Boatyard Update: Columbia Makes A Splash

Earlier this week our America's Cup winner, Columbia, was launched for another year of sailing in Newport, RI. Check out the shots below to see what 70 feet and 68,000 pounds looks like as it is lowered into the water. WOW! She is looking pretty good for 56 years old, don't you think?

Join 12 Meter Charters and sail aboard Columbia this summer - it is an experience not to be missed!

 

Columbia is available for sailing charters in Newport, Rhode Island.  During your sail guests may actively participate in the sailing or just sit back and enjoy the sights.  No sailing experience is necessary!  12 Meter Charters proudly offers Columbia, 1958 America's Cup winner, for charter in Newport, RI.  Our yachts provide the perfect venue for events including:

• team-building activities
• corporate outings
• wedding party event
• bachelorette/bachelor party
• sunset sails
• family reunion
• celebrations
• yacht club events

America's Cup 12 Meter sailing in Newport, RI is an unforgettable experience!

Boatyard Update: Columbia Gets Her Shine!

Columbia is painted, prepped and ready to splash into another year of sailing in Newport, Rhode Island!  Here's where US 16 spent her winter, in a winning storage shed.  Columbia was next to 12 Meter, US 26, Courageous this winter.  Both yachts were designed by Olin Stephens and won the America's Cup right here in Newport.  12 Meter Charters is looking forward to seeing both winners sailing again in Newport this summer!

Columbia is 70 feet long, can accommodate up to 13 guests and will be sailing in Newport, RI this summer. If you are looking for a unique wedding party outing or fun team building activity, 12 Meter Charters offer customized charters that perfect for private parties and corporate events!  Contact 12 Meter Charters for more information. 

#BostonStrong Newport Style!

Photo by Dean Lapham Photography.

The 12 Meter Charters team had the pleasure of having Newport's Heather Abbott sail with them aboard our America's Cup winner, Columbia, last August.  On this Marathon Monday, the 12 Meter Charters team is thinking of Heather and are so thrilled to have have had her sail with us aboard Columbia! #HeatherStrong    

Photo by Dean Lapham Photography.

Photo by Dean Lapham Photography.

 Photo by Natasha Dickenson.

Photo by Natasha Dickenson.

Fox News Connecticut Sails aboard Columbia!

Last week, 12 Meter Charters sailed on to the Day Trippers, a feature on Fox News Connecticut.  Host Jim Altman enjoyed a sail aboard our 12 Meter yacht, Columbia, earlier this season. 

Check out the segment that aired on Fox CT's Day trippers last Thursday.  Also, check out some behind the scenes photos from their sail.  Thank you again to Day Trippers (Jim and Shawn) for sailing with 12 Meter Charters - we had a blast!

Throwback Thursday - Columbia's First Year Of Sailing in Newport

As 12 Meter Charters starts another season of sailing in Newport we think back to the first year our 12 Meter yachts were sailing.

In the spring of 1958, 12 Meter Columbia US 16 was launched.  Below is a picture of Columbia on September 20, 1958 winning her first race of the America's Cup finals.  She crossed the finish line over eight minutes before her competitor, Sceptre.

Today Columbia continues in her speedy, winning ways.  Last season she had a dominating victory and the 12 Meter North American Championship and was awarded the Ted Hood Trophy for the best racing performance of 2012! 

Boatyard Update - Columbia, Big and On the Move!

Here's one last video of America's Cup Winner, Columbia getting ready to launch season.  This view really shows the size of her! She is a sleek 70 feet long and is about 14 feet tall from the bottom of the keel to the deck.  Her keel, the white section from the blue stripe down, is 9 feet tall and has 42,000 pounds of lead in it.  Over all Columbia weights about 24 tons.  Watch this video and you will see 64,000 pounds on the move!

Boatyard Update: America's Cup Winner Columbia Splashes!

Yesterday, at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Columbia launched for her 55th year of sailing. Looking extra shiny this season Columbia had a complete paint job over the winter.  No costume jewelry for our girl, her cove stripe and name were painted in 14 cart gold!  With freshly painted topsides and newly painted bottom she is sure to turn heads in the harbor and be speedy on the race course.

Next up? Her 90 foot mast gets stepped and then she will be sailing into Newport Harbor.  We hope you will join 12 Meter Charters this season aboard America's Cup winner, Columbia!

 

Boatyard Update: Columbia Preps for Launching

Instead of spending yesterday with his Mom for Mother's Day, Captain Kevin spent the day with his other favorite lady...Columbia.  Kevin put the finishing touches on our America's Cup Winner before she launches later this week.  We can't wait to see her in the water!  Stay tuned for pictures.  

Fresh and shiny painted topsides and bottom. 

Bow wow!  

Poking her nose out...getting ready to launch!

Columbia will be sailing along side Heritage next week.  Join 12 Meter Charters for a sail this summer.  Contact us for information, we love answering questions!  

Farewell Columbia!

Last week our America's Cup winner wrapped up another fabulous season of 12 Meter sailing in Newport!  It was sunny, warm and beautiful for US 16's last sails - weather that made even Captain Kevin smile!  Thank you to everyone who joined us aboard Columbia this season.  We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2013!

Dennis and Ted in Newport for 12 Meter Racing!