Three classic sailing towns worth wading ashore for

Under $200 A Day

Where
Bristol, Rhode Island

Why
Flashy Newport may be more associated with the America's Cup, but sleepy, historic Bristol is where the top sailing vessels have been built since the early 1900s, when the legendary boat-making Herreshoff brothers produced eight champions. The Herreshoff Marine Museum has vintage wooden hulls and regatta paraphernalia. Defiant, a 1992 challenger, sits on the front lawn of the adjacent America's Cup Hall of Fame (1 Burnside St.; 401-253-5000; herreshoff.org; $8).

Room
Of Bristol's lovely B&Bs, try the 1792 Bradford-Dimond-Norris House, with a central location and four spacious suites (401-253-6338; bdnhouse.com; doubles, $105–$125). Less atmospheric but in a plum spot by the water is the Bristol Harbor Inn, with 40 comfortable rooms (866-254-1444; bristolharborinn.com; doubles, $109).
From $105 for two

Lunch & Dinner
Quito's, a cozy clam shack, is a favorite for lobster rolls and Rhode Island clam cakes (411 Thames St.; 401-253-4500; entrées, $9–$22). In an 1818 warehouse, DeWolf Tavern combines local staples with far-flung spices—try the coriander-infused seafood stew and the cardamom ice cream (259 Thames St.; 401-254-2005; entrées, $16–$42).

Tip
Classic sailboats, including a fleet of Herreshoff's famous 16-foot Buzzards Bay Boys Boats, face off at the museum's annual Rendezvous Regatta. Hop on a spectator boat for a prime view of the start, or hang with the winners at the post-race clambake (401-253-5000; Aug. 25–26, 2007).

Under $325 A Day

Where
English Harbour, Antigua

Why
Once the center of the British Navy's West Indies operations, this harbor is now a haven for pleasure craft and yachts. The eighteenth-century naval yard has been preserved as Nelson's Dockyard. In the spring, Sailing Week festivities take over with world-class races and parties (sailingweek.com; April 29–May 5, 2007). During the low-key Classic Yacht Regatta, gorgeous tall ships recall the harbor's heyday (antiguaclassics.com; April 19–24, 2007).

Room
On a hilltop adjacent to Nelson's Dockyard, the Inn at English Harbour offers guests complimentary kayaks and sailboats (268-460-1014; theinn.ag; doubles, $222). The new Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort has 49 rooms, including palatial bi-level suites (268-562-3030; aycmarina.com; doubles, $263–$315).
From $222 for two