7 Reasons Chartering a Yacht in Newport is the Best

Newport is rich in seafaring history- from the earliest days of colonial settlers and fishermen, to the pirates, whalers, and revolutionaries that came to this town during America’s rise to greatness. Today, Newport is the summer gathering home of luxury superyachts, classic sailing boats and America’s Cup racing yachts, and this beautiful city by the sea is known as one of the great yachting capitals of the world.  

As the southern gateway to the iconic lighthouses, sandy beaches and summer homes of New England, Newport is the ideal place to launch a yacht charter. However, there’s much more to Newport than a place to cast off on an adventure. Newport is a brilliant destination in its own right.

1. Visit the mansions of Newport

Referred to as ‘summer cottages’ in a superb example of architectural understatement, these palatial homes high on the cliffs of Newport were once owned by America’s iconic families such as the Astors and the Vanderbilts. During the late 1800’s Newport had become the place to summer, and America’s elite flocked here to drive along grand leafy avenues in horse-drawn carriages, throw high-society parties in ornate ballrooms, and play tennis on manicured lawns overlooking the Pacific. Now run by the Preservation Society, a visit to these splendid homes of yesteryear is a must for your visit to Newport, while the cliff walk that trails along the coastline offers breathtaking views of the mansions, wild roses, and the deep blue ocean stretching all the way to England from where it all began.

2. Attend a summer-time event

Newport has an action-packed schedule of events throughout the summer months, including the famous Newport Jazz festival, the Newport Folk festival, the Newport Classical Music Festival, the Newport Antiques Show and the Newport International Boat Show. Whichever cultural event takes your fancy, Newport comes alive with music and entertainment during the long summer days and warm evenings.

3. Watch the action on the water

For sailing enthusiasts, the Newport Regatta in July and the Classic Yacht Regatta in September are just two of the many exciting sailing events held throughout the year. For those who enjoy the adrenaline and history of the America’s Cup, you can take a day sail out on one of these extraordinary racing yachts. Newport is also the home port of the Volvo World Ocean Race, which will begin again in 2018. Back on land, any boater worth their salt will want to visit the impressive Museum of Yachting and the Naval War College Museum, both detailing Newport’s mariner past.

4. Hit the shops

Newport is a brilliant place to shop, whether you’re browsing for hidden treasures on Antiques Alley, visiting one of the glamorous art galleries, or looking for a new outfit in a high-end boutique. Newport is also famous for its nautical souvenirs and bookshops, so it’s easy to find a memento to remember your Newport yacht charter by.

5. Soak up the history

Newport boasts some of the oldest colonial buildings in America, including the splendid Redwood Library and Athenaeum, founded in 1747, the oldest synagogue in the United States and the White Horse Tavern, which was built in 1652 and served as the meeting place of the Colony’s General Assembly for a century. You could also visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame and play a memorable round on their grass court, or visit Hammersmith Farm, the ‘Summer White House’ during the Kennedy administration. Newport has a history that you can feel as you stroll along the pretty streets where so much of America’s history took shape.

6. Meet the wildlife

Offshore, you can go whale watching, or head out into the bay on your yacht to see if you can spot some seals. Keen fishermen will be dying to throw a line in and join the long fishing tradition of Rhode Island.

7. Eat, drink, and be merry

Newport has some excellent dining, with a predictable (yet welcome) focus on the superb local seafood. Standouts include the Castle Hill, The Clarke House on Bannister’s Wharf, or the historic White Horse Tavern. There’s a great bar scene in Newport too- from the casual yachting bars along the port to the blues bar for some live music, or the more sophisticated rooftop bar at the Vanderbilt hotel. For wine lovers, there are several wineries within a short drive of Newport.

This summer, why not begin your seafaring adventure in Newport, as so many have before you. As an American yacht brokerage with lots of experience in New England, Denison Yachts has a great history with Newport- and that history is about to get even better! Stay tuned for exciting news…

Related: Yacht Charters for Millennials.

Contact Yacht Charter Manager Jackie Guenther for more information: