Last week, I ambitiously set off with my PIC (Partner In Crime) for a six state journey in fewer than six days through New England, hitting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and finally Rhode Island. So, it was yet another good time and/or good story in the making.
As the title of the post implies, when in Newport, you must sail. And, we did. We knew there would be no ifs ands or buts about it. Let’s face it; sailing is to Newport, Rhode Island like…
- Cheese is to Wisconsin (Duh! And washed down with beer.)
- Flamenco is to Spain (Ole!)
- Cigars and rum are to Cuba (Here’s to smoking with a Cubalibre!)
- Rain gear and glaciers are to Juneau (Rainforest in Alaska? Yep, there is!)
So with a thirst for adventure and love for water, we took the opportunity to sail in Newport, Rhode Island as the icing on top of our New England tour cake. We luckily stumbled upon a great charter, On Watch Sailing and Captain Green, who coincidentally is from Florida. And so, Green and his crew (myself, my mom, and PIC) set out on a beautiful afternoon sail on Lyra, a 44 foot Ketch sailboat (seen below), from Newport’s harbor through its Narragansett Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.
On our intimate, two-hour cruise, we were able to get insider’s information on the world-renowned mansions, the charming lighthouse, historic highlights from WWII, tales of the hurricane of ’38, and some of Green’s own good times and good stories from Lyra and a lifetime of sailing around the world, including the Florida Keys, transatlantic journeys, Hawaii, and more. We were so very fortunate. The weather couldn’t have been more enjoyable, nor might I add, the conversation.
Upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean, the sun was shining with enough wind and calm seas to sail our main, jib, and mizzen at a great pace without a fight. However, as with every good time, there must be a good story.
Off in the distance, unbeknownst to the crew, was an incoming fog bank. However, Green noticed it, a large dark, bank of clouds approaching the Lyra. So, despite the beautiful conditions predicted, the Atlantic wanted to show us a true taste of its power while allowing us a picture perfect harbor cruise and time to get to the dock before the impending fog bank. As we continued into the harbor, we sailed passing mega-yachts, other sailing vessels, and fisherman (harbor image seen below). Meanwhile the winds picked up, the temperature dropped, and the fog bank came closer, dissipating over the mansions.
Upon arrival at the dock, we celebrated with wine and of course cheese (You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can’t take the Wisconsin out of the girl). We sat sheltered from the wind and basking in the sunlight raising our glass or better said bottle to our Captain Green. Thanks for making our day in Newport, Rhode Island the best finale of our New England tour.
If you have Newport sailing stories, I’d love to hear them. If you are interested in contacting, Captain Green and On Watch Sailing, click here.
Here’s to more good times and good stories. Stay tuned to future adventures to Cuba, Toronto, and more by connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.