Public Sailing Tours

Sailing Tours | Newport RI

Whether you join us for a Morning Mimosa Sail, Afternoon Day Sail, Sunset Cruise, or Private Charter, sailing in Newport is fantastic!

Newport is the sailing capital of the United States and home to one of the prettiest harbors in the country!

Sail through Newport Harbor, into Narragansett Bay, and along the shoreline of Newport’s picturesque Ocean Drive.

Experience spectacular views of the Pell Bridge, Fort Adams, Clingstone, and Hammersmith Farm, the former Summer White House of JFK.  Vintage America’s Cup boats, lighthouses, super yachts, and weekly races are common sights.

Public sailing tours and private charters are offered daily aboard Aquidneck and Sightsailer. Read more about our boats on Our Fleet page. 

– No sailing experience required.

– Smooth sailing in protected waters. Queasiness is never an issue!

– Light, informative commentary.

– Help raise sails, take the wheel, or relax and enjoy the sights.

– No two trips are exactly alike since the wind and tide vary daily and we try to sail as much as possible. 

Whether you’ve never set foot on a sailboat, or are an old salt, Sightsailing’s public sailing tours in Newport are legendary, enjoyable, and fun for all!
See Newport.  Sail Newport!

Sails regularly sell out.  We strongly recommend booking online in advance. Public sail tickets for Aquidneck become available 21 days prior to the departure date. Sightsailer public sails become available 10 days prior to the departure date.

Have more questions about our booking policies, the weather, or where to park?  Check our FAQ.

Book Now

Schooner Aquidneck

Aquidneck sailing in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Newport is spectacular from the water and the sailing is legendary.

Sightsailer

Our nimble 46' sloop Sightsailer knifing along. Designed by Newport naval architect Yves-Marie Tanton, Sightsailer is a delight to sail!  

Clingstone

Built by the Wharton family from Philadelphia in 1904, Clingstone has a fascinating history and has weathered many a winter storm.

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Castle Hill Lighthouse marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay and has welcomed sailors from all over the world to Newport for over 100 years.  The lighthouse is the finish line for many trans-Atlantic races.  One can walk down to the lighthouse by visiting the Inn at Castle Hill, one of our favorite spots.   Read more in our blog

Raising sail on Aquidneck


Feel like a little arm workout?  Guests may help raise sail on Aquidneck or sit back and relax.

Heave-ho!

Heave ho!

Fort Adams

Fort Adams was built by the U.S. Army after the British burned Washington in the war of 1812.  It marks the entrance to Newport Harbor and is the largest coastal fortification in North America.   It took 33 years to complete and never saw any wartime action. Today the fort is the home of the annual  Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals.  It's open to the public, has superb views of the bay and is a great place to tour! 

Hammersmith Farm

Hammersmith Farm was built by the Auchincloss family and was the summer home of Jacqueline Bouvier, who later married Senator John F. Kennedy at St. Mary's Church in downtown Newport.  Their wedding reception was held on the grounds and Hammersmith Farm was considered the 'Summer Whitehouse' of President Kennedy.  Kennedy loved to sail the waters off Newport and there are plenty of pictures of him and the First Lady sailing here.  We'll tell you more when you come for a sail!