Where in the World is Crew Member Gus?

Although it isn't sailing season in Newport, Heritage crew member Gus is still sailing and trimming jib!  He followed the sailing season south and have been enjoying 12 Meter sailing all winter long.  Which warm weather spot do you think he is spending his winter in?  Stay tuned for the answer!

June America's Cup Fact

How how much does the America's Cup trophy weigh?
Answer Below.

How much does the America's Cup trophy weigh? 35 pounds!

The America’s Cup trophy is an ornate ewer, one of several off-the-shelf trophies crafted in 1848 by Garrard & Company. Henry William Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey and British military leader and politician, bought one and donated it for the Royal Yacht Squadron's 1851 regatta around the Isle of Wight. Crafted of sterling silver and weighing 35 pounds, its original height was 27 inches but has since had its base extended twice. It was originally known as the "Royal Yacht Squadron's £100 Cup", standing for a cup of a hundred British pounds in value. Today, the trophy is officially named the "America's Cup" after the first yacht to win it and affectionately called the "Auld Mug" by the sailing community.

Only six yacht clubs, in the course of three centuries, have won the America's Cup: New York Yacht Club, Royal Perth Yacht Club, San Diego Yacht Club, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Societe Nautiqe de Geneve and, most recently, the Golden Gate Yacht Club.
The America’s Cup is the oldest sporting trophy. By way of comparison, the America’s Cup predates:
· 1882: The Ashes (England v Australia cricket)
· 1892: Stanley Cup (North American ice hockey)
· 1896: Modern Olympics

On July 1, 2010 the America’s Cup Trophy will be visiting Newport, Rhode Island! Don’t miss your opportunity to see the Auld Mug up close. Stay tuned for more information.

Enjoy America's Cup Sailing in Newport, RI
This Weekend's Schedule

Thursday, June 3 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm SOLD OUT
Friday, June 4 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Saturday, June 5 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, June 5 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Sunday, June 6 - 12:30pm to 2:30pm

With the Americans finally winning the Cup back in 2010 and buzz about the America’s Cup races returning to Newport, there is no better time to experience a sail aboard our 12 Meter contenders! Come aboard and let us serve you!

Monthly America's Cup Fact

October 2009

Test your knowledge of the "Auld Mug."

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

How many different countries have won the America's Cup?
Answer Below.

The schooner, America, first boat to win the America's Cup

Photo by http://www.scaranoboat.com/

How many different countries have won the America's Cup? Four countries: the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

From the first race in 1851 until 1983 the United States held the America's Cup, making the longest winning streak in sports history. The race was named after the first boat to win the "Cup," the schooner, America. In 1983 the Australian's won the America's Cup but it was subsequently won back by the Americans. In 1995, New Zealand won the America's Cup and became the first country beside the United States to successfully defend the Cup in 2000. However, in 2003 New Zealand lost the America's Cup to the Swiss team, Alinghi. Alinghi won the America's Cup again in 2007 and will attempt to defend the Cup again in 2010.

12 Meter Charters invites you to experience our America's Cup 12 meter racers. Call 401-851-1216 for more information. We love answering questions!

Monthly America's Cup Fact

September 2009
Test your knowledge of the "Auld Mug."

Photo credit www.americascup.com.


How long did 12 Meter yachts race in the America's Cup?
Answer Below.

How many years did 12 Meter yachts race in the America's Cup? 29 years! From 1958, when Columbia was the first 12 Meter to win the Cup, until 1987, 12 Meter yachts were the type of boats that raced in the America's Cup.

In 1958, after a twenty-one year hiatus of America's Cup competition, racing continued with a new class of racers, the 12 Metre Class. These 60 to 70 foot sloops were smaller in size, easier to crew, and more manageable on a race course than the previous 135 foot, America's Cup racing class, J boats.

Twelve Metre yachts are quite possibly the most fascinating racing sailboats ever built. They have a beauty and size that, along with their America's Cup history, has attracted and intrigued yachtsmen since their debut. The horsepower used to drive these 65,000 pound racing beauties to speeds as high as twelve knots lies in their massive sail area. Their mainsails are usually about 1200 square feet in size and their jibs, which can only have a height that is seventy-five percent of the mast in height, range from 500 square feet to over 1200 square feet in size.

Today, Newport is home to the largest fleet of 12 Meter yachts in the WORLD! 12 Meter Charters invites you to experience our America's Cup 12 meter racers. Call 401-851-1216 for more information. We love answering questions!

Good Luck Team Columbia!

Come to Newport, RI this weekend and check out the 30th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta hosted by the Museum of Yachting at Fort Adams State Park. Our America's Cup winner, Columbia, will be among the classic racers. For more information check our http://www.moy.org/. Sail fast Columbia!

Sailing into September...

For over 50 years the America's Cup races were held off the coast of Newport, RI in September. Warm waters, stiff breezes and crisp air make September the perfect month for sailing in Newport! Set sail aboard our America's Cup 12 Meter yachts with a group or by yourself. Throughout September we will be offering public ticketed sails and private charters.

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



We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

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!

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!

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!

Set sail for a taste of Newport's Folk Festival!

Come aboard our America's Cup 12 Meter yachts this weekend and as an added bonus you'll get a taste of some great tunes! This weekend, August 1 and 2, Newport's 50th Folk Festival will be held at Fort Adams State Park overlooking Narragansett Bay.

50 years after he appeared at the first Newport Folk Festival, Pete Seeger will headline the event as it gets a new name, George Wein’s Folk Festival 50. For the full line up check out www.folkfestival50.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 fantastic, folksy fun aboard our America’s Cup yachts!

Weekend Schedule

Friday, July 31 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Saturday, August 1 - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Sunday, August 2 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Sunday, August 2 - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Sunday, August 2 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

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

Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 - Newport's Jazz Festival

Sails available throughout the weekend. Call for details!

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

America's Cup Racing Regatta - watch or participate. Call 401-851-1216 for more information!

Weekend Ticketed Sail Schedule

Sail in Newport, Rhode Island!

Public Ticketed Sails aboard America's Cup Yachts!

$68 per guest

Weekend Schedule

Friday, July 24 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Saturday, July 25 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm and 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Sunday, July 26 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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 Yachts!

Set Sail aboard our America's Cup Yachts, what you need to know:
- 2 hour sails priced at $68 per person.
- Sailing May through October. 12 Meter Charters' two-hour Ticketed Sails depart daily, upon demand, from downtown Newport.
- Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Gift certificates available.
- Reservations required. No refunds within 24 hours of sailing.
- For more information about chartering our America's Cup 12 Meters please contact the 12 Meter Charters office at 800.820.1223 or email sail@12metercharters.com Sail aboard an

America's Cup 12 Meter Yacht - The Ultimate Newport Experience!

Team Member of the Month

July 2009

Meet our Captains and Crew

Photo by Anthony Quintano, Quintano Media

Olivia Chapman - Mate on Heritage

12 Meter Charters is thrilled to welcome Olivia Chapman aboard our team this season! Olivia joined us in May as mate on Heritage. But her sailing days did not start there. Olivia grew up in the Ocean State and has logged over 7000 nautical miles sailing! She has sailed from Bermuda to Newport and, most recently, sailed in South East Asia with the academic program, Sea/mester. Olivia's latest nautical feat? She completed the training for and obtained her 100 ton USCG offshore captain's license.

When she is not sailing Olivia is studying at Suffolk University in Boston. She is a junior and is majoring in International Business and Finance.Mate

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

America's Cup Racing Experience - Newport, RI

Set sail to watch or participate in an America's cup 12-Meter Racing Regatta!

12 Meter Charters and Schooner Adirondack II have teamed up to provide you with the experience of a lifetime!

Participate aboard an America's Cup contender or spectate aboard Adirondack II. Aboard the America’s Cup racing yachts our professional and friendly crew will coach those interested in a "hands on" sailing experience, but participation is not required.

Aboard the 80 foot, traditional schooner, spectator yacht you will be there to view all the America’s Cup action while enjoying the grace and comfort of Adirondack II!

At the end of our America’s Racing Experience everyone is a winner!

Upcoming Sail: Saturday, July 18- 2:00pm to 4:00pm *call for additional dates

Participate aboard a 12 Meter - $68

Spectate aboard Adirondack II - $40

Call 401.851.1216 today to reserve your tickets!

Sunshine in Newport, Rhode Island!

The sun is finally shining in Newport, Rhode Island! Dry out and enjoy the sun with a day on the water in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay! Set sail aboard one of our America's Cup 12 Meter yachts this weekend. $68/person, sailing Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. Call 401-851-1216 for details.

Next America's Cup Racing Experience July 18!

America's Cup Racing Experience - July 18, Reserve your tickets today!

Set sail to watch or participate in an America's cup 12-Meter Racing Regatta!12 Meter Charters and Schooner Adirondack II have teamed up to provide you with the experience of a lifetime!
Participate aboard an America's Cup contender or Spectate aboard Adirondack II.

Aboard the America’s Cup racing yachts our professional and friendly crew will coach those interested in a "hands on" sailing experience, but participation is not required.

Aboard the 80 foot, traditional schooner, spectator yacht you will be there to view all the America’s Cup action while enjoying the grace and comfort of Adirondack II!

At the end of our America’s Racing Experience everyone is a winner!

Saturday, July 18 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Participate aboard a 12 Meter - $68
Spectate aboard Adirondack II - $40

Call 401.851.1216 today to reserve your spot!

Meet our Captains and Crew

June 2009 Team Member of the Month

Kevin Hegarty - Captain of Columbia Richard Schultz Photography

Kevin Hegarty has been the Captain of our America's Cup winner Columbia since 2006 but his 12 Meter sailing career did not start there! Previously, Kevin was captain and crew aboard over a dozen 12 Meter yachts in both Newport and the Caribbean including Stars & Stripes, Weatherly, Intrepid, Heritage and many more. These days Kevin is devoted to Columbia. In the summer he spends over 100 days inviting guests to sail and race aboard Columbia. In the winter he spends countless hours making sure that Columbia is in pristine condition for the next sailing season.

When he is not aboard Columbia (which is not that often!) Kevin enjoys snowboarding and spending time with his huge, but friendly, bull mastiff, Brutus!

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

12 Meter Charters Ticketed Sails - Upcoming Schedule

Public Ticketed Sails aboard America's Cup Yachts! $68 per guest

Weekend Schedule
Saturday, June 13 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Sunday, June 14 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

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

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, June 19 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

America's Cup Racing Regatta - watch or participate.

Click here for more information!

Saturday, June 20 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Set Sail aboard our America's Cup Yachts!

What you need to know:
- 2 hour sails priced at $68 per person.
- Sailing May through October. 12 Meter Charters' two-hour Ticketed Sails depart daily, upon demand, from downtown Newport.
- Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Gift certificates available.
- Reservations required. No refunds within 24 hours of sailing.- For more information about chartering our America's Cup 12 Meters please contact the 12 Meter Charters office at 800.820.1223 or email sail@12metercharters.com
Sail aboard an America's Cup 12 Meter Yacht - The Ultimate Newport Experience!

Come to Newport this weekend for Seafood and Sailing!

Looking for something great to do in Newport this weekend? Head down to the Newport Yachting Center for the 28th Annual Chowder Cook Off. Located harbor side in the heart of downtown Newport, the Newport Yachting Center provide the perfect location for the seafood event. The Cook Off will feature over 30 competitors from all over the country. The best part of the event is that you get to sample all the entries and vote for the coveted title of Best Clam Chowder.

Check out http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/chowder-cook-off/overview-chowder-cook-off.htm for more information about the Chowder Cook Off.

While you are in Newport come sailing with us! Enjoy our legendary America’s Cup competitors. We will be offering our ticketed sails on both Saturday and Sunday. Contact us for more information!

Set Sail!

Sail into summer with an event aboard the America's Cup 12 Meter Yachts of Newport!

Team-Building, Corporate Outings, Wedding Events, Private Parties, Sunset Sails, and much more!

RATES START AT $850!

Contact us for more information!