Newport, Rhode Island - Sailing the Madeleine Schooner on Newport Harbor

Ah! Newport, Rhode Island. New England. So magical and wonderful and so filled with history!

Salty sailors and whaling ships and the one that got away are all part of the lore of Newport, RI. It is everything New England and more. It is more because it is on the water, and water is a major part of Newport, RI.

A delightful place to visit for a day or a week is what you'll find here. Lodging, while a bit on the high side in-season, will not disappoint. If you pick one of the many bed and breakfast inns, you will find very helpful inn-keepers who, often, will become fast friends.

But Newport, RI is really all about the sea. Perhaps you come for the beaches? There are a couple of beauties.

Or perhaps for the fresh seafood? One place after another, each better than the next, will put together a sinful lobster roll or a plate of fried clams to die for.

And don't forget the mansions from a long-gone era on Ocean Blvd. The Astors would be proud to show off their 'cottages'.

But Newport, RI is not home to the America's Cup yacht races for nothing. It is all about the sea, and the sea is the reason people come.

And the whole point of the sea is to be out on it!

Long before gas powered boats, New Englanders sailed the waters in tall sail ships. That is how to experience Newport's waters.

We took a sail on the Madeleine. It is a beautiful 72' wooden two mast schooner that sails right from a downtown wharf. It can hold 49 passengers, but never feels crowded.

The 75 minute sail took us around the harbor. The crew was a delight and ready to describe each sight and pass out free soft drinks. (A sunset sail is slightly higher but includes 'adult beverages'. And, of course, an amazing sunset!) You can easily understand the love of the sea while you look at the land from a different view point and smile at all the boaters swarming around you.

As we passed a section of mega-yachts, a crew person, tongue firmly in cheek, referred to it as the low-rent district. Let's just say that these yachts were large enough that any James Bond master criminal would be happy in one.

The Madeleine's sail will be over too soon, but the views of Newport from the water will stay with you for a lifetime.