John F. Kennedy America's Cup Speech in Newport

America's Cup History - On September 14, 1962, President John F. Kennedy spoke at an America's Cup event in Newport, Rhode Island.  Listen to his passionate words about sailing and the sea.

John F. Kennedy,

“I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it is because in addition to the fact that the sea changes and the light changes, and ships change, it is because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it we are going back from whence we came.”

For the complete speech visit Newport Yacht Spotters.

Weekend Harbor Sail Schedule

Welcome in June by sailing with 12 Meter Charters!

2 Hour Sail Cruises aboard America's Cup 12 Meter Yachts - $73/person

Saturday, June 2 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Sunday, June 3 - 12:30pm to 2:30pm

Sunday, June 3 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Call 401-851-1216 for tickets or book online.

Countdown to the America's Cup World Series in Newport!

Next stop Newport!

 

Bow to Bow in Newport!

Bow to bow at Bannister's Wharf!  Our 12 Meter Heritage tied up next to Lady B on Saturday.  The 147 foot Lady B sailing yacht was docked in Newport over the weekend.  The Lady B was completed in 2010 at the Vitters Shipyard in the Netherlands.  According the the Vitters Shipyard website she was designed to "combine exceptionally high performance levels with superlative comfort!"  She certainly looks speedy and comfortable!  Welcome to Newport Lady B.

Let the sailing season begin!

12 Meter Charters is sailing! Earlier this month our America's Cup 12 Meter racers debuted for another season of cruising and racing in Newport, Rhode Island. 


Now through October, our beautiful 70-foot yachts are available for charters and daily harbor sails. Last weekend marked our first two-hour harbor cruises of the season.  We will be offering these sails to small groups and individuals through September.


Customized charters are available through the end of October and include Corporate Outings, Private Parties, Team-building, Wedding Events, Sunset Sails and Racing Regattas. 


Participate in the sailing or just sit back and relax - no sailing experience is necessary.  Come aboard for the day and enjoy the spectacular view from our "office!"

Happy Memorial Day from Newport!

Kicking Off Memorial Day Weekend in Newport!

12 Meter Charters kicked off Memorial Day Weekend with a little friendly racing on Friday evening. Newport Harbor was a bit foggy but our team still shined!

Meet our 2012 Sailing Team!

12 Meter Charters is excited to introduce our 2012 team! Recognize some familiar faces? We are pleased to welcome back our veteran crew including Captain Kevin from Columbia, Captain Jeff from Heritage, Captain Cedar from Heritage and Captain Duncan from Heritage.  Mates Gus and Laura will be back as well!  And our on-the-dock and yacht office will once again be captained by Meredith. 


With over 100 years of combined  chartering experience our team is  eager to serve our guests. Come aboard and let us serve you!

One man's trash is another man's America's Cup treasure!

Check out this video from the the Providence Journal about a Rhode Island man who purchased a trophy for $19.99 from a thrift store.  He later found out the trophy is an America's Cup trophy replica and is worth over $30,000!  Now that is a winning trophy!

 

Enjoying the America's Cup In Venice, Italy!

Frequent Heritage sailor and newlywed, Brittany, is enjoying her honeymoon with husband, Todd, in Venice, Italy.  They certainly picked the right time to visit the Queen of the Adriatic!  Look at this fabulous picture of the America's Cup World Series they sent to us.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Brittany and Todd; we hope you have a life full of smooth sailing!  As for the America's Cup World Series - we will see you in Newport next month.

Memorial Day Weekend Sailing!

Kick off summer the Newport way...by sailing!  This weekend is Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, join 12 Meter Charters for a sail in Newport!

Memorial Day Weekend Cruises
Kick off the summer in season in style! Cruises available all weekend.

Saturday, May 26 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 26 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Sunday, May 27 - 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Sunday, May 27 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Call 401-851-1216 for more information or book online.  We love answering questions!

She's Back, Heritage arrives in Newport for the 2012 season!

Our bright hulled beauty Heritage is back in Newport!  She arrived late yesterday afternoon after a 12 hour sail from Marblehead, Massachusetts.  Here are a few shots from the long trip(thanks Captain Duncan!).  Welcome back Heritage!

Leaving Marblehead Harbor at 4:30am.  

  

Sunrise aboard Heritage.

 Captain Cedar, Captain Jeff and Mate Gus hard at work! 

 

Heading through the Cape Cod Canal.

 

 

 On to Buzzard's Bay.  What a day for a sail!

 Back at home...Newport Harbor on a lovely May afternoon!  Welcome Heritage!

Newport's Bike to Work Day!

Today is National Bike to Work Day and Newport, Rhode Island's second annual Bike to Work Day.  For the second year, 12 Meter Charters continued in our Eco-friendly ways and joined the pedaling!  Our team enjoyed a lovely early morning ride to our office on Bowen's Wharf/Bannister's Wharf.  Although the cobblestones were a bit bumpy, the ride was picturesque and a wonderful way to start our day in the city-by-the-sea. 

Columbia gets her Big Rig!

Here's the crane carrying the 90 foot mast over to be installed on Columbia.  Next stop...Newport Harbor!

Morning View from Aboard Heritage!

Wouldn't you like to wake up to this view?  The Heritage team was up and sailing before the sunrise this morning!  Today, she is making the long trip from Marblehead, Massachusetts to Newport.  She will make her way through Massachusetts Bay, the Cape Cod Canal and Buzzard's Bay before heading up Narragansett Bay to Newport Harbor.  Looking forward to seeing the Heritage team back in Newport!

All Eyes on Columbia!

Yesterday in Portsmouth, Rhode Island 12 Meter US 16, Columbia, launched for her 54th season of sailing.  Our 1958 America's Cup winner is like a fine wine...she just gets better with age!  Thanks to Captain Kevin for all his hard work(look at the hull shine!) and thanks for Mate Laura for the great pictures.  Next up...stepping her 90 foot mast.  Look for Columbia in Newport later this week!

 

  

  

 

Sizzling Summer Sailing Events!

America's Cup World Series Viewing Sails - Enjoy the America's Cup World Series Races from aboard a former America's Cup contender. 3 hour sail includes soft drinks, water and light snacks. ACWS SAIL DATES - June 29, 30 and July 1 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm. $125/person.  To make a reservation call or book online!

Ocean State Tall Ships® Festival - View the Tall Ship up close! Afternoon and evening cruises available from July 6 to July 9. $73/person for 2 hour sails.

12 Meter Racing Regattas - Participate aboard an America's Cup 12 Meter yacht or just sit back and enjoy the action. $75/person.  Race Dates: June 17, July 22, September 16. 3:00pm to 5:00pm

4th of July Fireworks Cruises - Enjoy Newport's 4th of July spectacular fireworks display from the water. Come aboard our 12 Meter yachts for an evening, harbor sail cruise and then enjoy the fireworks from the best seats in the house! July 4(Newport Fireworks) at 7:30pm. Tickets are $99 per person. To make a reservation call or book online!

Daily Sailing Cruises - Afternoon and evening sailing cruises aboard our 12 Meter yachts are available from now until the end of the summer! Participate in the sailing or just sit back and relax!

Air and Sea Package - $109/person for a 2 hour 12 Meter Sail and a Mansion Helicopter Tour. What a deal!

Land and Sea Package - $129/person for a 2 hour Harbor Cruise and a 3 hour Segway Tour. Our 12 Meter Charters' team took this tour and LOVED IT!

Sip and Sail Package - $80/person for a 2 hour Harbor Cruise sail and a Newport Vineyards' tour.

Happy Mother's Day from Newport!

Sunny Newport Friday!

Just in time for Mother's Day Weekend the sun has returned to Newport!  And look what we spotted this morning on Bannister's Wharf, the America's Cup World Series Banner!  We are excited for the Cup races to return to Newport from June 26 to July 1.  Come join us for a viewing sail aboard one of our 12 Meter yachts!  Private charters and public sails available.  Contact us for details!

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity in Newport, Rhode Island!

What our Guests are Saying!

What our Guests are Saying! "Everything was perfect! The crew were fun, boat was clean, smooth sailing all the way! Perfect anniversary gift!"

Photo by http://www.johnpitocco.com

Give Mom the Gift of Newport, Wine and Sailing!

Still looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift?  Looking for something that is unique, will be memorable, and will blow her away?  We have what you need! 

Newport has it all - mansion tours, shopping, great restaurants, spectacular views and, of course, America's Cup 12 Meter sailing.  

12 Meter Charters offers many ways to experience beautiful Narragansett Bay.  Plan a day with just mom and join one of our ticketed sails, $73 per person for 2 hours, or bring the whole family and come aboard for a private charter.  Private charter rates start at $950 per boat for up to 13 guests. 

Does mom like wine?  Treat her to our Sip and Sail Package combining a Newport Vineyard's tour and tasting with our 2 Hour Harbor Cruise.  Other Newport Packages are available.    


Gift certificates, with or without 12 Meter Crew Gear, are available and your sail date can be chosen now or later.  

Give mom a gift from 12 Meter Charters and she is sure to be blown away!

Keep Calm!

Source: Uploaded by user via 12MeterCharters on Pinterest