This elegant, 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner has been a local mainstay in Newport since it joined the Scarano boat fleet in 1999. It has entertained thousands of Newport visitors and locals, and has attracted a large and growing number of passionate regulars who can’t stop coming back for more. Many visitors consider multiple trips aboard the schooner to be a regular and highly anticipated part of their warm-weather seasons. The Schooner Adirondack II features plenty of seating, teak decks and impressive mahogany trim. Guests always enjoy the friendliest and finest service.
Adirondack II has all the elements of a turn of the century pilot schooner and would have looked right at home in Narragansett Bay 100 years ago. The rig on Adirondack II is held in place with Kevlar shrouds, and her underbody carries external ballast taking advantage of modern wooden boat building techniques. The modern underbody is certainly designed in the spirit of the original pilot schooners, which used all the technology available to them to make their vessels as fast and yet as safe as possible. These modern design techniques help to provide a more exciting sailing experience.
Built for speed, pilot schooners were the coastal guide and rescue boats in the bygone era of sail. The primary purpose of the pilot schooner was to deliver a pilot (a seaman with knowledge of local waterways) to the incoming ships to guide them into safe port. Operation of a pilot schooner was a highly competitive business. The fastest schooners were the ones that got their pilots the most work. Pilot schooners patrolled the harbors and often rescued vessels arriving late at night from the dangers of an unfamiliar coastline in dark and threatening waters. Traditional in its appearance but modern in its design and construction, Adirondack II provides unparalleled speed, safety and comfort.
The Schooner Specs
The Adirondack II is a gaff-rigged schooner with a wooden hull, and was completed by Scarano Boat Building in Albany, NY. Schooner Adirondack II was completed in 1999, and was brought to Newport Harbor when the original Schooner Adirondack departed Newport to begin operating out of Chelsea Piers in New York City. She is Coast Guard certified for 57 guests. Her masts reach over 70 feet above deck and has just under 2000 square feet of sail area. She is 65 feet on deck, 80 feet overall, and has a draft of 7 feet. On a high wind day, it is not uncommon for her to reach 10 knots under sail. She is a very lively and fast vessel, and all of her captains feel that she is an absolute dream to operate!
Sunset Sail on a classic sailing yacht
Join us for a Newport Sunset Sail! Experience a Newport sunset from the water on this evening sight sail of Newport’s historical waterfront. Climb aboard one of our classic sailing yachts for an evening of fun and relaxation. Step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Your knowledgeable captain and crew are always ready to answer questions about the sights and history of Newport Harbor. Sail and take in the surrounding areas, and feel free to ask them whatever you like! While you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise, you’ll see views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. The setting sun will be the perfect back drop for your evening. (Alcoholic drinks range from $6-$7) This sail will take place on either Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine, or Sloop Eleanor.
Depart: Bowens Wharf Boat: Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine or Sloop Eleanor Cost: Adults $55 (age 12 and above) | Seniors $52 | No infants or kids allowed
Join us for a Newport Day Sail aboard one of our classic sailboats. Our classic afternoon sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island. Experience Newport like you never have on a sail aboard one of our classic sailing yachts. A smooth, gentle sailing Schooner with some speediness to boot, offers a comfortable ride that is brisk and invigorating. Within minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll forget the distractions of life on land, as you experience the joy of a leisurely sailing cruise. This sail will take place on either Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine or Sloop Eleanor. (Alcoholic drinks range from $6-$7)
Join us for a Newport Cocktail Cruise! Step aboard our turn-of-the-century style schooner or sloop, for a cocktail arrrgh (hour)! Delicious cocktails are served aboard this sail including the traditional sailor’s cocktail “Dark and Stormy”. This Schooner sail is the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island. Our sailing vessels have ample seating, teak decks, and just under 2,000 square feet of sail to take us through Narragansett Bay. (Alcoholic drinks range from $6-$7) This sail will take place on either Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine, or Sloop Eleanor.
Join us for a Newport Morning Mimosa Sail! Rise and shine, you’re in Newport, RI. Start your day with a brisk, invigorating sail aboard one of our classic sailing yachts! Feel free to bring a brunch on this early day sail – our crew completes your experience with perfectly poured Mimosas! Your first Mimosa is available for $3! Mimosa Morning Sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island before hitting the beach or the many shops of Thames Street. This sail will take place on either Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine or Sloop Eleanor.
Depart: Bowens Wharf Boat: Schooner Adirondack II Cost: Adult $40 to $45 | Child (4-11) $35 | Under 4 $15
End of the summer Fireworks Cruise off the Navy Base in Newport. Come watch the skies light up from our boats. A great tribute to the end of summer. Please keep in mind this is a non sailing cruise. We motor up to the Newport Bridge to watch and motor back to our dock.
Depart: Bowens Wharf Boat: Schooner Adirondack II Cost: Adult $58
Join us for a Jamestown Fireworks boat ride! Enjoy while watching the 4th of July fireworks display from the Town of Jamestown aboard the schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine or Sloop Eleanor on the evening of July 2nd. Take in unobstructed views of Jamestown’s fireworks from the water from the decks of our beautiful schooner. Don’t worry about driving over the bridge, standing in line, or waiting for a place to sit in Jamestown. Join us for the best seats in the house! (Alcoholic drinks range from $2-$6)
Depart: Bowens Wharf Boat: Schooner Adirondack II Cost: Adult $75 | Children $55
Join us for a Newport 4th of July Fireworks Cruise! Newport puts on an elaborate Fireworks display from their shores in order to celebrate the independence of our Nation. While the fireworks can be seen throughout the area, the best place to see them is from the deck of the Adirondack II Madeleine or Eleanor, where there are no visual obstructions to take away from the show. While onboard, Take in unobstructed views of Newport Bridge, historic lighthouses, stately waterfront mansions, and Fort Adams! (Open beer and wine bar.)
