What exactly do we see on the trip?
While each sail may differ due to wind and other conditions, we depart from our dock at Bowen’s Wharf or Bannister’s Wharf to cruise through Newport Harbor, passing by a 19th Century Fort, and then we head down Narragansett Bay towards the ocean. We generally get to Castle Hill Lighthouse while passing stately waterfront mansions, but it’s not always possible to get that far due to the wind and the tide. You will also catch views of the Pell Bridge, Clingstone (the house on the rocks), and Hammersmith Farm. Our 1929 motor yacht, Rum Runner II, is able to get closer to the coastline than our sailboats can, due to its motor. Our 1950 motor yacht, Full Moon, offers a leisurely cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay where you will see several other boats as well as the Pell Bridge.
Is there any narration on this trip?
On our sailboat tours, the crew does a light narration of some of the homes on the Bay and the people who lived in them, but this is a relaxing, leisurely sail on Narragansett Bay. We do not have a fully narrated tour aboard our sailboats so that we can focus on the sailboat ride. However, if you would like a fully narrated tour, we recommend cruising aboard the Rum Runner II, which offers a closer view of the coastline, as well as full narration during the day trips.
What type of ticket should I buy if I’m bringing a child?
It depends on the age of the child, but every child needs a ticket. You will have the option to select a children’s ticket based on the age of the child when you are making your booking. If there is not a child option, you may be booking for a trip that does not allow children. Children are not allowed on the sunset sails and sunset cruises. Cruises on Yacht Full Moon are for ages 12 and up.
Is food served during the trips?
Food is not served on any of our boats.
How about drinks? Should I bring those?
No, it is illegal for you to bring alcohol of your own on any of our boats. We have a reasonably-priced bar on board our sailboats with soda, wines, beer, high noon, and cocktails priced from $2 to $7 per beverage. Selections do vary from boat to boat. On Rum Runner II, we do not do any transactions once you are onboard. We ask that if you would like to enjoy a beverage on your trip, that you please purchase this prior to boarding the boat. You can do this either when you book the trip through our website or when you check in at our booth prior to boarding.
Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?
Feel free to bring along your own snacks or nonalcoholic beverage, as long as they are handheld. We do not allow coolers or large food items on board.
Are Schooner Adirondack II, Schooner Madeleine, and Sloop Eleanor safe? What about the motor yachts, Rum Runner II and Full Moon?
Absolutely. All boats are USCG-certified vessels. Along with your captain, there will be a minimum of two crew members on Adirondack II and Madeleine and one crew member on Rum Runner II, Full Moon, and Eleanor to make sure you feel comfortable and at home on the water. We are stocked with water, other beverages, blankets, and life jackets should you feel you need one. There is also a private marine head (bathroom) below.
How steady is the sailing? Am I likely to get seasick? What about on the motor yachts?
It is very rare for our guests to become seasick. While most people do not experience any sea sickness, you may want to consider light medication if you normally take it for motion sickness. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes, all boats are equipped with a bathroom that is accessible at all times. We call them “marine heads”, and they are unlike the bathroom you use at home. Operation of the marine toilets involves pumping, and there are simple directions on how to use it posted in the bathroom.
Is there an age limit on your trips?
Our sunset sails and sunset cruises are for adults only, so no child or infant tickets are sold on those departures. All cruises on Yacht Full Moon are for ages 12 and up. There is no age limit for trips other than sunset or cruises on Full Moon.
I’ve heard about another Schooner Adirondack someplace else before. Is this ship related to it?
The Schooner Adirondack II has a sister ship, the award-winning Schooner Adirondack, in New York City, and the Adirondack III and Adirondack IV in Boston.
Where does the trip finish?
Each trip will end at the same wharf from which it departed.
Can I get a refund or reschedule my tickets after buying them?
Because we are guaranteeing your space on the sail, tickets are only refundable up to 48 hours prior to your trip’s departure time. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) provided that you do so at least 24 hours before your departure time. If you need to cancel or reschedule tickets that you already purchased, please contact us at 401-847-0000. If you book through a third-party reservation system, we cannot guarantee any rescheduling or refunding.
Do you ever cancel sails due to bad weather?
Our sails usually run in light rain and other moderate weather situations. The only time we cancel a trip is in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. Our captains monitor the radar to watch fronts and cells in the area on days when inclement weather is possible. Cancellations are made as soon as we can, by the Captain, but it could be up to 1 hour prior to sail time. If you have purchased tickets for a sail that is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to reschedule your tickets (subject to availability), receive credit towards a future event, or receive a refund.
What happens if it starts raining when we’re out on our sail?
Trips with a little wetness have proven to be some of the most memorable bonding experiences for our guests (this all depends on attitude, of course…). If we are caught in a rain shower, we have ponchos available for all of our guests.
Are any of the boats wheelchair accessible?
No, but we regularly accommodate people who can get out of the wheelchair and be helped aboard. There are several steps up and several steps down to board the boat, and the bathroom may be down a ladder. A wheelchair cannot wheel directly onto the vessel. In order to get from the dock onto the boat and comfortably into your seat, our staff will need to assist you. Please call for more information: 401-847-0000.
Are group discounts available?
No.
Can I book a private charter sail?
Yes, private sails are a unique experience. If you are interested in booking a private sail, please contact us at 401-318-9728, or email [email protected].
Are gift certificates available for this sail?
Yes, gift certificates are available and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, or any other occasion!
How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?
Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed. Or you can have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address.
What happens if I am late to the boat?
There are no refunds for missed boats. If you are not at the booth for check-in at least 10 minutes prior to departure, we reserve the right to resell your ticket on sold out sails. We cannot hold the boat for people running late as we have a tight schedule. Parking in Newport is difficult in the summer. Please allow yourself at least 60 minutes to find parking and get to our dock.
