America's Cup Legend Ted Hood Dies

We lost another wonderful 12 Meter sailor yesterday.  America's Cup helmsman and sail maker, Ted Hood, died yesterday, June 28, at age 86.

Ted Hood was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame in 1993.  He was the skipper of COURAGEOUS, which defeated SOUTHERN CROSS in four straight races in 1974. SOUTHERN CROSS was a fast boat that had badly beaten FRANCE in the challengers' trials, but she proved to be a terrible disappointment in the Cup finals. She was beaten by large margins in the final two races, the last race being the worst: 7 minutes, 19 seconds.

In 1976, Ted Hood designed and built INDEPENDENCE, an aluminum 12-Meter he campaigned in the 1977 defender trials, ultimately losing to Ted Turner and COURAGEOUS.

Ted Hood first became prominent as a sail maker and designer, by producing spectacularly successful spinnakers for the early America's Cup 12 meter yachts. Then, his mainsails and jibs became the standard, made from state-of-the-art dacron fabrics developed by Hood Yacht Systems. As an America's Cup skipper, he developed a reputation for picking good people and then counting on them to do their job. This philosophy allowed him to sail an error-free series against SOUTHERN CROSS and turn what could have been a close series into a rout.

12 Meter Charters salutes Mr. Hood and all his fabulous contributions to America's Cup sailing!

Happy National Sunglasses Day from Newport, RI!

Today is National Sunglasses Day!  Whether you are on the water in the morning, afternoon or evening sunglasses are a must on board our 12 Meter yachts! Here are just a few shots of our crew and guests enjoying sailing with sunglasses in Newport.

 

Weekend Sailing Schedule - June 27 to June 30

Sailing into July!  
This weekend is the last weekend of June.  Don't let summer slip away - come enjoy Newport, RI by sailing with 12 Meter Charters! 

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

Thursday, June 27 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Friday, June 28 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Saturday, June 29 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Saturday, June 29 - 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Saturday, June 29 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

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

12 Meter Racing Experience - $75 per person
Sunday, June 30 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm 

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

Newport's 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Sunset Sail

Join 12 Meter Charters for a an evening of sailing, fireworks and fun in Newport!  Set sail aboard Heritage for our annual Newport Fireworks Cruise on Thursday, July 4th or Jamestown Fireworks Cruise on Saturday, July 6th.  Enjoy an evening sail on board our 63 foot America's Cup contender. Then, view the 4th of July Fireworks from the water.  Check out these great shots from last year's sail!  

 

   

 Celebrate 4th of July by getting on the water in Newport.  

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

Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry Returns to Newport

Although still under construction, the Oliver Hazard Perry was quite impressive this morning when it was towed across Newport Harbor to the Newport Shipyard.  The massive 196 foot hull was hauled out on the Newport Shipyard's new 500 MT Marine Travelift.  The hull is back in Newport for a dedication ceremony that will be held over the 4th of July weekend.  Once completed, the Oliver Hazard Perry will be Rhode Island's official Tall Ship and "Sail Education Vessel."  Check out these great shots from Captain Duncan!

Newport's Coggeshall Elementary School kindergartners got an up close and personal view of the Oliver Hazard Perry.  That's our kind of field trip!

For more about the Oliver Hazard Perry visit www.ohpri.org.

Weekend Sailing Schedule - June 21 to 23

Sailing into summer!  Friday, June 21 is the first day of summer.  Come celebrate with sailing and sunshine!  

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

Friday, June 21 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Saturday, June 22 - 3:45pm to 5:45pm

Sunday, June 23 - 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Sunday, June 23 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

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

NYYC Annual Regatta - Columbia Wins!

It was a winning weekend for Team Columbia!  Our America's Cup winner, was a winner again taking home first place in the Traditional 12 Metre Division of the New York Yacht Club's 159th Annual Regatta.  After placing second in the first race of the regatta, is was all bullets for Columbia.  She dominated her competition winning the second, third and final race of the regatta.

What a wonderful way to start the 2013 racing season.  Next up is the Newport Regatta in July, stay tuned for results.  Sail fast Team Columbia!

Click here for complete results of the NYYC Annual Regatta.

Race to Win - 12 Meter Racing Experience

12 Meter Racing Experience - Newport, Rhode Island

Sunday, June 30 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Race aboard our yachts that competed in the America's Cup!

Set sail to watch or participate in an America's cup 12-Meter Racing Regatta!  Aboard the 12 Meter racing yachts our professional and friendly crew will coach those interested in a "hands on" sailing experience, but participation is not required.  At the end of our America's Racing Experience everyone is a winner!  

2 Hour 12 Meter Racing Experience - $75/person

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

Can't join us to race on June 30? 
Join us for the Racing Experience on July 21 or September 22.  

Happy Father's Day from Newport, RI!

Happy Father's Day from 12 Meter Charters!  We hope you are treated like a Captain for the day!

Happy Flag Day from Newport, RI

It's Flag Day and Flags are everywhere in Newport!  Here are some of our favorite flag shots from on the water, on board our 12 Meter yachts, and on the docks.  Post your favorite Newport flag shots to our Facebook Page.

 

 

Photo by John Morgan