Sightsailing strives to give you a fun sailing experience and show you the best of Newport.  We have been operating for more than 20 years and are are the oldest, locally owned company in Newport offering both regularly scheduled sails and private charters to the public. 
 
John Hirschler

John Hirschler


Sightsailing Inc. was started by John Hirschler who still works here almost every day. John graduated from Boston University and after a stint of office work, decided it might be a good idea to start a business before returning to business school.

John started Sightsailing doing all the sailing himself in a 22 foot Pearson Ensign while his girlfriend ran the ‘office’…basically a phone, a tattered notebook and a rickety chair. After a season or two, John added another boat and then a few more. He received his MBA but decided that even though it was ahhh…. a boatload of work, he enjoyed running his own show and "messing about in boats."

In the winter, John can be found covered with muck in the boatyard, skiing in New England, reading the Sunday New York Times, dreaming of visiting far away places and catching up on everything that got put on the back burner during the sailing season!

Favorite Quotation: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.- Anonymous. "You win some, you lose some and some get rained out, but you gotta suit up for them all."J. Askenberg
Ed Early
Ed Early

Jensen beach fl
BA Philosophy, VA. Tech.


Interests: Tennis, surfing, snowboarding, guitar, stock trading, reading, and the arts.
Sailing Experience: 52 years beginning at Camp Seagull on the Neuse River in coastal North Carolina.
Favorite Quotation:  "Dig anywhere in the earth and you will find a treasure, but first you must dig with the heart of a peasant."  -Kahil Gibran
   
Isaac Howe
Isaac Howe

Lakes Region, NH
B.S. Maritime Administration Texas A


Interests: Sailing, Basketball, Traveling, Timber Framing, Skiing, Sports, My Dogs & Cats
Sailing Experience: Been on everything from Optis and Lasers to J-Boats to the 393-foot Texas Clipper. A career professional in the sailing industry, Isaac has sailed a myriad of locales, from frigid Newfoundland and Labrador to the tropical Gulf of Mexico and Hawai'i, with many stops in between. 
Favorite Quotation: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right" -Henry Ford
   
Jeff Serrie
Jeff Serrie


Interests: Sailing and racing boats both large and small, brewing beer, boat building and design.


Sailing Experience: Jeff has sailed everything from small dinghies to J-24's and large race boats. A former J-World instructor and the previous owner of a Columbia 31 which he completely restored to mint condition, he now owns and sails his International 14 as often as he can. Jeff has sailed all over the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, from Florida to New England on his Columbia 31, and beyond.






 


 


 


 


 
   
Curt Porter
Curt Porter

BS in Business Management from Western Michigan University 



From: Grand Haven, MI


Interests: Sailing, Boats, Wine, Travel 


Sailing Experience: The first time Curt was aboard a sailboat he was 5 days old. Although he wasn't driving then, he soon learned to take the helm... Curt has sailed all along the Great Lakes and East Coast, on everything from classic S&S designs to Super Maxi's. Currently ashore in Newport with his wife, Rachel & little dog "Charlie".


Favorite Quote: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." -Vince Lombardi
   


This section would not be complete if we did not pay homage to the people who really do the heavy lifting around here: the crew and the front desk team. The front desk team is the one who answered your phone call, explained our different boats, booked your reservation and greeted you upon check-in. They also wear many different hats, sweat all the details, tackle a multitude of office tasks and are the glue that holds this place together!

The crew aboard Aquidneck and Sightsailer are also phenomenal. Every season we get a boatload of applications from all sorts of people: college sailing team skippers, merchant mariners, teachers, boat nuts, you name it. We try to hire people who not only know how to sail, but really like working with people. Our crews are the ones greeting you, raising, lowering and trimming sails, pointing out sights, ensuring your comfort and sharing their knowledge of Newport with you. They have the largest impact on your experience and always try to do an outstanding job!