The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame — Attraction in Newport

The Sailing Museum is a wonderful event venue!!!

To celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday party we charted a sailboat for a sunset sail in Newport. A few days before the event Hurricane Debbie hit Florida and the effects were scheduled to reach Newport on the day of our event causing high seas and potential rains. We needed an alternative venue in case the ship did not sail and if the ship did sail, a place to gather after. We contacted Linda Riggs at the Sailing Museum 2 days before our event, and she immediately met with us to show us the Mosbacher Room and Dorade Deck as the perfect venue for our 35-40 guests. From the moment we contacted her, Linda and the staff went above and beyond to ensure that our event was special and memorable.

The Mosbacher Room and Dorade Deck provided a unique experience for our guests. The rooms were filled with historic memorabilia and objects that highlighted Newport’s sailing heritage and enhanced the character of the venue. The view from the overlook into the museum’s main floor added to the ambiance. Our guests all raved about the venue. They were so impressed with this spectacular space. It was unique and different from an average event space and made our event even more special.

The venue itself was very spacious and comfortable. The rooms allowed for various areas where people could mingle and gather (high top tables as well as sitting areas with couches and chairs). We were able to bring in our own caterer and bartender and the staff at the museum worked with them and assisted in setting everything up for us. The venue provided all tables and linens. Linda and her staff were outstanding and a pleasure to work with. They were amazing and were available before, during and after the event to help as needed.

We selected items from the museum store (mugs and water bottles) and the staff created the most wonderful gift bags for our party favors. Many of our guests commented on how beautiful they were!

The ship did sail that night and after the sail, we gathered at the Mosbacher Room and Dorade Deck to continue our celebration. Thanks to Linda and her staff we were able to host a beautiful event in an impressive...

Lots of history and lots of very interactive activities!

The staff at the front will give you a bit of the lay down when you walk in and then you're off.

From the start, you get a wrist band and you can make a fake name to your boat. Then you go around and you can customize your boat and go through some games with it.

You go through interactive games and challenges, such as trying to raise a sail as fast as you can and you're timed. Other games are lighter (steering a virtual boat with a real rudder).

You don't have to do the games or challenges but they're a good time and many are not strenuous. Some games are a little bit more intuitive than others but nonetheless still fun!

The museum has done a great job of curating an experience that puts some fun experiential learning behind the history. Truly a place that wants you to experience and respect the art/science behind the sport of sailing.

On the personnel side, there was a sailing instructor (who's teaching sailing over the summer) that was in the museum at the time and helped me make some knots at a station that shows you how to make a couple of them. She was very helpful and friendly!

Please note that we went midday on a Sunday. There weren't many people in at the time, considering it was a beautiful day and holiday weekend, nonetheless totally worth it for less than $20 per ticket (at the time of...

During the well-attended "Golden Age of 12 Metres in the America's Cup" event at the Sailing Museum in June, 2023, we were surprised to learn Heather Rusham, the Executive Director, had just been discharged from her position. Last evening, we went to Sardella's to attend one of the "Arts Around the Fire" events sponsored by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County. We were expecting to hear Ashley Householder speak as the Executive Director about the Sailing Museum's programs and opportunities for collaboration with the Newport Cultural community, only to learn she had just been discharged from her position. It would be helpful to know if there has been an opportunity for the Sailing Museum's Board of Directors to reflect on the circumstances before trying to fill the...