A lovely couple of hours on the water with a skilled and friendly crew. Only a few corny jokes, but otherwise very happy to answer questions about the sites we were taking in. They introduced a few things to us, but it was not a narrative tour with constant talking. It is a smooth passage, but you still need a bit of core muscle and some leg strength for the times the boat tilts. There is a bathroom on board, but when you check in at the dock, they also tell you of a nearby bathroom if you want to go first. Bottled water on board is free, and you can purchase beer and soda (in advance, with a ticket, then turn in the ticket for the beverage on board). Re: finding them at the docks-while their website says they are easy to find, I disagree. They are, in fact, in a prominent location on the dock but the written directions were so cumbersome and unclear, and in spots, inaccurate, many I talked to were as confused as I was. It is also misleading regarding parking because the website suggests using a neighboring hotel address close them, but there is no parking there. And in summer in Newport, no parking anywhere. Bring your wallet. Park wherever you can, walk toward the docks. You can find them much easier if you use Google Maps for the Black Pearl restaurant, which they are next door to, or Kiel James Patrick clothing store, which they are directly behind. This part of their website (buried in FAQ section) needs a rewrite. The website said to book online because they sell out, however there are no refunds or rebookings if you miss your boat (and with the crazy parking down town, it's highly possible. Give yourself an hour to find parking and walk-not kidding). If you have some flexibility, I'd book at their on-site location after you're parked. There's plenty of shopping and restaurants all around if you need to kill some time. But booking on site (not on the website) means you know you won't miss your booked time slot because you were stuck in traffic. A sail is a must-do when visiting Newport. Don't skip...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of taking a sailing tour aboard the Aquidneck schooner with Captain Matt, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped on board, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuine passion for sailing that set the tone for the entire trip.
Captain Matt is not only an experienced sailor but also an exceptional host. He took the time to explain the schooner's features and safety procedures, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. His extensive knowledge of the local waters and history added an enriching layer to our journey, as he shared fascinating stories and insights about the area.
The sailing itself was nothing short of magical. The Aquidneck glided gracefully across the water, and with the wind in our sails, it felt like we were part of something special. The stunning views of the coastline and the soothing sound of the waves created a serene atmosphere that was perfect for relaxation.
Captain Matt encouraged participation, allowing those interested to take the helm or help with the sails, which made the experience even more engaging. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, there’s something for everyone on this tour.
As we sailed back, the sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues, providing a breathtaking backdrop that capped off an already wonderful day. I highly recommend this sailing tour to anyone looking to enjoy a unique and memorable adventure on the water. Thank you, Captain Matt and the Aquidneck crew, for an amazing experience! I can't wait...
Read moreThis was the most amazing sail ever! Our group had so much fun, I would definitely recommend this to anyone considering it. We were on Starlight and Sophie was our Captain and she was the absolute best! She was so knowledgeable about every single thing we asked her about. It was incredible because I feel like we asked her a million questions and she had all of the answers. It is obvious Sophie is extremely experienced and loves what she does. We wanted a group photo and she didn't mind snapping some pictures for us as well. She was also very gracious and polite when she didn't have to be. My 80 year old Uncle joined us and after we returned to the dock and all got off he stayed behind to chat her up, asking for her card and things like that. It was kind of annoying because we had asked how frequently she takes people sailing and turns out she only had a 15 minute break in between. My family kept trying get him to come on but he is kind of difficult and doesn't really consider things like that so she continued talking to him and didn't seem bothered at all. Sorry about that Sophie and thank you so much for an unforgettable experience, you...
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