A private sail on Starlight is the closest thing to having your own yacht in Newport Harbor. With just two to six guests on board, you get a 34-foot O’Day sloop, a friendly and knowledgeable captain, and two full hours on the water, the longest sail in our fleet.
This is not a group tour. No strangers, no shared schedule. Your captain tailors the route to the conditions and your preferences. Want to sail past the seaside estates along Ocean Drive? Done. Want to duck into Brenton Cove for a view you can’t get from shore? Say the word. Want to take the helm yourself and get a casual sailing lesson? It’s your boat for the afternoon.
Starlight sails out of Bowen’s Wharf daily through the season. She’s a favorite for couples, small groups, family outings, anniversaries, and proposals, though you don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes the best reason is no reason at all. Read more about Starlight.
The longest sail in our fleet. Enough time to clear the harbor, open up on Narragansett Bay, and actually relax before heading back.
Take a turn at the wheel and learn the basics from your captain, or sit back on the custom stern perch seats and do nothing at all. Either way works.
All private sails on Starlight depart from Bowen’s Wharf in downtown Newport. Sails run approximately two hours — check our Schedule & Rates page for available departure times and current pricing.
A few things worth knowing before you book:
Children under 6 are not permitted on Starlight for safety reasons. Boarding requires climbing two to three steps up and down a sturdy ladder attached to a seawall, then stepping roughly 16 to 20 inches over the boat’s lifelines. Guests should be comfortable with that level of mobility.
If anyone in your group has balance or mobility concerns, we’d recommend sailing on Aquidneck instead. She’s our most stable vessel and boards from a set of stairs with a handrail. You can see a photo of the ladder on Starlight here.
If Starlight is sold out on your preferred date, consider a private charter on Sightsailer. She carries up to 13 guests, but we regularly run private charters with just two to six. Visit the Sightsailer page for details.
For questions about food, beverages, and what to bring, check the Private Charters section on our FAQ page.
There is no single way to see Newport, so we offer them all. Step aboard for a sightseeing cruise, a hands-on sailing lesson, or a celebratory special event. Browse our daily departures below and secure your spot on the water.
