1. Foxy’s, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
In the British Virgin Islands, one of the world’s great sailing playgrounds, everybody comes to Foxy’s. Foxy Callwood presides over this ramshackle, open-air beach bar at Great Harbour on the island of Jost Van Dyke, serving flying-fish sandwiches, grilled lobster, and other local delicacies, plus oceans of rum drinks and beers created in his own microbrewery. Foxy plays guitar and sings calypso, sometimes making up teasing songs about his guests on the spot; 284/495-9258 or foxysbar.com.
2. Boatyard Bar & Grill, Annapolis, Maryland
Former investment banker Dick Franyo created this place for those who love the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle—especially from the deck of a sailboat. A couple of years ago, Sail magazine named the Boatyard one of the world’s top 12 sailing bars. No wonder. Sailboat photos, ship models, and other sea-theme paraphernalia fill the bright, airy space. Even landlubbers will feel welcome, thanks to the friendly service and tasty seafood; 410/216-6206 or boatyardbarandgrill.com.
3. Pink Pony Bar & Grill, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac, a Victorian resort island, offers quiet charms. And then there’s the Pink Pony, which isn’t quiet at all. Competitors from the Port Huron-to-Mackinac and Chicago-to-Mackinac yacht races always end up here, where stories of their boats’ speed and the wind’s ferocity grow with each new round of drinks. The Pony provides excellent food, live entertainment, great views of Lake Huron, and, for the convenience of its sailing clientele, a private dock; 800/241-3341 or chippewahotel.com.
4. Harbor Pub, Honolulu, Hawaii
Harbor Pub draws relatively few tourists—except for itinerant yachtspeople. The pub overlooks Ala Wai Marina, so it’s handy for everyone from fishermen to island-hopping blue-water cruisers. Locals love the pizzas. The rest of the menu runs toward sandwiches and such typical bar fare as nachos and wings, but, oddly, almost no seafood. Apparently, the patrons would rather catch fish than eat it; 808/941-0985 or theharborpub.com.
5. Fiddler’s Green, San Diego, California
One admiring Internet reviewer describes a visit here as “sort of like going to the yacht club without the membership fees.” Half-hull boat models and nautical gadgets scattered around the dining room contribute to the ambience. Seafood dominates the menu. All in all, it feels like a comfortable home port for anyone bewitched by the siren song of water; 619/222-2216 or fiddlersgreensandiego.com.
