Newport - Home of the Big Boats

Sunday morning, the pirates went to the dock for water, ice, and coffee, in preparation for the next leg of our trip to Newport, sailing capital of the northeast and the home of the big boats and the fancy yachts. We sailed out of Cuttyhunk just after 9AM and headed back northwest toward the mainland and Newport.

The weather was slowly taking a turn for the worse again, so we got going as quickly as possible. It was a smooth steady sail and Chris and Kevin set up the chairs on the foredeck to catch the sights. We actually got a chance to put up the sails for a bit as we approached the coastline.

It started to drizzle a little, so we had to put our "foulies" back on as we entered Narragansett Bay, where sailing is king, and the weather doesn't stop anyone from sailing the waters there.

Kevin Modeling His Foul Weather Gear

Map of Newport

Newport has huge mansions, sailboats
and huge sailing and power yachts.

We found a nice spot to drop anchor near the yacht club and set up the canopy to keep the rain away. We decided we would head to shore for showers and for dinner at "The Cooke House", an upscale restaurant in a beautiful location on the water, after cruising the docks for souvenirs.

Too bad we had "Miss Personality" for a waitress, but the company, the dinner, dessert and "ambiance" was fabulous, and it was very comfortable to be in out of the rain.

We met a lovely young lady from North Carolina, who was nice enough to take some photos for us, and sat with us for a bit to enjoy a glass of wine and some lobster and dessert.

Sam was in town on business and we enjoyed chatting and swapping stories with her at our table. She was even nice enough to volunteer to take Kevin to the airport the following morning, so he could get to his business meeting in Florida.

Thanks, Sam!

We "bellied up to the bar" for a cordial, and met the crew from a 120 foot long luxury yacht that was spending the night in Newport. We met the executive chef, who told us that if we could come up with a cool $30,000, plus fuel, plus groceries and supplies, we could charter the same boat for one week for next year's Pirate Cruise.

I've already begun saving my empties...

It was time to head back to ZAYDA for a few hours of sleep.

Early the next morning, we said our good-byes to Kevin. Chris gave Kevin a ride to shore, and they met Sam at the Viking Hotel, where Chris got a look at the weather radar map on the computer there. It wasn't a very pretty sight!

By the time we reached our home port, Kevin was enjoying the sunny weather in Florida. Just think of the dramamine he saved! See you next year, "Kevbo". We'll miss ya', matey!

We needed to get an early start for the long, rocky ride back home, and the wind and the waves were kicking!

Newport, Rhode Island

The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to Newport, Rhode Island

Visit Newport, Rhode Island


The Pirates Head Home