Experience Newport from the water aboard the Schooner Madeleine during a 90-minute afternoon sail. Glide past historic lighthouses, grand mansions, and the iconic Newport Bridge while absorbing coastal history and maritime charm.
Experience Newport from the water aboard the Schooner Madeleine during a 90-minute afternoon sail. Glide past historic lighthouses, grand mansions, and the iconic Newport Bridge while absorbing coastal history and maritime charm.
The sails catch the Atlantic breeze as the Schooner Madeleine slips from her moorings at Bowens Wharf, setting a steady course across Narragansett Bay. Below the afternoon sun, the water gleams with a restless shimmer, daring you to lean into the wind and lose yourself in Newport’s maritime rhythm. This 90-minute afternoon sail offers more than a cruise—it’s a lesson in coastal heritage, an encounter with timeless architecture, and a moment to breathe in a seascape carved by centuries of tides and history.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Newport Classic Cruises · Newport, RI
The sails catch the Atlantic breeze as the Schooner Madeleine slips from her moorings at Bowens Wharf, setting a steady course across Narragansett Bay. Below the afternoon sun, the water gleams with a restless shimmer, daring you to lean into the wind and lose yourself in Newport’s maritime rhythm. This 90-minute afternoon sail offers more than a cruise—it’s a lesson in coastal heritage, an encounter with timeless architecture, and a moment to breathe in a seascape carved by centuries of tides and history.
Newport, Rhode Island, is a harbor city with a legacy tied tightly to the sea. Power and prestige cradle this bay, visible in the grand mansions that rise from the shoreline like frozen echoes of the Gilded Age. Gliding past Hammersmith Farm, the former summer White House of John F. Kennedy, the sailboat reveals how history touches the present in this corner of New England.
The ship’s course takes you under the vast Newport Bridge, New England's largest suspension bridge, its cables rigged like the standing rigging of the schooner itself—both structures testimony to human ingenuity meeting nature’s challenge. The waterfront comes alive as historic lighthouses keep watch, their stone walls guarding passages once fraught with danger and promise.
This sightseeing sail works equally well for newcomers and locals seeking a fresh angle on the city’s landmarks. The crew manages the craft with ease, leaving passengers free to absorb the salty air and panoramic views. Drinks are available onboard, complementing the gentle rocking and the whisper of wind through the rigging.
For planning, keep in mind the lunchtime departure around America’s Cup Avenue—parking in Newport can test patience, especially weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and check in promptly. Dress in layers; even summer afternoons bring a cool edge borne on the sea. A marine bathroom onboard adds convenience for the duration.
This sail doesn’t demand physical exertion but rewards attention to detail: eyes tracing the silhouette of a lighthouse, ears attuned to the call of gulls, and a camera poised for the sun dipping low over the bay’s edge. Whether you seek history, scenic photography, or a mellow afternoon on water, this classic schooner sail encapsulates Newport’s coastal story in a way few shorebound tours can.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, no physical exertion required
No prior sailing experience is needed; the crew manages all aspects of sailing during the trip.
Guests may bring snacks but all drinks must be purchased onboard; personal beverages are not allowed.
Service animals are permitted; pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.
All sales are final with no refunds; trips may be canceled due to bad weather with notifications provided.
Yes, the schooner includes a marine bathroom for passenger convenience.
Parking is limited and challenging; it is recommended to arrive at least 60 minutes early to find parking.
Newport’s maritime heritage dates back to the 17th century, thriving as a colonial port and later harboring naval defenses through two World Wars.
Narragansett Bay faces pressures from development and pollution; operators promote low-impact sailing practices to protect water quality and marine life.
Newport Classic Cruises operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The sails catch the Atlantic breeze as the Schooner Madeleine slips from her moorings at Bowens Wharf, setting a steady course across Narragansett Bay. Below the afternoon sun, the water gleams with a restless shimmer, daring you to lean into the wind and lose yourself in Newport’s maritime rhythm. This 90-minute afternoon sail offers more than a cruise—it’s a lesson in coastal heritage, an encounter with timeless architecture, and a moment to breathe in a seascape carved by centuries of tides and history.
The sails catch the Atlantic breeze as the Schooner Madeleine slips from her moorings at Bowens Wharf, setting a steady course across Narragansett Bay. Below the afternoon sun, the water gleams with a restless shimmer, daring you to lean into the wind and lose yourself in Newport’s maritime rhythm. This 90-minute afternoon sail offers more than a cruise—it’s a lesson in coastal heritage, an encounter with timeless architecture, and a moment to breathe in a seascape carved by centuries of tides and history.
Newport, Rhode Island, is a harbor city with a legacy tied tightly to the sea. Power and prestige cradle this bay, visible in the grand mansions that rise from the shoreline like frozen echoes of the Gilded Age. Gliding past Hammersmith Farm, the former summer White House of John F. Kennedy, the sailboat reveals how history touches the present in this corner of New England.
The ship’s course takes you under the vast Newport Bridge, New England's largest suspension bridge, its cables rigged like the standing rigging of the schooner itself—both structures testimony to human ingenuity meeting nature’s challenge. The waterfront comes alive as historic lighthouses keep watch, their stone walls guarding passages once fraught with danger and promise.
This sightseeing sail works equally well for newcomers and locals seeking a fresh angle on the city’s landmarks. The crew manages the craft with ease, leaving passengers free to absorb the salty air and panoramic views. Drinks are available onboard, complementing the gentle rocking and the whisper of wind through the rigging.
For planning, keep in mind the lunchtime departure around America’s Cup Avenue—parking in Newport can test patience, especially weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and check in promptly. Dress in layers; even summer afternoons bring a cool edge borne on the sea. A marine bathroom onboard adds convenience for the duration.
This sail doesn’t demand physical exertion but rewards attention to detail: eyes tracing the silhouette of a lighthouse, ears attuned to the call of gulls, and a camera poised for the sun dipping low over the bay’s edge. Whether you seek history, scenic photography, or a mellow afternoon on water, this classic schooner sail encapsulates Newport’s coastal story in a way few shorebound tours can.