Sail Newport is Rhode Island's nonprofit public sailing center, offering summer youth sailing classes on Newport Harbor for children roughly ages 7-17. Beginners learn in Pram and Optimist dinghies while older and more advanced sailors progress to RS Quest dinghies and J/22 keelboats, covering rigging, boat care, and on-the-water skills. All participants complete a swim check at the start of each session.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Sail Newport directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Abdullah AfzalAmazing place. Bay walk is scenic. Parking is free and plenty. Good open area with rest rooms. If you around visiting, this a good place to spend some time and take pictures
★★★★★Patrick ReynoldsNewport is a famously beautiful place to sail, and Sail Newport is the best place we found there for renting a boat to sail ourselves. They rent out Rhodes 19 and J/22 craft; we got a Rhodes 19 for three hours. The dock staff are friendly and helpful. I have sailed lots of boats, but never a Rhodes 19, so the dock staff were patient in helping us learn to rig the craft and stow it when we were done. Sailors are allowed to roam the southern part of the bay, from the Newport Bridge down to Castle Hill, more or less. That amounts to about 5 square miles, with a single longest run of 3 miles. Brenton Cove by the dock is a bit crowded with other people's moorings, but the rest of the bay is wide open with steady winds. Sail Newport's boats are sturdy and well maintained, their staff are friendly, and their prices are fair. We'll definitely sail with them again if we're ever in the area.
★★★★★Christopher WellThe crew at Sail Newport provided a memorable introduction to sailing experience. Newport's surreal beauty, rich history and the excitement of sailing made this the best kind of souvenir, an experience to remember. Shout out to Alice, Cortney and the dock office team. You guys rock. When in Newport... sail!
★★★★★Andrew KassoufMy family enjoyed the Try Sail with Sail Newport in this park. As we were touring New England we landed in Newport, the sailing capital of the world. We felt it appropriate to go sailing and it was a perfect experience! Alice was our instructor who was here from Ireland. She gave our kids great information about sailing and involved them in the experience as much as possible. Our 5 and 8 year-old had a blast! This was 100% worth it for us.
★★★★8 Points Home InspectionMy daughter and I have tried to make a trip to Sail Newport about once a year for the last several years. The fleet of J-22 boats have always been in pretty good condition considering all the wear and tear they get. The lines and sails are never pristine but do seem to get replaced with a reasonable level of frequency. Depending on the wind speed and direction it's typically only 5 minutes or so to leave the harbor and get out into the bay. I do wish the allowed sailing range could be extended somewhat, but I understand the challenges that could be presented by a capsized boat further away from help. The instructor staff for the annual checkout ride was a bit friendlier than the guy that we've had a couple times in the past. Yet, to be working at such a fantastic job and such a beautiful place no one really seems to be that happy about their jobs. Too bad. We still had a good time out on the water.