Columbia Meets an Old Friend in Newport Harbor!

After a beautiful October morning of sailing, Columbia met an old friend in Newport Harbor today. While docked at Bannister's Wharf Columbia was greeted by the classic motor yacht Marianna from Jamestown, RI.  As the captain passed Columbia he said, "This boat was built to watch that boat race in the America's Cup."  Built in 1958, Marianna was built to watch the New York Yacht Club's Columbia compete in (and win!) the America's Cup.  Over fifty years later, both boats are still beautiful and gracing the waters of Newport.  We love meeting old friends of our 12 Meter yachts in Newport!

 

Columbia Hits the Road!

Columbia at sunrise by crew member Chris Finn.

Under blue skies and fair winds Columbia left Newport harbor Wednesday morning!  For the next 10 days she will be on the "road" racing in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.  First up is the Edgartown 12 Meter Regatta.  Then, she will island hop over to Nantucket for the Nantucket 12 Meter Regatta.  Finally, she will compete in the 41st Annual Opera House Cup.  Sail fast TEAM COLUMBIA!  

Looking to sail in Newport this week or next?  Don't worry - Heritage is still in Newport and offering sails daily!  We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

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!

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.

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!