Newport, Rhode Island is considered by many to be the sailing capital of the world. Some articles may try to claim that Annapolis, Maryland gets the top spot, and anyone will acknowledge them as a contender, especially with the U.S. Naval Academy right there. However, ask anyone in Newport and they know the real answer. Here in Newport, you can go on sailing excursions or take sailing lessons. Don’t quite have your sea legs yet? You can explore sailing from land by watching part of a race or by visiting a museum. The sailing season for most tour companies is mid-May through late-October.
Sailing Charters and Excursions
- Newport Classic Cruises boasts lots of sailing tour options. Go for a morning mimosa sail and bring your brunch along with you. Day sails venture out of Newport Harbor and into Narragansett Bay. Looking for happy hour on the water? The cocktail cruises last 1.5 hours and bring you back in time to enjoy dinner. Lastly, the sunset cruise option presents romantic views and Instagram worthy photographs. Their large schooners can accommodate up to 57 passengers while their smaller sloop can take up to 24.
- On Watch Sailing is great when you want a private tour for up to six guests. You can book a tour for as short as 1.5 hours up to a full day. On shorter tours you will get to see Fort Adams and Castle Hill from the water. Longer tours offer views of the Bellevue Mansions and the option to anchor in a quiet estuary for lunch. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, beer, and wine on their tour. They are currently taking bookings for as early as April 19, 2024.
- McCurdy Sailing features private charters aboard a 36-foot sloop named “Hurrah.” The large cockpit fits six people comfortably under a bimini for shade. If you are looking for a bit more sun and salt spray, you can venture out on the bow or sit in the jump seats. Snap pictures of the iconic Rose Island Lighthouse when you sail with McCurdy.
- Sightsailing of Newport was founded in 1990 and holds the distinction of being the oldest, locally-owned outfitter in the area. Their tours include morning mimosa sails, afternoon day sails, champagne sunset sails, and private charters. According to one of their regulars, the schooner Aquidneck “rides like a Cadillac.” The 46-foot sloop Sightsailer provides more of a race-boat sailing experience. Lastly, their 34-foot Starlight is perfect for small groups of two to six guests.
- Curious about more sailing tours along with powerboat options and fishing tours? Check out the Discover Newport Boating and Sailing page. The people in this town seriously love being on the water and enjoy sharing that experience with visitors.
Sailing Lessons
- Newport Sailing School and Tours has been in business since 1971. They offer introductory, intermediate, and advanced level sailing courses. There are two options for novices. Try the 75-minute introductory course or the more in-depth five-hour course. The five-hour course includes an hour class along with four hours on the water. Have a bit more time in town and want to get a Basic Keelboat Certification? They offer a three-day course with five hours of instruction each day. Newport Sailing School and Tours also has sailing tours for those who just want to enjoy the ride.
- America’s Cup Charters has two-hour sails and three-hour racing experiences. We listed them here under Sailing Lessons because you do not have to just sit back on one of their tours. Guests are encouraged to assist with raising the sails as the boat traverses the harbor. Guests who want to be more involved are given instructions and assigned a sailing job for the tour. This is a great way to get a taste of being a sailor without having to take full lessons.
Sailing Races
Newport is full of sailboat racing activities. Some are local fun and some are international, multi-day sails. Schedule a visit to Newport around any of these fun races.
- The Bridge Fiasco race is scheduled for May 18, 2024. In this race, everyone starts at the same point but can take any route they like as long as they sail under all three Narragansett Bay bridges.
- Watch the youth of Newport race on June 8-9, 2024 in the Youth 24 Challenge.
- The Newport Bermuda Race begins on June 21, 2024. If you are in Newport then, you can watch the exciting start of the race from shore at Fort Adams. It typically takes a couple of hours for all the ships to get underway. The race happens every two years and is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race. In 2022, 220 boats entered the 635-mile race. Choose your favorite and virtually cheer them on over the next two to six days. The fastest boat to ever complete the race made it to Bermuda in 34 hours, 42 minutes, and 53 seconds.
- July 13-14, 2024 marks the 40th year of the Newport Regatta. The regatta is known for “lots of races and little waiting.” Each regatta brings an average of 12 one-design classes on four circles of racing in the Narragansett Bay.
- Safe Harbor Race Weekend is full of races, parties, dinners, and live music. This year the festivities will be August 9-11, 2024. Races take place in Newport, Portsmouth, and Jamestown. Want a preview of the fun? Watch the highlight video from the 2023 race weekend.
- The Ida Lewis Distance Race in known as a challenging 24-hour overnight competition. The race will start from Fort Adams on August 16, 2024. It is open to boats 28-feet or longer. Last year, race courses ranged from 129 to 203 nautical miles.
Museum
- The Sailing Museum features six themed experiences, the National Sailing Hall of Fame, and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Visitors take a personalized journey through the exhibits based on a boat they choose when they arrive. Many of the interactive elements are specific to each boat. Do not worry if you are new to boating, a short quiz at the beginning will help you choose a boat. If you are planning to visit the Audrain Automobile Museum and the International Tennis Hall of Fame, you can visit all three for the price of two museum admissions.