America's Cup Yacht Sailing Newport: Hands-On 12 Meter Racing

Take the helm of an America's Cup winner, or crew for one

Sail aboard one of five historic 12 Meter class yachts—including two-time America's Cup winners Intrepid and Weatherly—on a two-hour evening sail around Narragansett Bay. You help hoist and trim sails or steer the boat yourself if you want to; no sailing experience is required. The route passes the New York Yacht Club, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, and under the Newport Bridge. Seltzer and bottled water are included; you can bring your own beer, wine or snacks.

The Experience

You board one of five vintage 12 Meter yachts—Intrepid (two-time America's Cup winner, 1967 and 1970), Weatherly (1962 winner), American Eagle (1964 contender), Heritage (1970 contender), Gleam (1937), or Onawa (1928)—and the professional crew walks you through what happens next. No experience required. If you want to sail, you'll help hoist the mainsail and jib, trim the sheets to catch the wind, and take a turn at the helm steering the boat across Narragansett Bay. If you'd rather watch, you can sit back and let the crew do the work while you take in the water and the sights.

The two-hour sail passes under the Newport Bridge and by the New York Yacht Club, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, Eisenhower House, Hammersmith Farm, and Castle Hill. The boat moves at racing speed when conditions allow, so you feel what these yachts were built to do. Seltzer and bottled water are complimentary; you're welcome to bring your own beer, wine, or light snacks if you want to extend the experience.

What’s included

• Complimentary seltzer and bottled water.
• professional crew instruction.
• use of a historic 12 Meter yacht for the full two hours.
• the option to help sail or simply relax on board.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by America's Cup Charters

Is this one for you?You're hands-on and want to actually sail the boat—not just ride it—so you'll trim sails and steer under the crew's guidance. If you'd rather not take the helm, you can help with the sails or sit back and let the crew manage everything; the choice is yours once you're on board.

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Top questions

Can I actually steer the boat, or do I just watch the crew sail it?

You can take a turn at the helm and steer the yacht yourself if you want to. The professional crew on board will teach you how and stay with you the whole time. If you prefer not to steer, you can help trim the sails or simply relax and enjoy the ride—it's entirely up to you.

What is a 12 Meter yacht, and why does it matter?

A 12 Meter is a racing class that competed in the America's Cup, the world's most prestigious sailing competition. The five yachts you can sail aboard include Intrepid, which won the America's Cup twice (1967 and 1970), and Weatherly, the 1962 winner. Sailing one of these boats lets you experience the same class of vessel that raced at the highest level of competitive sailing.

What will we see during the two-hour sail?

The route takes you around Narragansett Bay and passes the New York Yacht Club, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, Eisenhower House, Hammersmith Farm, and Castle Hill. You'll also sail under the Newport Bridge. The exact sights depend on wind and water conditions, but the bay offers views of historic Newport landmarks throughout the sail.

Do I need any sailing experience to do this?

No experience is required. The crew will teach you what to do as you go—how to help hoist the sails, trim the sheets, and steer if you want to. The activity is designed for people with no background in sailing.

What's included, and what should I bring?

Seltzer and bottled water are complimentary. You're welcome to bring your own beer, wine, or light snacks if you'd like. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a light jacket or sweater—it can be cool on the water even on a warm evening.