NEWPORT PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Private on the Wind: Ladybird’s Two-Hour Friendship Sloop Through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay
A fully private, two-hour sail aboard a classic Friendship sloop that threads past Newport’s yachts, mansions, and lighthouses—this guide explains what to expect, where you board, and what to bring.
Private on the Wind: Ladybird’s Two-Hour Friendship Sloop Through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
Step aboard Ladybird for a private, luxury sail out of Newport: a relaxed two-hour cruise that moves from the IYRS waterfront through Newport Harbor and into open Narragansett Bay, where the crew focuses on smooth, effortless sailing and gives you space to relax, swim (when conditions allow), and play your playlist.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Classic Friendship Sloop — Yours Alone
Ladybird is a classic Friendship sloop offered as a completely private yacht experience: your captain and crew run the boat so your group can relax in comfort, listen to a Bluetooth playlist, and enjoy an intimate sailing rhythm tailored to your party.
Harbor Icons and Coastal Estates
The route slips past Newport’s signature sights — mega-yachts and classic wooden craft, Fort Adams and the New York Yacht Club, Goat Island and waterfront mansions — framed against open bay views and distant lighthouses as you head into Narragansett Bay.
Sip, Dip, and Sail — Custom and Relaxed
With the boat privately chartered to your group, you can BYOB snacks and drinks, pause for a swim when safe, and shape the sail to your preferences while the crew manages safety and the smoothest course.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like
From the moment you meet your captain at the IYRS waterfront and step aboard after a brief safety orientation, the sail is designed to be effortless: a quiet glide past Newport’s harborside landmarks, then open-water ease in Narragansett Bay where the crew paces a relaxed two-hour itinerary with time to stretch out, swim if conditions permit, and take photos.
THE VESSEL
A Classic Friendship Sloop — Yours Alone
Ladybird is a classic Friendship sloop offered as a completely private yacht experience: your captain and crew run the boat so your group can relax in comfort, listen to a Bluetooth playlist, and enjoy an intimate sailing rhythm tailored to your party.
THE SCENERY
Harbor Icons and Coastal Estates
The route slips past Newport’s signature sights — mega-yachts and classic wooden craft, Fort Adams and the New York Yacht Club, Goat Island and waterfront mansions — framed against open bay views and distant lighthouses as you head into Narragansett Bay.
THE EXPERIENCE
Sip, Dip, and Sail — Custom and Relaxed
With the boat privately chartered to your group, you can BYOB snacks and drinks, pause for a swim when safe, and shape the sail to your preferences while the crew manages safety and the smoothest course.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, soft-soled shoes or sandals, towels and swimwear if you plan to swim, and any personal seasickness remedies. Drinks and snacks are welcome (BYOB).
Ladybird offers an open sailing deck with limited fixed shade—the mainsail may provide partial shade depending on tack—so sun protection is recommended; soft-soled shoes are best for moving around on deck.
Boarding requires stepping down into the cockpit and moving on a moving deck; the vessel is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible, and children must be supervised at all times.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What should we bring on our 4-hour private charter?
Bring BYOB drinks, snacks or a picnic, cups, towels, bathing suits, sunscreen, and a playlist. We provide ice, a cooler, bottled water, seltzer, cups, and a bottle/wine opener, plus Bluetooth speakers. A light jacket is helpful. Ladybird is an open sailing vessel, and while the sail may offer some shade depending on the tack, sun protection is recommended.
Where do we board?
Board at the IYRS Docks at 449 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840. Park in the IYRS lot, then walk along the right side of the brick building toward the water and wait on the benches overlooking the harbor. Your captain and crew will meet you there and walk you to the boat. Please arrive 10 minutes early, especially on weekends.
Can we swim?
Yes, when conditions allow and at the captain’s discretion, and only after signing the swim waiver. We provide swim noodles and inflatable rings. Bring your own towels and swimwear. No swimming is permitted after drinking.
Can we bring snacks and BYOB?
Yes. Beer, wine, seltzers, cider, and premixed cocktails are ideal. Large liquor bottles are discouraged. You may use your own cooler or ours, which is stocked with ice.
Is Ladybird kid-friendly?
Yes. Children must be supervised at all times and should be comfortable moving around a sailboat. Ladybird is not stroller-accessible, though collapsible strollers may be stored onboard if space allows.
What if the weather isn’t ideal?
We do not sail in lightning, heavy rain, heavy wind, or unsafe conditions. If the captain cancels due to weather, you receive a full refund. Weather calls may be made the day before, the morning of, or up to one hour before.
What is your cancellation policy?
14+ days: Full refund 13 days–72 hours: 50% refund or full-value gift card Under 72 hours: No refund Weather cancellations: Full refund
Can we customize the route?
Yes. The captain can tailor the sail based on wind, tides, and your preferences.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes. Ladybird has a clean, comfortable marine bathroom onboard.