Board at the IYRS Docks at 449 Thames Street, Newport, RI. Park in the IYRS lot and wait on the benches overlooking the harbor; crew will meet you there.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes—BYOB and snacks are encouraged. The crew provides ice, a cooler, bottled water, seltzer, cups, and a bottle opener.

Yes, only when the captain deems conditions safe and after signing a swim waiver; swim stops are weather- and tide-dependent.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund if canceled 14+ days out; 50% or gift card for cancellations 13 days–72 hours; no refund inside 72 hours. Weather cancellations receive a full refund.

Is Ladybird accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

No. Due to dock and vessel layout, Ladybird cannot accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard; notify the crew in advance if possible.

Private Two-Hour Sail on Ladybird — Newport Harbor & Narragansett Bay | Private | Sailing

Step aboard Ladybird for a private two-hour sail out of Newport, Rhode Island, departing from the IYRS Docks at 449 Thames Street. This classic Friendship sloop glides through Newport Harbor into Narragansett Bay, where wooden yachts, waterfront mansions, and working shipyards define the shoreline. Onboard is a licensed captain and crew who run the boat for up to 12 guests, delivering relaxed, personalized sailing that blends easy cruising with the option to pause for a swim when conditions allow.

From the cockpit you’ll sail past Fort Adams and the New York Yacht Club, thread alongside Goat Island and Newport Shipyard, and trade the busy harbor for the wide, breathable sweep of Narragansett Bay. Lighthouses—like Castle Hill and Goat Island—mark the horizon, and distinctive coastal estates such as Clingstone appear like carefully placed sculptures on rocky points. The boat’s wooden lines and steady hull make for a comfortable platform to watch osprey lift fish from the shallows or gulls wheel above taffrail.

Ladybird’s on-deck features are deliberate: a Bluetooth sound system for your playlist, a cooler stocked with ice, bottled water and seltzer, and floating swim noodles for an impromptu dip. BYOB and light snacks are encouraged, and the crew will help with boarding, photos, and any special requests like a celebration setup. There’s a small marine head onboard for comfort, but space is best suited to soft bags and casual gear; large hard coolers can be a tight fit.

Practicalities matter: arrive 10 minutes early to the IYRS lot and walk to the benches by the harbor; weekend Thames Street traffic and parking can add time. Ladybird is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible due to docking and deck layout, and all swimmers must sign a waiver. The captain reserves the right to alter the route or cancel when conditions are unsafe—sailing here is weather-dependent, but that conservatism keeps the trip comfortable and secure.

This private charter is ideal for small celebrations, couples seeking a scenic retreat, or friends who want a low-key afternoon of sun, sail, and swimming. The rhythm of trimming sail, feeling a steady heel, and drifting past Newport’s maritime landmarks creates a memorable two-hour escape where the city’s historic waterfront opens onto wind, sea, and open water. Book a slot on Ladybird when you want a personal, attentive sailing experience that shows Newport by water—familiar places with a fresh perspective. Expect helpful local tips from the crew—optimal anchor spots, tide-aware routes, and photo angles—and bring sunscreen, a windbreaker, and your camera. For groups, plan music and snacks ahead and check the dynamic pricing when you book. With attentive crew and classic lines, Ladybird turns a short window of time into a defining Newport memory. Reserve early for summer.