Team Member of the Month - August 2009

Charlie Festa, Mate aboard Columbia

Charlie set sail with 12 Meter Charters in May 2008 as mate aboard our America's Cup winner, Columbia. Since joining our team his colleagues and guests have enjoyed his passion for sailing, great service skills and hard working attitude! But his love of sailing, the ocean, and outdoors does not stop with 12 Meter sailing…

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Charlie studied and worked for SEA, the Sea Education Association based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Sailing with SEA aboard schooners in the Caribbean, Tahiti and Hawaii is where his passion for sailing began!

After a stint working on yachts in Hawaii, Charlie returned to the Ocean State to attend graduate school. This year Charlie completed his Masters Degree in Marine Affairs. This graduate program focuses on coastal policy and how people use the ocean in ways like fishing, marine transport and, of course, yacht charter!

When he is not sailing you will not find Charlie cooped up inside. He is an outdoor guy and loves surfing, cycling, and mountain biking!

Charlie and the team of 12 Meter Charters look forward to welcoming you aboard our America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts!

Heritage Sailing in Narragansett Bay

Check out our bright beauty, Heritage, sailing under the Newport Bridge this weekend.

Thank you to photographer Alex DeMolles for the great shot!

(Alex DeMolles: Photographer)

America's Cup Question of the Month

August 2009

Test your knowledge of the "Auld Mug."

Photo credit http://www.americascup.com/.

Is a 12 Meter yacht really 12 meters long?
Answer Below.

Is a 12 Meter yacht really 12 meters (about 40 feet) long? NO! 12 Meters doesn't refer the length or any other measurement on the yacht. "12 Meter" refers to the class of yacht. 12 Meter class yachts were designed based on a formula. This meant that 12 Meter Class yachts could vary in sail area, length, and other speed production aspects. Above is the mathematical formula by which all 12 Meter yachts are measured.

This formula inputs speed producing factors - length (L), sail area (Sa), freeboard (F), and a girth measurement (2D) - through a simple mathematical formula. In order for a yacht to be a Twelve Meter the results of this formula must not exceed 12 meters. To limit the likelihood that one 12 Meter design would be vastly superior than another and promote fair and competitive racing there are other restrictions on design measurements of 12 Meter racing yachts. Maximum and minimum parameters on mast height, draft, beam and headsail height are applied to 12 Meter racing yachts to ensure that there is not too much diversity among boats.

So how long is a 12 Meter yacht? They vary in length from about 60 feet to 70 feet long, just a little bit more than 12 Meters! Come to Newport this weekend to experience sailing aboard our America's Cup, a bit longer than, 12 Meter Yachts. Call 401-851-1216 for more information. We love answering questions!

12 Meter Heritage Sailing Newport!

Another great day of sailing aboard the America's Cup contender Heritage in Newport, RI! Thanks for sailing with us Anthony and for the great video!!!

Sailing in Newport Rhode Island on The Heritage with 12 Meter Charters from Anthony Quintano on Vimeo.

Jazzy Weekend of sailing in Newport, RI!

Come aboard our America's Cup 12 Meter yachts this weekend for jazzed up sailing! Newport's 55th Jazz Festival will be held at Fort Adams State Park overlooking Narragansett Bay Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9.

George Wein’s Jazz Festival 55 will feature music greats such as Tony Bennett and Chaka Khan. For the full line up check out www.jazzfestival55.com

The music will be playing from 11:30am to 7:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday at the waterfront festival. Aboard our 12 Meter yachts you will get a glimpse of the sights and sounds of the festival as you enjoy sailing on beautiful Narragansett Bay. Come to Newport this weekend for jazzed up sailing aboard our America’s Cup yachts!

WEEKEND SAILING SCHEDULE

Friday, August 7 - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Saturday, August 8 - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Saturday, August 8 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Sunday, August 9 - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Sunday, August 9 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Call 401-851-1216 for reservations or email sail@12metercharters.com

Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, August 22 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

America's Cup Racing Regatta - watch or participate.

Call 401-851-1216 for more information!

We look forward to welcoming you aboard our America's Cup 12 Meter Yachts!

Congratulations to Kerrie and Bobby!

Kerrie and Bobby were married aboard our America's Cup winner Columbia last week while docked at the Newport Yachting Center. The couple was married on the bow of Columbia in a beautiful harbor side ceremony. After the were hitched, what was the first thing they wanted to do? Set sail of course! With 25 family and friends they enjoyed a sunshine filled afternoon sail aboard our America's Cup 12 Meter yachts, Columbia and Heritage.

Congrats and best wishes to Kerrie and Bobby!