiny sailing dinghies to majestic tall ships.

Hugh Taylor of the Outermost Inn operates day trips to Cuttyhunk and two-hour sunset sails aboard his 50-foot catamaran, Arabella (www.outermostinn.com), based at Menemsha Harbor. Black Dog Tall Ships (www.blackdogtallships.com), an affiliate of the famous Black Dog Tavern, offers various day sails and kids' cruises aboard two spacious schooners based in Vineyard Haven. The Martha's Vineyard Historical Society offers skippered excursions for one to six passengers aboard the Vanity (www.marthasvineyardhistory.org), a charming 20-foot wooden catboat built in Edgartown in the late 1920s.

For experienced sailors, bareboat charters can be arranged on a variety of vessels operating out of marinas on the island and mainland, or you can rent smaller recreational sailboats from Wind's Up in Vineyard Haven (www.windsupmv.com).

If you want to learn how to sail or improve the sailing skills you already have, contact the Island Sailing Schools of Martha's Vineyard (www.islandsailing.com) well in advance of your visit. This Edgartown outfit provides all levels of instruction for children and adults, from basic sailing to advanced racing techniques, using a fleet of small but stable four-passenger sloops with weighted keels.