Newport, Rhode Island - America’s First Resort

Newport, Rhode Island, known as America’s first resort, has something for everyone. Newport’s world famous attractions include nine beautiful beaches, endless shopping, tours through the luxurious mansions, scenic sailing, cruises and the list goes on! Experience a 12 Meter Charters sailing adventure aboard an America’s Cup contender. It is sure to be the highlight of your visit to Newport, Rhode Island!

Newport’s Waterfront Attractions

There is no better way to experience historic Newport Harbor and beautiful Narragansett Bay than sailing aboard an America’s Cup 12 Meter boat! While sailing with 12 Meter Charters you will see many of Newport’s famous sights such as:

• The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS)
  Newport’s International Yacht Restoration School is located on Thames Street overlooking Newport Harbor. IYRS teaches the history, skill, and art of restoring and building classic yachts. Many of Newport’s classic yachts are docked at IYRS and the schooner Coronet is being restored on the Newport campus of IYRS. Coronet, built in 1885, is the most original Victorian yacht remaining and the last surviving 19th century American schooner of her size.
• The New York Yacht Club
  Since 1987 Harbor Court, the former Newport summer home of Commodore and Mrs. John Nicholas Brown, has been the Newport clubhouse of the New York Yacht Club. Harbor Court, standing on eight acres overlooking Newport Harbor, has hosted many NYYC Newport sailing regattas including the Sesquicentennial Regatta, the IYRU O’Neill World Youth Sailing Championship, Race Week at Newport, and the Disabled World Sailing Championships.
• Lime Rock Lighthouse - Ida Lewis Yacht Club
  Lime Rock Lighthouse is located in Newport Harbor and is the home of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. The Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport Harbor was kept by one of the most celebrated lighthouse keepers in American history, Idawalley Lewis. Ida Lewis started keeping the Lime Rock Lighthouse and making sea rescues at age 14. During her 55 years at Lime Rock she was credited with making over 25 rescues, her last rescue was when she was 65 years old. She was a renowned swimmer and rescuer in Newport and the United States. The lighthouse is not open to the public so the best way to view it is from a sailing cruise aboard an America’s Cup 12 Meter boat!
• Fort Adams
  Fort Adams, the largest coastal fortification in the United States, stands at the entrance of Newport Harbor. In the process of being restored, Fort Adams, offers daily tours and a unique waterfront location for private parties and corporate functions in Newport. The fort is also the waterfront location for many of Newport’s famous annual events and festivals including the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport JVC Jazz Festival.
• The Museum of Yachting
  Newport, Rhode Island’s Museum of Yachting is located at Fort Adams State Park overlooking Newport Harbor. The Museum of Yachting is dedicated to preserving the culture of yachting and educating the history of yachting through its exhibits, events and regattas. The Museum of Yachting has a special interest in preserving Newport’s America’s Cup history. They exhibit the America’s Cup Gallery, dedicated to the history of the America’s Cup competition, they organize many 12 Meter regattas annually in Newport and they manage two time America’s Cup winner, the 12 Meter yacht Courageous.
• Hammersmith Farm
  Hammersmith Farm was the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Auchincloss, Jacqueline Kennedy’s mother and stepfather. In September of 1953, Newport’s Hammersmith Farm was the location of the wedding reception following Jackie’s marriage to John F. Kennedy at St. Mary’s Church in downtown Newport. During JFK’s time as president, Newport’s Hammersmith Farm served as the summer White House. In 1962, President Kennedy visited Newport to view the America’s Cup sailing races. Hammersmith Farm is a now a private home and is closed to the public. However, while sailing on a 12 Meter, you will have great views of this famous Newport, Rhode Island sight!
• Castle Hill Lighthouse
  The Castle Hill Lighthouse is located in Newport, RI at the entrance of Narragansett Bay. The Castle Hill Lighthouse, built in 1890, continues to signal fog and guide mariners through Newport’s East Passage of Narragansett Bay.
• Beaver Tail Lighthouse
  Beaver Tail Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, Rhode Island. Conanicut Island divides Narragansett Bay into two passages, the East and the West and Beaver Tail Lighthouse marks the entrance to both Newport’s East Passage and the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. A watch house on Beaver Tail Point dates back to as early as 1705 when the Narragansett Indians inhabited Conanicut Island. In 1749, Rhode Island began construction of its first lighthouse, third in Colonial America, at Beaver Tail. Today, Beaver Tail Lighthouse remains an active aid to mariners in Rhode Island.
• Jamestown
  Jamestown, Rhode Island is located in Narragansett Bay one mile west of Newport. Located on Conanicut Island, it is a picturesque, waterfront destination.
• Rose Island Lighthouse
  The Rose Island Lighthouse is located in Narragansett Bay off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. Built in 1870, the lighthouse, which once served as a navigational aid along the New England coast, still stands on Rose Island as an independent, energy-efficient building. Today, it has been restored by the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation and is open to the public as a museum. Guests can even stay overnight as the ”lighthouse keeper!”
• Newport Bridge
  The Newport (Claiborne Pell) Bridge connects Newport (Aquidneck Island) to Jamestown (Conanicut Island). The Newport Bridge was completed in 1969 and made Newport more accessible from New York and other points to then south. Although strongly opposed by the Navy at the time, the Newport Bridge’s design affords over 200 feet of clearance for sailing, merchant, and navy vessels.
• Naval War College
  The Naval War College, located on Coasters Harbor Island, Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest school of its kind in the world and is the highest professional educational institution in the Navy. Since 1884 officers in the military have been studying the art and science of naval warfare in Newport. Today, Founders Hall, the original site of the college, is the site of Newport’s Naval War College Museum. The museum features exhibits on the history of naval warfare and Navy heritage of Narragansett Bay.
• U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Forrestal and Saratoga
  In 1998 Newport, Rhode Island became the home port for the USS Forrestal and USS Saratoga. Both ships are reserved US Naval aircraft carriers. The carriers are massive ships over 1000 feet long. They each have a 4.5 acre flight deck and, while in service, they were home to over 5000 men. Newport is one of only a few ports in the United States that is home of two super carriers. The ships are not open to the public so, again, the best spot for viewing is sailing aboard an America’s Cup sailboat!

These are only some of the many famous Newport sights you might see while sailing on our America’s Cup yachts. Please ask our 12 Meter crew questions about Newport sights. They are always happy to provide more information about their city! If there is a particular Newport attraction that you would like to see please ask the boat’s captain. If sailing time and conditions allow, he will take you sailing right past the Newport sight!

Other Newport Attractions

After enjoying a sailing experience aboard our America’s Cup yachts explore more of historic Newport!

• Newport Mansions
  The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains one of America’s premier collections of historic houses and gardens, some of which are located oceanfront or along historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. The Newport Mansions offer daily tours of eleven historic Newport properties and landscapes. The Newport Mansions also provide an elegant location for a corporate outing, private party or wedding event.
• Newport Restoration Foundation
  The Newport Restoration Foundation was created in 1968 by Newport resident, Doris Duke, to help restore and preserve Newport’s rapidly disappearing 18th century architecture. The Newport Restoration foundation offers tours to the public of Rough Point, Doris Duke’s oceanfront Newport home, the Samuel Whitehorne House with a collection of Newport furniture, and Prescott Farm, a Revolutionary War site.
• Astor’s Beechwood
  The Astor’s Beechwood is located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. This 19th century mansion was the home of Mrs. Astor, the undisputed queen of American society. Today, the Astor’s Beechwood is open to the public and offers a mansion tour that is unlike any other in Newport. The staff takes you back to 1891 as they portray Mrs. Astor’s family, friends, and household staff during the height of the Victorian Era. The theatrical interpretation of Newport’s ”high society” during the 19th century is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Newport! Newport’s Astor’s Beechwood also provides an elegant location for a corporate function, private party, or wedding celebration.
• Belcourt Castle
  Belcourt Castle was the Newport home of the Belmont family. Today, the present owners open their home for the public to enjoy the beauty and history of their 19th century home. Like other Newport mansions, Belcourt Castle offers luxurious architecture and gardens for special events.
• Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame
  In 1954, the Newport Casino was designated as the site of the International Tennis Hall of Fame to preserve the historic legacy of the game of tennis. The Newport Casino was previously used as a private club and playground for the wealthy summer residents of Newport, Rhode Island. Today, Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame offers one of the only public grass tennis courts in the US. The Hall of Fame hosts many collegiate and professional tennis events and in 2004 it celebrated its 50th anniversary with tennis greats like Steffi Graf, Chris Evert, John MacEnroe, and Rod Laver.
• Cliff Walk
  The Cliff Walk lies along the eastern shore of Newport, Rhode Island. It is a world famous public walk, about 3.5 miles long, that combines the natural beauty of Newport’s coastline with the architectural history of the Newport Mansions.
• Newport National Golf
  The number one rated golf course in Rhode Island, Newport National offers public golfing to Newport’s visitors and residents. Located close to downtown Newport shops, Newport Harbor and Newport’s major hotels, Newport National also offers corporate golf outings - a great activity to hold in conjunction with an America’s Cup corporate sailing adventure!
• Newport Vineyards
  Newport Vineyards was planted in 1977 overlooking Rhode Island Sound on Aquidneck Island with the goal of producing fine wines and preserving the beautiful agricultural land in Newport. Today, Newport Vineyards makes award winning Rhode Island wine. Newport Vineyards offers daily tours and wine tastings. The Vineyards also hosts special events, wedding celebrations, corporate functions and private parties! Newport Vineyard’s wine is a great accompaniment to a sunset sail aboard an America’s Cup 12 Meter!

When planning your sailing event in Newport, Rhode Island please ask the 12 Meter Charters’ office staff your questions or for recommendations about Newport attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. 12 Meter Charters is always happy to provide more information about Newport in an effort to make your stay in our great city as memorable as possible!

Newport, Rhode Island’s Annual Events

Newport offers endless events and activities year-round. When planning a summertime visit to Newport please consider the following annual Newport events:

• Newport’s Great Chowder Cook-off - June
• Newport International Film Festival - June
• The Newport Secret Garden Tour - June
• Newport Flower Show - June
• Black Ships Festival - July
• Newport Music Festival - July
• Newport International Polo - July, August
• The Newport Folk Festival - August
• The Newport/JVC Jazz Festival - August
• Newport Waterfront Irish Festival - August
• Taste of Rhode Island - September

12 Meter Charters offers our yachts for sails to view any of Newport’s waterfront events and festivals. Enjoy the music of the Folk Festival or Jazz festival while sailing on an America’s Cup 12 Meter! Please contact the 12 Meter Charters office for details and specific event dates.

Newport, Rhode Island - sailing capital of the world!

Newport has a longstanding sailing history that is evident everywhere in the ”City by the Sea” from the many Colonial sea captains’ homes that line the streets of Newport’s downtown, to the busy Newport Harbor that is a destination and home port, to some of the most renowned sailing and motor yachts in the world. Newport even has a busy downtown street, America’s Cup Avenue, dedicated to the most famous sailing race! Since its founding in 1639, Newporters have taken advantage of their city’s seaside location by using sailing for trade, pleasure, sport and business.

In the 18th century, Newport became a worldwide, maritime, trading center. Newport, along with Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston, emerged as one of the five leading ports in colonial North America. Economic growth created by maritime trade generated an expansion of Newport’s harbor and downtown. Over 150 wharves were built and sailing, cargo ships crowded Newport Harbor. Many of Newport’s famous landmarks were built during this time, including Trinity Church, the Redwood Library and The Brick Market.

In the 19th century the United States Navy officially sailed into Newport and became the major part of Newport’s economy. During the Civil War the US Naval Academy was temporarily moved to Newport. The USS Constitution and The America, the first America’s Cup winner, were sailing in Newport and were used for midshipmen training while the US Naval Academy was located in Newport.

After the Civil War the Naval Academy was moved back to Annapolis, but the Navy was here to stay in Newport. During this time, the first naval laboratory for torpedo testing was built in Newport Harbor on Goat Island; the Naval Training Station and Naval War College were also established in Newport, RI. Later, Newport and Narragansett Bay were used as a major port for US Navy ships. At one time more than a quarter of the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Today, although Newport is not a home port to the Navy’s ships, there are two retired aircraft carriers at the base. With the Naval War College and other training facilities still in Newport, the Navy continues to be an important part of Newport’s economy.

Later in the 19th century, Newport Harbor went from being a maritime trading center to a sailing playground for the rich and famous. During this time many of America’s most influential businessmen, with names like Vanderbilt, Astor, Belmont and Berwind, built summer homes in Newport, Rhode Island. With this influx of wealth into Newport, Newport Harbor became a major yachting destination. The Vanderbilts, the Astors, the Manvilles, J.P Morgan and many more all brought their luxurious sailing yachts to Newport, Rhode Island. In 1883 Newport came into the sailing spotlight when the New York Yacht Club held its first annual regatta in Newport. Newport was also added as a stop on the NYYC Annual Cruise from New York to New England. As the interest in Newport sailing grew, two local yacht clubs were formed - the Newport Yacht Club in 1893 and the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in 1928. he New York Yacht Club also officially came to Newport and formed station #9, a Newport clubhouse, for their yachting events. The Newport NYYC clubhouse has been the center of an impressive number of international sailing events, including America’s Cup sailing defenses, the Annapolis to Newport race, and the World Championships of the One Ton Ocean Racers from around the world.

For over fifty years of the 20th century, the most coveted sailing race in the world was held in Newport - the America’s Cup. Since the first America’s Cup defense in 1870, the New York Yacht Club held the America’s Cup races in New York. However, in the 1930's, after an increased interest in the ”city by the sea’s” sailing, the New York Yacht Club brought the America’s Cup sailing races to a new venue - Newport, Rhode Island. During the 1930’s the spectacular J-Boats sail raced for the America’s Cup. At over 100 feet long and with a crew of over 20, men the building and sailing of these yachts was a very expensive endeavor. Some of Newport’s most wealthy summertime residents were very active in America’s Cup sailing including Harold Vanderbilt who funded campaigns and sailed in both the 1930, 1934, and 1937 America’s Cup in Newport, Rhode Island.

In 1958, after a halt in America’s Cup sailing because of war, the 12 Meter yachts brought a new era of America’s Cup racing to Newport. The 12 Meters raced off the coast of Newport from 1958 to 1983 when, for the first time in over 130 years, the America’s Cup was lost by the New York Yacht Club and won by Australia. For more information about America’s Cup sailing in Newport please visit our America’s Cup History page or our 12 Meter History page.

Despite the loss of the America’s Cup, sailing remains a tradition in Newport, Rhode Island. Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor are busier than ever with both large and small sailing boats. Major sailing regattas are started, finished and held in Newport. The Newport to Bermuda sailing race is started in Newport biennially, in June. The start of the race brings racing and spectator sailing yachts to Newport. Single-handed races, trans-Atlantic and round the world races use Newport as a starting and finishing port. Sailing tours, team-building sail races, and charter sails are a major attraction for Newport’s corporate and private visitors. Most recently, Newport has been the host of two major sailing events, The UBS Sailing Challenge and the 2004 Tall Ships Rhode Island Festival.

In the summer of 2004 the latest America’s Cup winner, Switzerland’s Alinghi, and, USA’s BMW/Oracle raced off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. From June 19-26 the International America’s Cup Class (IACC) yachts raced in the UBS Sailing Challenge. This sailing regatta marked the first time that the IACC America’s Cup yachts have raced in Newport and for the first time since 1982, the actual ”America’s Cup” was on display in Newport! In the end, Newport proved to be a ”lucky” location for the sailing races. The USA’s BMW/Oracle team defeated Alinghi to win the UBS Sailing Trophy.

In July of 2004 the Tall Ships sailed into Newport. Over a dozen ”tall ships” sailing vessels were docked at Goat Island, Newport, RI for the 2004 Tall Ships Rhode Island Festival. Sailing ships from around the world sailed to Newport for the festival. They included Poland’s Iskra, Uruguay’s Capitan Miranda, Romania’s Mircea, and the US Coast Guard’s Eagle. The ships, which ranged from 59 feet to 295 feet in length, were open for tours in Newport from July 16-19. The event culminated in a spectacular ”Parade of Sail” where the ships sailed up Narragansett Bay and under the Newport Bridge to salute Newport, Rhode Island before traveling to their next destination.

By offering sails aboard the America’s Cup yachts 12 Meter Charters strives to keep the tradition of sailing alive in Newport. Private and corporate visitors agree that sailing aboard our yachts is an experience not to be missed in Newport! With its refreshing ocean breezes, beautiful coastline and magnificent sights, Newport, Rhode Island offers an unparalleled sailing experience. We invite you to come sailing with 12 Meter Charters and experience why Newport is considered the ”sailing capital of the world!”

Newport’s Annual 12 Meter Regatta Sailing

Newport proudly displays its America’s Cup sailing history. There are America’s Cup sailing museums in Newport, a Newport street is named after the America’s Cup, and many previous America’s Cup J-Boat and 12 Meter boats can be seen sailing in Newport during the summer. However, nowhere is Newport’s America’s Cup sailing history more evident than in Newport’s annual 12 Meter sailing regattas. Newport is now the home of the largest fleet of America’s Cup 12 Meters in the world, most of which are available for charter through 12 Meter Charters. Therefore, it is no surprise, that Newport has become the capital of 12 Meter racing and sailing. The following are Annual 12 Meter Regattas that are held in Newport:

• New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta - June
• New York Yacht Club’s Race Week - July (biennially)
• Sparkman & Stephens Regatta - July
• Museum of Yachting’s Classic Yacht Regatta and Parade - September
• 12 Meter Championships - September

Are you interested in sailing in one of Newport’s annual 12 Meter regattas? 12 Meter Charters offers yachts to compete in any of these Newport regattas and many more sailing regattas around New England. Racing in Newport, Rhode Island aboard an America’s Cup 12 Meter boat is an incomparable sailing experience! Please contact the 12 Meter Charters office for more information about sailing regatta charters.

Newport Sailing Events and Regattas

Newport, Rhode Island, ”sailing capital of the world,” has many other annual sailing events. Although our 12 Meter boats do not participate in these events, they are available for viewing most of these exciting sailing events!

• Newport’s Spring Boat Show - May
• Newport to Bermuda Sailing Race - June
• Annapolis to Newport Sailing Race - June
• Newport International Boat Show - September