Sail Newport

I had stopped in at SailNewport during the off season just to pick up some information for a birthday gift for Gster. My first impression was very helpful, and my lasting impression was 5 thumbs up (if that is possible)! Mid July, we booked a 2 hour private lesson, which for an additional $ 15, you can add a second person. What a deal! We were taken out by a fun Irish man, and were taught all the basics of sailing. The instructors were friendly, knowledgeable, and very experienced. It honestly felt like we were out sailing with friends, rather than paying for a lesson. Being an experienced sailor, I felt that he made us comfortable, and taught us enough about the boat and the sailing techniques to satisfy a first lesson. My hopes of making Gster a sailor are slow, but hopeful!
I would highly recommend using SailNewport for a fun day out on the water (You can rent the boats if you know how to sail) or for a lesson!

My first experience with Sail Newport was late in the sailing season. It was mid-​October, but prime time for sailing. To reserve a boat you call the office and set-​up a three hour bloc. Mine was a morning reservation in a Rhodes 19. When I got there little wind was blowing in the bay so the office asked if I could come back in the afternoon. Not convenient but better than canceling. The only requirement for sailing is that you pay (obviously) and that you demonstrate you can rig the boat, jibe, tack and dock. The test takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
One of the instructors asked me to rig the boat (we both had the same sailing instructor, but several years apart) and we went for the test. Very easy sail test headed 100 feet away from the dock — jibe around a buoy, tack back towards the dock and sit your boat against the dock. The instructor got off and I was free to go.
After you pass that you are free to take the boat, with whoever you want to wherever you want within the school’s boundaries. I loaded up three family members and we sailed from the school to the Newport bridge and back down to a couple lighthouses. It was very nice.
I think the cost was manageable something like $ 90 for three hours. I would recommend to anyone with sailing skills to rent from them. I’ve also heard great things about their sailing programs, regattas and would love to get in a J boat eventually.

I just took my second sailing excursion with Sail Newport Beach, and I didn’t believe the experience could get better than my first outing, but it certainly did. On our first adventure, we spent a bit of time in the harbor looking at the homes of the stars, and also some historical sights which were great — but all along the crew made sure we knew we can basically craft our own tour. On our second journey, we had the same captain — Lucky Us — Captain Dave — who’s not only knowledgeable on the Newport Harbor and Coastline, but also taught us everything from wind, directions and boat instruments to waves and speeds, as well as all of the creatures of the ocean that we were seeing on the journey. It was as if Captain Dave turned the entire ocean into his own private zoo. We saw a young Marlin jump from the water; we watched about 50 dolphins play alongside the boat (literally less than a foot away) for over 30 minutes; we watched a whale bob his head above the water several times and the Captain Dave glided our way back in-​between boats and harbor lights to make a perfect ending to an amazing afternoon & evening.
The boat was in top shape; sleek, clean and all of the ammenities from kitchen to head, to top-​line navigational equipment. Captain Dave explained it all to us when we asked. He was the perfect captain and host — interjecting stories when we asked, yet also allowing me and my friends to catch up while he made sure to catch the perfect breeze and swell. Idyllic !!
I’ve sailed in most corners of the world and normally there’s an Ok boat trying to be special. This experience was special without even trying, as the company has every aspect down to a science, always remembering to treat the customer as a long lost friend, and a highly prized guest.

Sail Newport is a nonprofit group that provides sailing lessons to kids & adults, sailboat rentals, and a youth ‘sailing-​camp’.
I have taken two sets of lessons from Sail Newport. Both times the instructors were very knowledgeable about all things sailing. You can tell they grew up on sailboats and on the water. The instruction was solid and you spend 95% of the time on the boat (J/​22).
For both classes there were 3 students plus the instructor. Each student gets equal ‘stick’ (rudder?) time practicing various maneuvers and learning how to make decisions.
Membership programs are available. If you want to take several lessons and rent boats this is by far the way to go.
I do not have kids but the youth program sounds like a lot of fun. I wanted to quit my job and sign up this summer!
The location near Ft Adams provides a beautiful place to be out on the water.
If you are interested in learning how to sail or can ‘qualify’ to rent a boat this is a great outfit.