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Sailing the East Bay for Beginners

Here's how to raise sail for summer fun if you're just getting started

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I love the sound of water lapping against the hull of a boat, the weightless feeling of cruising through the waves. I look at the horizon and see only blue, and in that moment, all is right in the world.

A few summers ago I started sailing on Narragansett Bay with a good friend who just so happens to be a college sailing coach. Since then I’ve been learning how to read the wind, using it to propel forward. There’s something so visceral about being on the water. It makes me think about maiden voyages around the world in times past. That sense of exploration, adventure and wonderment about what’s over the next horizon. There’s nothing that compares to that feeling of freedom and exultation, and if you’ve never experienced it this is the summer for it.

Narragansett Bay is world renowned for its sailing and boating. It’s got the right stuff – wind, topography, technology. 
If you’ve never been on a boat, coming aboard is only a charter or sailing lesson away.


Pushing Off
The folks over at East Bay Charters offer private charters on their flagship boat Vytis. Hop on board for lighthouse tours of upper or lower Narragansett Bay, a sunset cruise in Warren or glide along the Bay from Warren to Newport (with a two-hour lunch break in Newport). East Bay Charters hosts parties up to six, because being on the water is always better with your crew. 401-996-4706, www.EastBayCharters.com

If you’re looking for a little more action while you’re on the ocean, Flippin Out Charters kicks it up a notch with a half or full day of fishing. They’ll provide all the gear you need to hook a striped bass, shark (that’s right, a shark!), scup, fluke or anything else that takes your bait. If it bites they’ll find a way to catch it. Of course, if catch and release isn’t your thing, they’ll take you around to the most picturesque places in the area to get your photo on. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap pics of lighthouses, mansions and harbors. 379 Willow Lane, Portsmouth. 401-529-2267, www.FlippinOutCharters.com

Getting on the water is as easy as one, two, three. As in one, two or three hours. With Latitude you have the option of chartering their historic and elegant 32-foot Dreamboat Latitude for pretty much any amount of time. Not sure you like the water? Take the one-hour cruise through Warren and Barrington. Feel like you’ve got your sea legs? Charter Latitude for a full day for stellar views of Colt State Park, Mount Hope Bridge and Bristol Ferry Lighthouse and then disembark in Bristol. Plus, if you’re planning a cruise for that special someone, customize your itinerary by adding a catered meal, chocolate covered strawberries, flowers or a photographer. Warren Town Dock, 279 Water Street, Warren. 401-250-5585, www.CruiseLatitude.com

Yachts come in various shapes and sizes, like the ones available at America’s Cup Charters. No matter your group size, you can charter one of their many yachts (a medium sized sailboat capable of cruising or racing) for two or three hours. Expect to catch stunning views of Narragansett Bay and scenic Newport. To top it off, you get the experience of sailing aboard one of their America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts used during the America’s Cup Race. These historic yachts represent the spirit of America’s Cup racing in the 19th and 20th centuries. Plus, they’re just darn cool; you’re literally sailing on a piece of history. 63 Mill Street, Newport. 401-846-9886, 401-849-5968, www.AmericasCupCharters.com

Once you’ve figured out that this is the life for you, set sail with Sakonnet Charters for an overnight or weekend charter. Instead of sailing around the Bay for a few hours, you’ll head out on the open ocean for an overnight to Block Island, Woods Hole, Cape Cod, Edgartown or Nantucket, to name a few, and have the chance to participate in crewing the 59-foot Hinckley sloop Eclipse. Once you’ve had your fill of crewing, sit back, relax and have a few cocktails. 401-474-2405, www.SakonnetCharters.com

If you truly can’t get enough of the charter lifestyle, consider becoming a member of the Barton and Gray Mariners Club. There you’ll have access to a fleet of Hinckley yachts that are fully crewed and available at the drop of a hat. The crew will organize incredible experiences on the water, which means all you have to do is show up in your Vineyard Vines shorts and Kiel James Patrick jewelry for a luxurious excursion. www.BartonandGray.com

Take the Helm
So you’ve gotten out on the water and decided that you love it. Now’s the time to take matters in your own hands and learn the ropes of sailing. From little boats to big yachts, there are area sailing schools to get you on your way to sailing off into the sunset.

The folks at the Narragansett Sailing School teach any interested person from total newbie to advanced sailor. In no time flat you’ll learn how to tack, jibe and dock faster than you can say Sperry. As you progress, you’ll learn how to sail larger and larger yachts, and even take an all hands on deck cruising class where you’ll cruise out to Block Island, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Along the way you’ll drop anchor and practice various navigation techniques and watch-keeping at night, to name a few skills. Cove Haven Marina, 101 Narragansett Avenue, Barrington. 401-250-5496, www.NarragansettSailing.com

Sailing can be a family affair. Like the sailing lessons at East Bay Sailing Foundation, for instance. They offer classes for kids and adults alike at the Bristol Yacht Club (membership or being a resident of Bristol is not required). During an eight-week summer program – starting June 13 – participants have the opportunity to learn all about water safety, the technical jargon and skills necessary for sailing, and have the opportunity to participate in races at the end of the program. This program even includes classroom work, which promotes a deeper understanding of how to sail. Poppasquash Road, Bristol. 401-253-0775, www.EastBaySailingFoundation.org

Then again, if you’re looking to foster a love of sailing in your kids, the sailing program at Spindle Rock Club is right up your alley, or river. Designed for kids eight and up – and open to the public – they’ll have the opportunity to sail on the Westport River and Cockeast Pond. The program, starting on June 20 or 21, caters to kids at every sailing level. So if your little tyke has never set foot on a sailboat, they’ve got you covered. If junior has already developed a love for sailing and wants to get involved in competitive racing, there’s also a place for her. Over the course of the program, the kids also get to participate in special events like cookouts, pirate days and competitions with other yacht clubs. 762 River Road, Westport. 508-636-5422, www.SpindleRockClub.org

I say “Herreshoff,” you say “maritime history.” Although the Herreshoff Museum is widely known for its preservation and celebration of maritime culture in Rhode Island, you may not know that they also host adult sailing classes in their Summer Seamanship Program. Hosted in their classic wooden sloops, attendees learn the art of seamanship and sailing principles. They also have a variety of classes designed for beginners and intermediates, and even host women’s only nights. An opportunity for the whole family to get on board a sloop is available during a Family Sail, where adults and kids can hone their skills as a team. One Burnside Street, Bristol. 401-253-5000, www.Herreshoff.org

East Bay Charters, Flippin Out Charters, Cruise latitude, America’s Cup Charters, Sakonnet Charters, Barton and Gray Mariners Club, Narragansett Sailing School, East Bay Sailing Foundation, Spindle Rock Club, Herreshoff Museum, DeWolf Tavern, Thames Waterside Bar and Grille, Boat House, Sailing Capital of the World, Bowen’s Ferry Landing Marina, The Wharf Pub and Raw Bar, Borden Light Marina, Tipsy Seagull, Sail Newport, The Newport Bermuda Race, International Yacht Restoration School, Newport Charter Yacht Show

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