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Helpful Tips / Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere do we sail, what do we see? All of our boats sail through Newport Harbor, into Narrangansett Bay and along the beautiful, picturesque shoreline of Newport’s Ocean Drive and Jamestown. The scenery is spectacular and the sailing is generally first rate. During the sail you will see Fort Adams (the largest fort on the east coast), Clingstone (a one-of-a-kind house perched on rocks), the Newport Bridge, Ida Lewis and New York Yacht Clubs and all sorts of interesting, beautiful yachts. Unless it’s extraordinarily windy, you will see Hammersmith Farm (the summer White House of JFK). Depending on the trip you may also see beautiful waterfront estates in Brenton’s Cove. No trip is exactly the same because the wind direction, speed and tide may vary which makes each trip unique! Our sails are not like tour boats where we will be talking at you non-stop about what we're sailing by. We want you to enjoy the sensation of sailing...the lap of the water on the hull, the sounds of the water on the rocks and the wind in the rigging. However Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay are two of the prettiest and most historic bodies of water in the world. Our captains and crew are knowledgeable about the sights you’ll be sailing past and will tell you the history of some of them as you sail past...hence the name Sightsailing! What should we wear? Bring appropriate gear for going on the water. In the spring and fall we recommend a lightweight jacket and a pair of long pants. In the summer, unless it’s really hot, a pair of long pants for a sunset sail may not be a bad idea. We usually have some blankets on board all our vessels. If you’re sailing during the day, a hat and sun block (no oils they make the deck slippery) are recommended. Any type of soft soled shoes, sneakers or sandals is fine. Shoes with black marking soles that leave black marks are discouraged. What should we bring? Definitely a camera and your sense of adventure! You may bring your own snacks or beverages. No hard alcohol is allowed. Unless you’re doing a private charter don’t bring an enormous picnic spread! If you are doing a private charter and ordering food or drink, try and contact the caterer at least 72 hours in advance. See our our food and drink section for private charters. What if it rains or looks like there won't be a sunset? We won’t send you out in the pouring rain. However there are many trips that we have done where it has stopped raining 15 minutes prior to departure, we look at the radar on our computer, see that it has passed and off we go! We’ll also stay out if it’s just lightly sprinkling. Keep in mind that unfortunately we can’t guarantee you a beautiful sunset and that we will sail if it’s overcast, misty or sprinkling. Remember...Adventure! How do we get there? Sightsailing is located on historic Bowen’s Wharf which is on America's Cup Avenue in the heart of downtown Newport. For driving directions from where you are, see our contact page. Where do we park? You have several parking options. Your best bet is to probably park at the Newport County Convention & Vistor’s Bureau parking garage on America’s Cup Ave which is about a 7 or 8 minute walk from Bowen’s Wharf. The rates here are the lowest and there is plenty of space. There are also meters scattered all over Newport. These cost $1/hour and have a 3 hour limit which is strictly enforced. In the summer, by late morning, it can be difficult to find a meter. There is also a very small lot here at Bowen's Wharf which costs $1.50/hour. It only holds about 20 cars and it can get full quickly. Lastly, there are several lots along America’s Cup Ave and Thames St which have a flat rate for all day parking. Is there a bathroom? There are public restrooms located on Bowen's Wharf. We strongly recommend using one before you depart. All of our boats have heads (toilets) which guests may use if necessary. |
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