The Insider Scoop – here we share upcoming sailing events and all the best that Newport, Rhode Island has to offer!
12 Metre World Championship:
World Titles Claimed in Four Divisions
NEWPORT, R.I. (July 13, 2019) – It couldn’t have been any more exciting on the fifth and final day of the 2019 12 Metre World Championship hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club and organized by the International Twelve Metre Association’s (ITMA) Americas Fleet. With Nyala (US-12) having clinched her series early in the Vintage Division after a sweep of yesterday’s two races, it came down to today’s single race to determine World Champions in Grand Prix, Modern and Traditional Divisions. A 12 Metre Spirit Division also sailed, but with no World Championship at stake. Competing in total were 21 historic 12 Metres from six countries – the largest fleet ever gathered in North America.
The National Sailing Hall of Fame Is Moving to Newport
The Board of Director’s of the National Sailing Hall of Fame hes voted to move the organization to Newport from Annapolis, MD. They will purchase the first and second floor of the Armory Building on Thames Street as a condominium. The building is owned by the City of Newport which will retain ownership of the lower level which is home to the Newport Maritime Center with its entrance on the water side facing the harbor and the Ann Street Pier. The National Sailing Hall of Fame will operate as a not for profit museum and will make a number of improvements to the building including adding a deck on the waterside. They hope to open to the public by May of 2020.
Newport is Soon to be Home to Three New Hotels
There are three new hotels in the works for Newport. One is going to be on the corner of America’s Cup and Long Wharf next to the Marriott “where the Gap used to be”. Another is planned for The Newport Yachting Center parking lot just south of Commercial Wharf. A third 40-room hotel is planned for Broadway where the Fifth Element Restaurant is and it would incorporate the adjacent former “Foleys Garage” site.
The New Black Pearl
Be sure to check out the newly redone Commodore’s Room at the Black Pearl. The atmosphere is great as is the food.
New Store on Bowen’s Wharf
A great new clothing store opened today on Bowen’s Wharf. This Kiel James Patrick store has beautiful clothing that is beautifully merchandised as well. Most of it is made locally. Check it out where the Narragansett store used to be.
Jay Leno to attend Audrain Auto Museum Fundraiser
Jay Leno and award-winning automotive designer Peter Brock will be the featured guests at a fundraiser for the Audrain Museum. There will be 65 classic cars on display at the event which will take place Sept. 1 at Salve Regina University’s Ochre Court. audrainautomuseum.org.
Volvo Ocean Race Stopover
It would be wise to plan ahead for lodging during the May 2018 Volvo Ocean Race stopover. Newport is the only US stopover during the 36,000 mile around the world ocean race. During the last Newport stopover in Newport in 2015, 136,000 people came here to enjoy all the festivities at the Ft. Adams Race Village and to watch the exciting in-port race. You will not want to miss the 2018 edition.