to the storied mansions perched atop its cliffs . Even the boats tied up at the wharf don ’ t escape their attention . Tour guides often know which celebrity-owned yachts happen to be overnighting that week and can point them out to guests as they pass .
“ The boats come and go , so they have to keep doing research on them . They do it on their own to keep people entertained ,” Sood says . 2 Bowen ’ s Landing , Newport , 619-1300 , gansettcruises . com
Try Sailing With Sail Newport Prefer to steer your own boat ? Sail Newport ’ s Try Sailing experience gives guests a chance to get out on the water for a onehour sailing experience with a trained instructor on a J / 22 sailboat . Program Director Kim Hapgood says the opportunity is ideal for budding sailors considering signing up for lessons or visitors looking for a new way to experience Narragansett Bay .
“ It can be as hands-on as the participants want — our certified instructors can sail the boats , or we let participants try their hands at steering and trimming sails if they want ,” she says .
Sailing experiences are available daily , depending on demand for boats from the organization ’ s other programs , and rates vary by weekday and weekend . Each boat can accommodate up to four adult guests , or two adults and three children . Boats depart from the organization ’ s dock in Fort Adams State Park .
For those who catch the sailing bug , Sail Newport also offers weekly sailing instruction for adults mid-May through October . Soon , you ’ ll be skimming across Newport Harbor in your very own ( rented ) sailboat like one of the old-moneyed elite . 72 Fort Adams Dr ., Newport , 849-8385 , sail newport . org
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SOUTH Whale Watching With the Frances Fleet , Narragansett No need to drive out to the Cape for an up-close look at the wildlife swimming off New England ’ s shores . The Frances Fleet — which also offers fishing trips — hosts whale watching and dolphin excursions through Sept . 3 out of the port of Galilee . The whale watching season coincides with the summer months , when humpback
102 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l AUGUST 2023