TripSailor.com® Sailing Blogs

Newport  RI is a pretty town, full of shops of all types and gallerys for the tourist trade. It is an historic seaport that dates back to the 1600’s. Those who, like myself, like old arcitecture, this place is the place to be. Pre-colonial, Colonial, Victorian and Moder, designed to fit in with the old. It also has an Civil War era fort, Fort Adams. It is huge. On the hill east of the harbor one will find the mansions of Newport. Magnificent houses on wide tree lined boulivards with beautiful lawns and schrubs; with breath taking ocean views.

The harbor is well protected and deep enough for all kind of boats. There are numerous marinas and moorings. Yacht clubs and the home to ocean racers.

With Lana safely on a mooring we decided that we needed a place to stay until Lana can be hauled for the winter. Neill the mooring owner has been helpful guiding us to the right place.

We are staying at the Seaman’s Church Institute; A place set up for sailors and other seafarers who find themselves in a bind, and need shelter for a time. The building is located on the waterfront at Bowens Wharf, just a short row in the dinghy from Lana. Neill saw to it that we were close to the Institute and also moored in a more protected part of the harbor. The Institute also has an eatery called the Aloha Resturant, which serves breakfast and lunch at very reasonable prices in this rather expensive town. The staff at the resturant are friendly and helpful. The food is excellent. Jack, the director is a kind helpful and understanding person, being a sailor himself. The rooms are like those one would find in a small clean motel. The rent is very reasonable also. John, the caretaker is a wealth of information as to where things are, what to see and what to avoid. Basically the people of Newport are friendly and helpful.

We would have liked to stay here for the winter, but with things the way they are today, we will have to go back to Portland, Maine for the winter, where we know we have jobs and a place to live.

We will come to visit Lana during the winter, and in May we’ll splash her again and continue our journey to Florida.